the original lipo i wanted was out of stock on back order by about 70.. would take 2 months for me to get one at least so my questions is could i order 2x 2650 mah batters and run them in parallel (instead of the one 5000mah pack i wanted), this is where the problems start i don't have a charger that can balance 8s and i was told that id need to charge and balance them as a 8s pack.. but if the lipos are exactly the same ( mah volt c rating manufacture etc.)

could i charge them balance them individually then run them as a 4s2p in the boat as long as they are both fully charged and balanced they should be OK?

any info welcome thanks