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A VSR is definitely a far better option and we sell them just over the $40.00 mark and many places have them.
I prefer to put in a isolator as you can emergency start off the aux Battery if required but a little more expensive. We use a solid state sealed unit
as solenoid type as pretty useless in the marine environment
If you do end up fitting a VSR, either make sure you get one that has a mechanical override or fit a paralleling switch - doesn't need to be a hugely expensive thing. There are as many ways to fit a dual battery system as there are of skinning the proverbial cat. None of them are right or wrong - (apart from hooking them up in series and smoking the lot) just different. You simply need to make a decision as to whether you want the system automated or totally manual. There are things to take into account with both of the main types of set up.
The most basic system is the single multiple position switch. How you manage your batteries with this is entirely down to you. Me personally (as this is what I have), I turn the battery switch to both, and unless I am anchoring up overnight, this is where it stays. The engine has access to double the CCA so that issues with electronics dropping out during starting or spiking are minimized and it charges both batteries at once. This system has run this way for in excess of 3 years now with no issue. Problems that can occur - if there is a problem I may flatten both batteries and be unable to start. Definitely a concern but as I run an E-Tec that can be rope started reasonably easily it is not something I lose sleep about. The second problem that I have seen (it is rare but I have seen it) is if you start the engine on one battery and then move the switch to the both position to charge both batteries. If your switch is getting a bit dicky due to whatever reason and loses electrical contact during this movement, stuff gets toasted in an expensive fashion.
There is a variation of this theme by using independent switches for each battery. With this system you can switch the second battery in or out without issue while the engine is running as the switch for the main start battery isn't touched.
The other way is to automate via a VSR or whatever other device your heart desires. With this there are really only a couple of things to consider. VSR's, just like any other electronic device, can and do fail - hence the previous comment on a manual override be it external or incorporated. The second thing is the actual wiring method utilized to install the unit. There are two ways essentially. The first sees the VSR's monitoring of the start battery disconnected if the switch for that battery is turned off. This method does not pose any chance of discharging your start battery while the boat is sitting at home not being used but means if you want to charge both batteries with one charger you will need to turn on the battery switch for the start battery.
The second is to have the VSR independent of the battery switches. This method will allow you to isolate the entire boat apart from the VSR and charge both batteries with a maintenance charger or solar set up. The downside to this is that if you forget to hook up the charging system or it fails, the VSR's electronics that monitor the state of the start battery will flatten it eventually.
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