I was already inclined to try Firefly Oasis AGMs, and the switch from two conventional 8D AGMs to a four Firefly bank naturally led me to rethink Gizmo’s battery storage, cabling, charging, and monitoring systems.
The time has come. I’d already sensed that Gizmo’s AGM batteries were on borrowed time; But the real issue is what to do next.
Three years ago, we bought a boat… shotly before we could afford it. I had been dreaming of the day for quite some time. I
The four-position master switch that controls a boats 12-volt system has been the standard for years; its simple to install and reliable, but it has
Last month I discussed the features to consider when selecting battery chargers. This month I will focus on the details that will yield a safe
There was a time when a battery charger was almost an afterthoughta gray box with an analog meter that hummed away on the bulkhead, its
Marine batteries, their design, use, and charge/discharge abilities, have been a subject of intense interest within the recreational marine industry for decades. I clearly recall a meeting many years ago, when I worked as a boatyard electrician. I sat in the yard managers office with the manager and one of our long-time customers, a fastidious naval architect who had recently completed a roundtrip passage from New England to Bermuda aboard his 40-foot sloop as part of an organized race. In his hand he had a sheaf of papers which contained neatly written columns recording battery voltages, amperes being used, and the time that each reading was taken, which was roughly hourly, as well as an indication of when and how long the engine was used for charging purposes. He was less than content with the ability of his house battery bank to provide for the modest electrical needs of the vessel. It was equipped, of course, with cabin and navigation lights, communication equipment and radar (the latter only being used occasionally at night), as well as a few other small accessories. Even by the standards of the time, the late 80s, it was an electrically simple boat, yet, the batteries could keep up with its needs.
“I want to add a few batteries”and “I think I need new batteries; the ones I have aren’t holding a charge”are phrases I hear from
In Part I of this two-part series, we discussed four key factors to consider in preparing for plugging into international power: line frequency, nominal voltage, voltage fluctuations, and physical connection requirements. In Part II, we’ll look at three approaches to preparing your boat for connecting to international shorepower, and we’ll outline the advantages and disadvantages of each. The first approach to preparing your boat for connecting to shorepower overseas is finding “power-tolerant” equipment. If you’re careful and selective, it is possible to locate equipment that will run on most international power. Be sure to check the specifications for frequency range as well as voltage. Many of the small plug-in transformers that we use to power our laptop computers, digital cameras, and cell phones, for example, will run on just about any power from about 100 to 250 volts and 50 or 60Hz. Check the labels carefully.
Feeling queasy on the water happens to all of us. Here’s how to identify the early signs and counter them.
Conversations with the legendary lensman Onne van der Wal.
Nathan and Lindsay of the 71 Percent—the can’t stop, won’t stop power cruisers—completed a “wrong way” crossing of the Pacific Ocean.
An adventure aboard a 90-year-old ship brings the past to life.
A traveling boat’s toolbox is never full. Try to equip yours to handle any issues that might arise.
A small crew finds the adventure they wanted on a bucket-list journey to Greenland aboard a custom aluminum yacht.
AIS networks are a mighty addition to any onboard suite of electronics. They have significant value, but also limitations.
Video Podcast
If you give your engine and generators regular love and attention, they won’t let you down.
A loft-like open layout and a choice of power-train options let buyers choose their own adventure.
