electrical systems

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R

Rob Verner

I am getting a MacGregor sailboat with 2 batteries and trying to figure out how I can run everything. I'm thinking of a chartplotter w/depth
 
K

Kevin

Hmmmmmm...

Well, you have to set some perameters, determine a consumption budget and figure out how to recharge. You haven't really given us enough info. A thermo-electric cooler draws about 4.5 amps, a true fridge (efficient) about 7.5 amps...you can see it adds up quickly. Examples: 1. You rarely go out for more than 1-2 days and can recharge with shore power. 2. You have great solar gain in your area and want PV panels. 3. The wind always blows where you are and you don't mind a wind generator. 4. You would prefer a small, lightweight, quiet genset such as a Honda or Yamaha. Those are just some of the options. I have a 26x with a Kyocera solar panel (about 3.3 amps in full sun) on the hatch. I supplement with engine power and am playing with some small wind generators. I have a thermo electric cooler, stereo with CD changer, fans, evaporative cooler, lights, pressure water,GPS...I use more in a given 24 hour period than I produce. I sail mostly on the weekends and my two 110 amp deep cycle batteries can recharge during the week. Figure your consumption and then set a game plan.Let me know if I can offer any help. BOL K
 
M

Mike

Good question

I have the same question -- I have no access to shore power
 
R

Rob Verner

no win

Our plan is to stay out a week at a time,with out recharging. It is what we do now on a chartered Catalina 30. But I want more electrical toys than our charter has. A genset is starting to look good. I see small fridges in West marine that appear to draw less amps than the thermoelectric type.(but cost more to buy).
 
K

Kevin

Kyocera

Mike: I chose the Kyocera because of the dimensions of the panel. They fit on the sliding hatch nicely. Take a look at the KC60 and KC80. The attached web site is the best price I found on the panels. Good Luck. K
 
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