[dan@superstamper.com]

I'm in the process of purchasing a 1996 4000 express.  The boat has ten group 31 batteries.  they are linked together in one group of five, one group of three, and one group of two.  Can anybody tell me what the layout is, such as which grouping is house, which one is starting, etc?

[MC1600]

I believe the stock setup on the 4000 was 5 to port (the engine/GenSet bank) and three to starboard (house bank). I presume you have an inverter and someone added two more batteries to the house bank.

GET HELP on changing those out. Getting the new down and old up is an exercise in being able to deadlift 70lbs repeatedly from a seated/squatting position. Stretch and have advil at the ready! A second set of hands is necessary.

[dan@superstamper.com]

Yes the boat has an inverter.  The 5 group is on the port side, the three and two groups are on the starboard side.   Does anyone know how many group 31's are required for starting those Cummins motors?

[ReelMagic]

I have a 2003 38 Open w/6CTA Cummins and have 2 banks of 3 31 series GEL Batteries.. One bank of 3 batteries are used to start the main engines and the Gen set. The 2nd set of 3 31 series GEL batteries run the house... Changed all 6 batteries 2 years ago after 17 years of trouble free use.... Never had to use the parallel switch to start the main or Gen engines.... My experience.....

[frank.koetter]

I have a 2000 4000 Express. In this boat there are 2 banks of batteries. 5 on the starboard (house) and 3 on the port (engine start).

[MC1600]

I have a 2000 4000 Express.  In this boat there are 2 banks of batteries.  5 on the starboard (house) and 3 on the port (engine start).

You sure it’s not the other way around, Frank? I have 5 to port that I believe to be wired to the port engine and charger (for the engines) and three to starboard I believe wires to the starboard engine and charger (for the house). 

I’m still learning where all the wires go, but I definitely have 5 to port and three to starboard.

[dan@superstamper.com]

It's kinda looking like I'm going to need to trace some wires once I take delivery of the boat!  I'll report back when I figure it out.

[August Rush]

I have a 2000 4000 Express.  In this boat there are 2 banks of batteries.  5 on the starboard (house) and 3 on the port (engine start).

You sure it’s not the other way around, Frank? I have 5 to port that I believe to be wired to the port engine and charger (for the engines) and three to starboard I believe wires to the starboard engine and charger (for the house). 

I’m still learning where all the wires go, but I definitely have 5 to port and three to starboard.

Mine is the same...House on Port, Engine on starboard.

[frank.koetter]

I have a 2000 4000 Express.  In this boat there are 2 banks of batteries.  5 on the starboard (house) and 3 on the port (engine start).

You sure it’s not the other way around, Frank? I have 5 to port that I believe to be wired to the port engine and charger (for the engines) and three to starboard I believe wires to the starboard engine and charger (for the house). 

I’m still learning where all the wires go, but I definitely have 5 to port and three to starboard.

I happen to re-read this.  My APOLOGIES.  I stand corrected.  I have 5 on the port side (engine) and 3 on the starboard side (house).  Sorry for the confusion I created.