Electrical....

Gunni · Nov 30, 2016

AGM accept massive amounts of amperage in bulk charge phase, so if you have a high-output alternator, or a genset/high output shore charger you can greatly reduce you engine run times. With a proper charge system they don't gas-off and sputter sulfuric acid so they are safer to live with - giving you more options for locating them.

Before I switched to AGM I ran a set of FLA "trainer" batts to sort out my charging systems, monitoring and location configuration. Given the cost of AGM, you need to do it right.

Scott T-Bird · Nov 30, 2016

So 2 new batteries are maybe 0.5% of the purchase price? I have a hard time being convinced this should be an obstacle to an otherwise agreeable transaction. I agree that signs of neglect would be a red flag, and I still wonder about that "engine buss bar". But if the boat has been on the market (and not used) for a while and the batteries were found to be discharged, I wouldn't be inclined to run away in alarm. But my opinion is based on the assumption that there aren't any other red flags to speak of. Of course it ain't my money!

BarryL · Nov 30, 2016

Hey,
Some of you guys crack me up. You are gong to spend $100K on a boat and then argue over $200 worth of batteries? Would it be better if the current owner takes the AGMs off the boat and installs two brand new group 24 FL for $150? Now there are BRAND NEW batteries on the boat, so the selling price should go up! Of course that doesn't make any sense. You need to look at the entire boat and not get hung up on one little item.
Regarding the question about the instruments going off when the thruster was used, the problem is either ground connection OR power connection. Was the battery selector on 1, 2, or both? It should not matter if the engine is running. Thrusters are real high power users so if the wiring is suspect you will have strange behaviors.
Barry

Gunni · Nov 30, 2016

BarryL said:
Some of you guys crack me up. You are gong to spend $100K on a boat and then argue over $200 worth of batteries?

I think you missed the point Barry. A guy who is trying to sell his boat with dead batteries is going to have a hard time selling it as properly maintained, or explaining away other problems that kill a sale. I mean you jumped to the conclusion that there are wiring problems when the most likely source of the other electric problems (instruments shutting down) simply come back to dead batteries, not wiring. But yes, if he was looking after his boat for sale he would have pulled his dead batteries and replaced them so that electrical systems worked when inspected. This may in fact be the reason why the boat has remained unsold into the winter.

Scott T-Bird · Nov 30, 2016

Gunni said:
But yes, if he was looking after his boat for sale he would have pulled his dead batteries and replaced them so that electrical systems worked when inspected. This may in fact be the reason why the boat has remained unsold into the winter.

I'd agree with that ... it does seem odd that the Seller would ignore a simple housekeeping duty in the effort to sell a boat that I would assume to be north of $150,000. NYSail has been a member here for a long time and I assume he has a pretty good handle on issues to take seriously. I'm happy for him that he is stepping up to a boat he desires. I would assume, based on his interest, that the boat is in pretty good shape despite the batteries.

Scott T-Bird · Dec 1, 2016

NYSail said:
Should have finished survey today. He did say they were old and that replacement was probably near. Boat has been professionally serviced, engine looks almost brand new. Rusty corroded ground buss is mounted on the wall under water pump and may have gotten wet from imellor changes. A few items of consern but overall boat is clean and well priced..... Even with old batteries. Winter storage with shrink wrap included in deal.

I figured the buss bar would be something that is a little more sophisticated than the simple ground connection on my small cruiser. So you have a few token "projects" to accomplish ... not exactly a "project boat".

Congratulations! I'm sure this will be an agonizingly long winter for you.

I think that boat is a very attractive choice.

Gunni · Dec 1, 2016

NYSail said:
A few items of consern but overall boat is clean and well priced.

Good to hear, the B423 is a nice sailboat. It is a big boat loaded with systems...make sure you get it winterized by a knowledgeable service tech.

JRacer · Dec 1, 2016

Caveat Emptor

BarryL · Dec 2, 2016

CONGRATS
I'll look for her (and you) in the spring.

Benny17441 · Dec 2, 2016

Brokers usually have boats moved to their home base marina so that they can show them all at one location. It is usually the responsibility of the brokers to keep the boats clean and the batteries charged but some may be lax in their obligations. I would think the drop in voltage was due to partially discharged batteries rather than wiring problems. The surveyor likely indicated the batteries were OK as they accepted charge and were strong enough to crank the engine and operate the thruster but being used batteries sold "as is" he was not concerned about their condition and storage capacity. I have very limited experience with "thrusters" but have done some work with electric windlasses and came to realize that it takes a lot of copper to move the current from the batteries up to the bow of the boat. In many cases having a dedicated battery installed by the bow is the best solution.

Gunni · Dec 2, 2016

Maine Sail details the process do a 20 hr load test which is how you assess house batteries, but just assume these are toast; when the broker starts flapping his gums about 'cca '