Ed, once again you impress me with your machanical analysis and solutions. A great skill that pays you back big time. You deserve an extra sundown cocktail!
Sounds like time to upgrade to a smart charger for those long hiatus times. Not sure if you have a lithium jump box, if not it would be a good idea as well. Nice ones will jump diesels, and some will do 24v systems at high cranking amps. And they are handy little power supplies when needed,
Yea, modern tech with those "jump boxes" is great. I have one for the car and it has been a life saver a couple of times. And I use it camping to power stuff.
Might be a good idea to have a gauge in the pilot house that shows the amps being used at a glance. Perhaps an digital version with an alarm setting for high or low level.
Nice video, every boater makes dumb mistakes, lots of them. One idea -- maybe it's time to go from a dumb 1979 trickle charger to a 2024 "smart" trickle charger that won't fry the batteries. Love Guana Cay, but I was sad when the lovely undeveloped north end was turned into snooty, ultra-private Baker's Bay.
Yes your comments are very worthy - having to replenish the much “water” in the batteries is high - adding raw water or distilled water will dilute the electrolytes also. - boat batteries are in a tough environment, rocking around hot engine room etc - a new smart charger will certainly be of value - Cheers
If I had a free night's moorage for every "dumb mistake" I've made, I would never have to pay for moorage again. And, seems to ALWAYS happen at the most inopportune time, very familiar with that "stress" feeling...safe travels!
Hey there, I replaced my 88 Bertram battery charger, replaced with smart charger. No more having to fill batteries every two months. Weighs about 1lb compared to old 40 lb charger. About $300 bucks. 👍
Love yur vids. We have a ‘87 Chris Craft, spent 5 months in the Bahamas and it’s always something! We broke a control cable in Eleuthera, our frig broke, batteries died in Ft. Pierce. Uggg that’s boating!!
May the adventure continue ~ there will always be a challenge ~ you dealt with the issue very efficiently ~ another learning experience - love your episodes Cheers
Sounds like it is time for some changes in the set up of your boat. I have separate batteries for all the systems,, which means generator has its own battery, with a smart charger from the inverter. Each engine has 2 red tops for a total of 4, which I can use via a 1, 2 or 1&2 switch in any way possible. They get charged via the 12 V alternators plus a smart charger from the inverter. The bow and stern truster plus anchor winch have 4 batteries in total, connected to a smart charger from the inverter. Then I have the housebank, which is LiFePO4 which gets charged via the 24 V alternators, the solar panels, the generator or the shore power via a BMS. In other words, overcharging is not possible on any of the batteries. If anything goes wrong with the batteries I can instantly see it, but I can also switch them to a different bank. So i can always get power to whatever system I need working. Must admit it did cost quite a bit to set it up this way, but at least you don't have to worry about it anymore. And no risk of not being able to raise your anchor, start the engines etc. By the way, you have a heavy boat, but I saw you anchor chain is rather light ? You are confident that is going to hold the boat in a decent storm ? Makes me curious.
You don't have a crossover. Once you get one engine going you should be able to use that battery to start the other engine. I don't understand why you have this problem. Also with the generator running you should be able to charge your mains. I don't get it.
He said he has a parallel switch, same as cross over. The boat should have separate “house” batteries and engine batteries so leaving a pump or a light on doesn’t potentially kill the start battery like appears to have happened here.
@@Retrocomputernerd agreed! Something is definitely wrong. I really don't want to be critical but these things should have been worked out before ever leaving the dock long ago. You need 'back up' upon 'back up' for long range cruising.
Everybody always has a better idea... me too.. My second generator is completely independent, separate 24v batteries, separate battery charger. So even if I drain the house 32v side, AND the 32v cranking side, I can still get a Generator started. And if i lose the main battery charger, I carry a 32v/120v golf cart battery charger. Enjoy Nippers for me!
OMG …a 1970’s era charger! Go buy a (or more) trickle charger. I use them on my cars when I’m away for months at a time. They are "smart" and keep the batteries topped up as necessary. Less than $30 for the charger.
I am a believer in the genuine Battery Tender brand being worth the money vs a cheaper Amazon-type unit. They seem to do their job correctly for many, many years. I'm looking at their website now and they have a huge selection depending on application, including several 'marine' specific models.
I would never hook up batteries to a dumb-charger for any significant time. Sure as they float, the current input is minimal, but that is not good for the longevity of your batteries - you need a battery tender/conditioner - even if you hook it up on rotation with your batteries.
Sounds like its time for new batteries and a new battery charger. Maybe even separating the banks and having a dedicated starting batteries for the engines. I figured they would have been separated from the house bank. Glad you got it worked out. I would look into upgrading to lithium for your house bank.
I have the same issue with my motorhome. It has six batteries so not anxious to replace them frequently. In off season I plug my shore power cord into a timer so that my charger only has power for one hour a day. Typically I get 5-6 years from a set of batteries. And I have a smart charger inverter. My current set of batteries is now 8 years old. Pulling them out tomorrow for a new set
Another description for a Dumb Charger is a “Constant volt”. In 1979 that is all they knew how to make. It converts AC to DC at a constant voltage and as the battery comes up to full capacity the charger has no way to know this and just keeps sending that constant voltage to the battery. This is turn boils the water from the battery and left unchecked will expose the top of the lead plates to air which each time it happens reduces the life of the battery. Nigel Calder has an expression: Lead Acid Batteries do not die they are murdered. Some of the best dollars you spend on your boat will be for a modern multistep charger. The newest ones can charge multiple banks with multiple battery chemistries.
"The lesson is, Don't Brush Your Teeth!" Roger Out at 10:09 is Lyn's perfect, traditional way to close out a scene... nailed it! (*It could have been a bit louder though, for us Roger Out aficionados.)
My house/inverter batteries, and starting batteries are separate. If needed, I can jump the generator off, from the house batteries. Get the generator running, and charge all of the starting batteries. I can also switch from one starting battery to the other. Or run them in parallel.
Another great video , always good to see mishaps like any drama 😄 you badly need a good charger, lead acid batteries really do suffer without proper conditioning from a quality charger. If you want to keep your batteries tip top solar helps also as it gets free energy and tops off the batteries at an optimal charging profile especially if you are not there
Great video! Lead acid batteries need to be on a charger continuously. 6 - 12 months without a float charge and good bye batteries! get a new 3 or 4 stage charger ant your batteries will last twice as long. Cheers!
I had a problem with an interbattery interconnect cable and the charger (EpEver MPPT) really boiled a lot of water off. (Not its fault). But soon I will need to replace both banks.
If you do purchase new batteries and a new charging system for them get a system that you can interrogate it remotely i.e. by App etc, given that you live along distance from the boat.
hello my wife and i absolutely love you guys how can i get some stickers we are from rabbit hash kentucky and there is a spot on the ohio river people comes from miles away to see and hang out i would to put one of your stickers there keep up the great videos.
I really appreciate the technical blow by blow guys. It improves my diagnostic and problem solving skills
Ed, once again you impress me with your machanical analysis and solutions. A great skill that pays you back big time. You deserve an extra sundown cocktail!
Sounds like time to upgrade to a smart charger for those long hiatus times. Not sure if you have a lithium jump box, if not it would be a good idea as well. Nice ones will jump diesels, and some will do 24v systems at high cranking amps. And they are handy little power supplies when needed,
Yea, modern tech with those "jump boxes" is great. I have one for the car and it has been a life saver a couple of times. And I use it camping to power stuff.
Might be a good idea to have a gauge in the pilot house that shows the amps being used at a glance. Perhaps an digital version with an alarm setting for high or low level.
Nice video, every boater makes dumb mistakes, lots of them. One idea -- maybe it's time to go from a dumb 1979 trickle charger to a 2024 "smart" trickle charger that won't fry the batteries. Love Guana Cay, but I was sad when the lovely undeveloped north end was turned into snooty, ultra-private Baker's Bay.
Yes your comments are very worthy - having to replenish the much “water” in the batteries is high - adding raw water or distilled water will dilute the electrolytes also. - boat batteries are in a tough environment, rocking around hot engine room etc - a new smart charger will certainly be of value - Cheers
If I had a free night's moorage for every "dumb mistake" I've made, I would never have to pay for moorage again. And, seems to ALWAYS happen at the most inopportune time, very familiar with that "stress" feeling...safe travels!
Hey there, I replaced my 88 Bertram battery charger, replaced with smart charger. No more having to fill batteries every two months. Weighs about 1lb compared to old 40 lb charger. About $300 bucks. 👍
Love yur vids. We have a ‘87 Chris Craft, spent 5 months in the Bahamas and it’s always something! We broke a control cable in Eleuthera, our frig broke, batteries died in Ft. Pierce. Uggg that’s boating!!
Consider switching to AGM batteries and a new smart charger. 40 year old equipment is just old to rely on.
Or life4 house battery bank
I'm going to AGM Rolls batteries this fall. I'm tired of watering the batteries and have them gassing!
May the adventure continue ~ there will always be a challenge ~ you dealt with the issue very efficiently ~ another learning experience - love your episodes Cheers
I'm not a boater but I have a motorcycle. You need a battery tender, not a charger. They will cycle the battery and not constantly try to charge it.
boats need a charger, just a newer one. The old ones are dumb and can fail and fry your bank. I have had it happen before.
Thanks for sharing all good information. Have you considered adding solar panels to your boat? Might be a neat idea to do.
Great troubleshooting once again Captain Ed!!
Glad you got it sorted out, maybe time to upgrade to Lifepo4’s, they are awesome batteries and weigh way less then lead acid batteries, cheers 🥂
Sounds like it is time for some changes in the set up of your boat.
I have separate batteries for all the systems,, which means generator has its own battery, with a smart charger from the inverter.
Each engine has 2 red tops for a total of 4, which I can use via a 1, 2 or 1&2 switch in any way possible. They get charged via the 12 V alternators plus a smart charger from the inverter.
The bow and stern truster plus anchor winch have 4 batteries in total, connected to a smart charger from the inverter.
Then I have the housebank, which is LiFePO4 which gets charged via the 24 V alternators, the solar panels, the generator or the shore power via a BMS.
In other words, overcharging is not possible on any of the batteries. If anything goes wrong with the batteries I can instantly see it, but I can also switch them to a different bank. So i can always get power to whatever system I need working.
Must admit it did cost quite a bit to set it up this way, but at least you don't have to worry about it anymore. And no risk of not being able to raise your anchor, start the engines etc.
By the way, you have a heavy boat, but I saw you anchor chain is rather light ? You are confident that is going to hold the boat in a decent storm ? Makes me curious.
Sounds like they need a complete overhaul or at least a PM Prevention, of maintenance of that boat. Too many issues lately small issues but too many.
Show me an old boat that doesn't have any small issues and I'll show you some oceanfront property in Arizona...lol
You don't have a crossover. Once you get one engine going you should be able to use that battery to start the other engine. I don't understand why you have this problem. Also with the generator running you should be able to charge your mains. I don't get it.
Perhaps a bad contactor.
He said he has a parallel switch, same as cross over.
The boat should have separate “house” batteries and engine batteries so leaving a pump or a light on doesn’t potentially kill the start battery like appears to have happened here.
@@Retrocomputernerd agreed! Something is definitely wrong. I really don't want to be critical but these things should have been worked out before ever leaving the dock long ago. You need 'back up' upon 'back up' for long range cruising.
Everybody always has a better idea... me too.. My second generator is completely independent, separate 24v batteries, separate battery charger. So even if I drain the house 32v side, AND the 32v cranking side, I can still get a Generator started. And if i lose the main battery charger, I carry a 32v/120v golf cart battery charger. Enjoy Nippers for me!
Loved the skipper hat hitting scenes!!!!!😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
You guys are living such a cool life!
OMG …a 1970’s era charger! Go buy a (or more) trickle charger. I use them on my cars when I’m away for months at a time. They are "smart" and keep the batteries topped up as necessary. Less than $30 for the charger.
I am a believer in the genuine Battery Tender brand being worth the money vs a cheaper Amazon-type unit. They seem to do their job correctly for many, many years. I'm looking at their website now and they have a huge selection depending on application, including several 'marine' specific models.
capt flint on deck - cheers mates aaarrrgghhhh
I would never hook up batteries to a dumb-charger for any significant time. Sure as they float, the current input is minimal, but that is not good for the longevity of your batteries - you need a battery tender/conditioner - even if you hook it up on rotation with your batteries.
That wasn't a dumb mistake, it shouted at you:)
Cheers,
Rik Spector
Sounds like its time for new batteries and a new battery charger. Maybe even separating the banks and having a dedicated starting batteries for the engines. I figured they would have been separated from the house bank. Glad you got it worked out. I would look into upgrading to lithium for your house bank.
Once you cook that much water out of the batteries with a charger, they are junk
I have the same issue with my motorhome. It has six batteries so not anxious to replace them frequently. In off season I plug my shore power cord into a timer so that my charger only has power for one hour a day. Typically I get 5-6 years from a set of batteries. And I have a smart charger inverter. My current set of batteries is now 8 years old. Pulling them out tomorrow for a new set
Another description for a Dumb Charger is a “Constant volt”. In 1979 that is all they knew how to make. It converts AC to DC at a constant voltage and as the battery comes up to full capacity the charger has no way to know this and just keeps sending that constant voltage to the battery. This is turn boils the water from the battery and left unchecked will expose the top of the lead plates to air which each time it happens reduces the life of the battery. Nigel Calder has an expression: Lead Acid Batteries do not die they are murdered. Some of the best dollars you spend on your boat will be for a modern multistep charger. The newest ones can charge multiple banks with multiple battery chemistries.
Love your videos
I was 15 when I traveled with family through green turtle and the abacos
Keep em coming and safe travels
"The lesson is, Don't Brush Your Teeth!"
Roger Out at 10:09 is Lyn's perfect, traditional way to close out a scene... nailed it! (*It could have been a bit louder though, for us Roger Out aficionados.)
West marine has batteries 20 % off, I just got two bigass deep cycles , two of my house batteries kept dropping too fast
#1 Thing...STAY CALM, DON'T PANIC 😂 I KNOW ... Easier said than done!
Who uses engine battery to run the house power needs😢
My house/inverter batteries, and starting batteries are separate. If needed, I can jump the generator off, from the house batteries. Get the generator running, and charge all of the starting batteries. I can also switch from one starting battery to the other. Or run them in parallel.
Could have been worse! You could have been anchoted out at Great Sale, Allan's or down in the Exumas when the batteries failed!
Another great video , always good to see mishaps like any drama 😄 you badly need a good charger, lead acid batteries really do suffer without proper conditioning from a quality charger. If you want to keep your batteries tip top solar helps also as it gets free energy and tops off the batteries at an optimal charging profile especially if you are not there
Batteries are definitely fried. Replace as soon as you can
As a challenge to yourselves, you should name your channel "trying not to drink"
Can you install AGM batteries? Love that they are maintenance free. May need a different charger. Love the videos!
Great video! Lead acid batteries need to be on a charger continuously. 6 - 12 months without a float charge and good bye batteries! get a new 3 or 4 stage charger ant your batteries will last twice as long. Cheers!
I had a problem with an interbattery interconnect cable and the charger (EpEver MPPT) really boiled a lot of water off. (Not its fault). But soon I will need to replace both banks.
If you do purchase new batteries and a new charging system for them get a system that you can interrogate it remotely i.e. by App etc, given that you live along distance from the boat.
MAY THE WIND BE WITH YOU.😎😎
its always some thing captain,,, the name of my next boat
Doesn't this boat have a battery bank for the house separate from the engine starting?
You need a trickle charger for winter
You need AGM's and a "smart charger", for sure.
that old charger is cooking your batteries time for a new one
Can you tell me what name brand head sets y’all use please
So a sink left on for an hour gonna shut the yatchet down.
Buy some new battery's tight ass.
I say that in a friendly way, cause you need to hear it.
Could you put your charger on a timer? So it’s only on say 8 hours a day rather than 24/7?
pick up a Jump box to keep on hand.
Roger that Lynn 😅😂
Kind of off topic, but how do you like your E Propulsion motor?
Cheers🎉🍹🍸
🍻
Time for some lithium batteries
Would be concerned about Lithium producing enough current to spin the starter. The BMS might simply "nope" out.
Only Dakota makes LiFePO4 that are designated as “starting”
hello my wife and i absolutely love you guys how can i get some stickers we are from rabbit hash kentucky and there is a spot on the ohio river people comes from miles away to see and hang out i would to put one of your stickers there keep up the great videos.
dumekoff lol