Electric system for Hunter 240

[Chern]

I just got Hunter 240 and need to set up new power system. Batteries, solar panels etc.
I need to power lights, bilge, radio, depthfinder, small fan, tablet, phone.
I am not good at electricity. I need a good advice. Please help me!!!!
Questions:
How many batteries do I need?
What can I do with 2 batteries vs 1? Can I run small appliances like coffee maker?
I understand that I need deep cycle batteries but they can be different too, which one is better?
What charge controller 20A? 30A?
How powerfull solar battery just for charging? If I'll buy 100w solar battery can it run anything while charging?
How can I connect my boat electric system to the shore power ?
Thank you for your help

 

[rgranger]

Hi Chern

Sounds like you need this book. I have a copy and it helps a lot. It is also available through amazon

https://books.google.com/books/abou..._Sailboa.html?id=NfPxPq-aSbkC&source=kp_cover

 

[rgranger]

Here is one of Don's books devoted just to electrical stuff

https://books.google.com/books?id=FTGOui1F-JkC&source=gbs_similarbooks

 

[Kermit]

There’s no need to fear. @Crazy Dave Condon is here! Seriously. He’s got the know-how to help you know how.

 

[LloydB]

You will make best progress if you explain why you need to set up a new power system, and does that include new wiring? Second make a list of all the electrical devices you want and how much power each uses per hour when turned on. Make it a Christmas list - you can always cut back in planning.
Get that book or go to the forum on this site: Musings With Maine Sail.

 

[Chern]

There is wiring on the boat but no batteries. I have running lights, bilge, depth finder, I'll need to connect radio, and charge phone, tablet etc. I don't know how much electricity these will use that's why I am asking shoud one battery enough what i'll get if I'll have 2 batteries? what solar panel is smallest that I need to charge 1 batteru? 2? what I am getting if I'll buy 100w solar?

 

[Kermit]

I’m NOT an expert on any of this. But... the only advantage I see to two batteries is more money and more headaches. It sounds like you won’t have a big demand from what you’ve listed. But... did I mention I’m not an expert?

 

[rgranger]

Do you have shore power? And if so, will you be staying at a marina? If so, just charge your batteries when tied off at the marina.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

What do you really plan to do with the boat? Charging cell phone direct from a battery wii deplete the battery quickly. One question are you a heavy user of a cell phone where some is think it should not be when sailing but merely enjoying sailing instead?

 

[Chern]

No shore power

 

[Chern]

Planning to use tablet or phone as a chartplotter

 

[rgranger]

I have two deep cycle batteries... and a 25 w solar panel mounted to the mast crutch pole. I’m on my phone right now or I’d could post pictures for you. I might have some of the instal in my album on my profile page. I run fans, a depth finder, charge a vhf radio and me, the wife and the kids charge phones ... so far no problems
No tablet in my mix so ymmv

 

[Ron20324]

But... did I mention I’m not an expert?

That was already obvious

 

[Kermit]

That was already obvious

I love you, man.

 

[CrispyCringle]

Everything on your list, except the laptop is easy. A typical laptop with an AC charger would require an AC inverter. And probably one that is too expensive to make it worth it, like a true sine wave type.
I have a single battery that easily powers a small DC fan and a cell phone, as well as the stock electrical system lights and bilge. It lasts quite awhile. Although I havnt run the fan very much simply because I havnt had to. You can get a simple panel with USB charging ports and a 12 volt automotive type socket on Amazon. Just hook up the pos and neg (with an inline fuse) to the battery. I cant see how that wouldnt last you all day on one battery charge, if not longer. You just need to figure out your solar. A simple system (panel and controller) is all you need. Again Amazon is a good place to start. And Im talking a typical smallish boat, not a 53' Amel.

 

[Chern]

Thank you CrispyCringle. Do i need inline fuse and controller even for small solar panel, like 10W or for bigger one?

 

[CrispyCringle]

I would recommend a controller always, because you dont want to over charge the battery. And Id get the biggest solar panel you can fit. 100 watt min. As for the fuse for the controller- whatever the controller directions recommend. But definitely an inline for the accessory panel.