I love the info video's and I understand that the voltage delivered by shorepower is not longer important. But, if so, isn't it a good thing to have all boats on (nowadays it is 230V) the highest voltage system symply because it keeps the current in the wiring lower. Less loss because of warmth etc. It gives also possibilities for thinner wiring (cheaper, lighter). I would think that is an advantage.
I was just wondering today why everyone seems to always assume you have to have a genset onboard and I thought "why couldn't you just toss a decent alternator on the engine(s) already there and use that when you need to charge instead of having to maintain extra engines. I only recently got bitten by the boating bug, but have dove deep into it, investigating any aspect I can find info on. One of the things that really appeals to me is the idea of being as green as possible, generating all power through solar, using electric motors, etc.... Heck, I've even looked into water electrolysis for storing excess energy as hydrogen. This is what lead me to decide that when I do get myself a boat it will be a sailing yacht, simply because we aren't quite to the point where you could realistically sail indefinitely on purely electric motors. Now I just need the financial end of things to fall into place to make it happen, lol.
Very informative video and its clear you guys have done the research. Can I ask for the name of the aircon units that you are using and are they marine/salt water consuming units? Also which shore power charger are you using? Much obliged
Glad that you are working towards more greener solutions. High efficiency panels, multiple controllers, hydrogenation from electric motors and lithium batteries. Have to agree that a genset backup is mission critical for long range motoring but depending on solar/wind conditions and the house loads it may get minimal use. Reduced operating costs from less fuel consumption works out well for a long term owner. Have to say the cost of all electric systems is extremely high. Got a quote for an Oceanvolt system for $144,000. I could buy 3 Tesla’s for that price.
We have install many integrel systems on our catamarans and are extremely happy with the product, service, and partnership we have with them. We would recommend them for every build as we fell this is currently the best technology for charging fast and efficent on our boats
Why are you using conventional shore cords for shore power if all that is being serviced is the battery charger? One 30 amp cord should be enough to handle the battery chargers, and plug in anywhere in the world since the battery charger is multi voltage and hertz.
Hi Roger, I have a fleet of yachts in PNW. AirCon operation for heat is okay for once off but most definitely not good for our region, just too much power consulting’s and noise for year round cruising. The fuel consumption and power consumption is low on diesel heaters and you can heat the water at the same time. I would not recommend running Aircon for heat. By the time you run the Aircon over night and during the day.... in our shoulder season your batteries will need charging and forget solar up here as a good investment year round. I’d go so far as to recommend leaving Aircon off the boat ( only install for resale value) and install a good liquid Espar system with flow through the Water heaters ( 12 Gal) to cope best with condition here. I have brought many cats to PNW, and like the build quality Balance is setting as a standard. Be sure you are also offering heat regulation for the Lithium battery banks. It can dip below recommended temp for charging.
We have a Balance 526 headed for Seattle and she has about 2,000 watts of solar, big litihum bank, and reverse cycle air/heat units. It will be interesting to learn how they work and if the owner decides to get Webasto or what you suggest.
I love the info video's and I understand that the voltage delivered by shorepower is not longer important. But, if so, isn't it a good thing to have all boats on (nowadays it is 230V) the highest voltage system symply because it keeps the current in the wiring lower. Less loss because of warmth etc. It gives also possibilities for thinner wiring (cheaper, lighter). I would think that is an advantage.
I was just wondering today why everyone seems to always assume you have to have a genset onboard and I thought "why couldn't you just toss a decent alternator on the engine(s) already there and use that when you need to charge instead of having to maintain extra engines.
I only recently got bitten by the boating bug, but have dove deep into it, investigating any aspect I can find info on. One of the things that really appeals to me is the idea of being as green as possible, generating all power through solar, using electric motors, etc.... Heck, I've even looked into water electrolysis for storing excess energy as hydrogen.
This is what lead me to decide that when I do get myself a boat it will be a sailing yacht, simply because we aren't quite to the point where you could realistically sail indefinitely on purely electric motors.
Now I just need the financial end of things to fall into place to make it happen, lol.
Very informative video and its clear you guys have done the research. Can I ask for the name of the aircon units that you are using and are they marine/salt water consuming units? Also which shore power charger are you using? Much obliged
What is your highest power capacity you have build in regards of Lithium batteries and solar panels?
We have done 3,000 watts of solar and could do more on larger models. Battery banks are mostly 25K.
Have you ever considdered the Teslar battery system for the Balance Catamarans
Glad that you are working towards more greener solutions. High efficiency panels, multiple controllers, hydrogenation from electric motors and lithium batteries. Have to agree that a genset backup is mission critical for long range motoring but depending on solar/wind conditions and the house loads it may get minimal use. Reduced operating costs from less fuel consumption works out well for a long term owner. Have to say the cost of all electric systems is extremely high. Got a quote for an Oceanvolt system for $144,000. I could buy 3 Tesla’s for that price.
integrel solutions indicates on their web site that there system has been installed on (at least) one of your boats. How did that work out?
We have install many integrel systems on our catamarans and are extremely happy with the product, service, and partnership we have with them. We would recommend them for every build as we fell this is currently the best technology for charging fast and efficent on our boats
Do you do hydro generators with solar? Any opinions on the watt and sea?
Why are you using conventional shore cords for shore power if all that is being serviced is the battery charger? One 30 amp cord should be enough to handle the battery chargers, and plug in anywhere in the world since the battery charger is multi voltage and hertz.
All of our boats are set up custom for different customers, so we have no standard electrical system.
Don’t kid yourself of course you need a generator.
Hi Roger, I have a fleet of yachts in PNW. AirCon operation for heat is okay for once off but most definitely not good for our region, just too much power consulting’s and noise for year round cruising. The fuel consumption and power consumption is low on diesel heaters and you can heat the water at the same time. I would not recommend running Aircon for heat. By the time you run the Aircon over night and during the day.... in our shoulder season your batteries will need charging and forget solar up here as a good investment year round. I’d go so far as to recommend leaving Aircon off the boat ( only install for resale value) and install a good liquid Espar system with flow through the Water heaters ( 12 Gal) to cope best with condition here. I have brought many cats to PNW, and like the build quality Balance is setting as a standard. Be sure you are also offering heat regulation for the Lithium battery banks. It can dip below recommended temp for charging.
We have a Balance 526 headed for Seattle and she has about 2,000 watts of solar, big litihum bank, and reverse cycle air/heat units. It will be interesting to learn how they work and if the owner decides to get Webasto or what you suggest.