Batteries store the electricity we need to run instruments, lights, and a myriad of items we use on our boats. We need to balance this usage by charging our batteries with shore power chargers, alternators, solar, wind, tow, or even diesel generators. One way to reduce the high cost and complexity of charging is by using less power. Are "consumed" with consuming less power? Do you forgo items such as refrigeration, electric autopilot, and halogen lights in favor of less power hungry options such as ice, wind vane, and LED lights? What’s your strategy to keep your electrical system in balance? (Discussion topic and quiz by Trevor MacLachlan)
- Status
Oil lamp in the cabin
I still use all the other toys on the boat. I would like wind vain steering, but I don't do enough distence sailing to make it worth while. Up-graded to a 90 amp alternator to run the engin less when out. I have 2 5 gal water containers that I freeze at home and pre cool the fridge before leaving for a week. It gives me extra cool water in four or five days and lets the fridge run less. Use a LED tri light and anchor lite to reduce energy. Can only use the microwave and the AC at the dock. It seem I can get away with running the engine for about an hour a day some times a hour and a half.
I still use all the other toys on the boat. I would like wind vain steering, but I don't do enough distence sailing to make it worth while. Up-graded to a 90 amp alternator to run the engin less when out. I have 2 5 gal water containers that I freeze at home and pre cool the fridge before leaving for a week. It gives me extra cool water in four or five days and lets the fridge run less. Use a LED tri light and anchor lite to reduce energy. Can only use the microwave and the AC at the dock. It seem I can get away with running the engine for about an hour a day some times a hour and a half.
We anchor at night so we don't use our navigation lights often
I use an oil lantern for anchor light and oil lanterns in the cabin for general light. Electrics for work or reading. The bilge s always dry so the pumps never run. VHF and am-fm radios don't use much power and are not on very long. Ice is carried in gallon jugs and 20 ounce soda bottles. I freeze milk and meat before it goes to the ice box. By the standards of many people it is a primitive boat.
I use an oil lantern for anchor light and oil lanterns in the cabin for general light. Electrics for work or reading. The bilge s always dry so the pumps never run. VHF and am-fm radios don't use much power and are not on very long. Ice is carried in gallon jugs and 20 ounce soda bottles. I freeze milk and meat before it goes to the ice box. By the standards of many people it is a primitive boat.
Ross- Obviously, primitive doesn't mean...
either inefficient or uncomfortable. I enjoy reading your ideas on keeping things simple. My wife and I have done a lot of camping since we were married 37 years ago- in fact, we have only rarely stayed in a motel when on vacation. People always ask if we're uncomfortable, or if we miss this or that from the "civilized" world. We answer no, that we do very well. If there is going to be something on TV that we absolutely want to see (a rare thing), we simply set the VCR to tape it while we're gone. We have a minimum of good quality camping gear, and know how to use it (we're tent campers- no trailers or motor homes) to stay comfortable, and we always have a good time. We just got our sailboat late last fall, and we expect to sail the way we camp. Keep up the good posts. If you don't ming my asking, what kind of oil lamps do you have? Thanks. -Paul
either inefficient or uncomfortable. I enjoy reading your ideas on keeping things simple. My wife and I have done a lot of camping since we were married 37 years ago- in fact, we have only rarely stayed in a motel when on vacation. People always ask if we're uncomfortable, or if we miss this or that from the "civilized" world. We answer no, that we do very well. If there is going to be something on TV that we absolutely want to see (a rare thing), we simply set the VCR to tape it while we're gone. We have a minimum of good quality camping gear, and know how to use it (we're tent campers- no trailers or motor homes) to stay comfortable, and we always have a good time. We just got our sailboat late last fall, and we expect to sail the way we camp. Keep up the good posts. If you don't ming my asking, what kind of oil lamps do you have? Thanks. -Paul
Paul, I collect old lanterns so most of the ones I have are
Dietz. I recently found some by Fuerhand, a German company . These are the best I have found. The American made Dietz don't leak but two modern brass Dietz lantern leak at the base. (China made) I get wicks and globes from these folk. http://www.oillampman.com/quicklist.html Edit to add: If you can find Chalwyn lanterns they are excellent. Used to be made in England but now in the Czech Republic.
Dietz. I recently found some by Fuerhand, a German company . These are the best I have found. The American made Dietz don't leak but two modern brass Dietz lantern leak at the base. (China made) I get wicks and globes from these folk. http://www.oillampman.com/quicklist.html Edit to add: If you can find Chalwyn lanterns they are excellent. Used to be made in England but now in the Czech Republic.
Ready kilowatt changes
Now in my 70's and retired, my worklife weekend sailing with oil lamps, no VHF or other toys, overnight anchoring was managed with about 30 mins charging from the 5 amp charger in and out of the marina on my Mercury 8hp o/board on a 22ft Catalina with a very small solar panel to trickle charge the battery. Now with an O'Day 272 and a whole summer to cruise I have upgraded the coolbox to now include a refrigerator (Waeco CF50), Galley & Head lamps are now LED. Anchor light a portable LED, Navigation LED, with VHF, Depth & Knot meters plus GPS to suck out my battery power. Shore power is used when in port about every 8/9 days (pumpouts and fresh water etc) when a size 31 AGM battery gets it's major recharge, sometimes anchored in one location for 3/4 days the engine isn't run to top up the battery. My 85w solar panel running at about 65% capacity is about 10amp/hours per day above my usage. My size 24 starting battery has again a small trickle charge solar panel. I would like to add a small windcharger for the sunless days but models like the Rutland 503 appear to give too small to give a good charge, whilst the 903 is just physically too large for the boat. Hopefully a manufacturer will come up with in improved charger somewhere between the 2. This year I will be using a NASA battery monitor to more accurately measure useage and charging. Arthur Griffiths
Now in my 70's and retired, my worklife weekend sailing with oil lamps, no VHF or other toys, overnight anchoring was managed with about 30 mins charging from the 5 amp charger in and out of the marina on my Mercury 8hp o/board on a 22ft Catalina with a very small solar panel to trickle charge the battery. Now with an O'Day 272 and a whole summer to cruise I have upgraded the coolbox to now include a refrigerator (Waeco CF50), Galley & Head lamps are now LED. Anchor light a portable LED, Navigation LED, with VHF, Depth & Knot meters plus GPS to suck out my battery power. Shore power is used when in port about every 8/9 days (pumpouts and fresh water etc) when a size 31 AGM battery gets it's major recharge, sometimes anchored in one location for 3/4 days the engine isn't run to top up the battery. My 85w solar panel running at about 65% capacity is about 10amp/hours per day above my usage. My size 24 starting battery has again a small trickle charge solar panel. I would like to add a small windcharger for the sunless days but models like the Rutland 503 appear to give too small to give a good charge, whilst the 903 is just physically too large for the boat. Hopefully a manufacturer will come up with in improved charger somewhere between the 2. This year I will be using a NASA battery monitor to more accurately measure useage and charging. Arthur Griffiths
My Boat
is kept on a mooring so I use a 15 w solar panel to keep the group 27 and 31 house batteries charged. My main power draw is from the autopilot, VHF and FM radios and what ever light we use at night. I do have an inverter aboard to power my lap-top and a small TV for occasional use. So far 9 days is the longest we have stayed on board in one stretch and the lowest the batteries got was about 45% charge. I do not have radar or a refrigerator on board to draw power.
is kept on a mooring so I use a 15 w solar panel to keep the group 27 and 31 house batteries charged. My main power draw is from the autopilot, VHF and FM radios and what ever light we use at night. I do have an inverter aboard to power my lap-top and a small TV for occasional use. So far 9 days is the longest we have stayed on board in one stretch and the lowest the batteries got was about 45% charge. I do not have radar or a refrigerator on board to draw power.
Our strategy
We go fairly simple. We use a battery powered portable radio for AM/FM/iPod. Ice for the ice chest. Biggest change we made was to go to an LED anchor light. We also use battery powered flourescent lantern at night for reading, etc. We have two Group 24 AGMs and a charger so when cruising we do a couple days on the hook and then a couple at a nice marina with shore power. We like that alternating between "primitive" and "civilized".
We go fairly simple. We use a battery powered portable radio for AM/FM/iPod. Ice for the ice chest. Biggest change we made was to go to an LED anchor light. We also use battery powered flourescent lantern at night for reading, etc. We have two Group 24 AGMs and a charger so when cruising we do a couple days on the hook and then a couple at a nice marina with shore power. We like that alternating between "primitive" and "civilized".
Living small doesn't have to be primitive
1. 11 watt solar panel to offset self-discharge of wet cell batteries and parasitic draw of Link 2000 - works fine during the week. 2. Use refrigeration only when onboard 3. Don't leave boat plugged in during the week 4. Kerosene anchor light with Davis Mega Light anchor light at masthead (precursor to LEDs for lower amp draw) 5. Trawler lamp down below, candles are nice, too 6. Rarely use house lighting except for doing dishes or after dinner games or reading 7. New (2006, 7 & 8) Alternator regulator 100A, Link 2000 8. 1998 Freedom 15 inverter charger, 1500 watts, 75A charge 9. 360 AH house bank, separate start bank, combiner with shutoff 10. 2008 new stereo, four speakers, uses less than a half an amp 11. NO television 12. NO generator (quality energy budget developed, backed by Link 2000 readout) 13. Don't feel like we're camping, but rather in a cabin-in-the-woods that can move -- all the comforts of home The largest house bank you can fit with a separate start bank can improve your enjoyment considerably without making you feel like you're skimping.
1. 11 watt solar panel to offset self-discharge of wet cell batteries and parasitic draw of Link 2000 - works fine during the week. 2. Use refrigeration only when onboard 3. Don't leave boat plugged in during the week 4. Kerosene anchor light with Davis Mega Light anchor light at masthead (precursor to LEDs for lower amp draw) 5. Trawler lamp down below, candles are nice, too 6. Rarely use house lighting except for doing dishes or after dinner games or reading 7. New (2006, 7 & 8) Alternator regulator 100A, Link 2000 8. 1998 Freedom 15 inverter charger, 1500 watts, 75A charge 9. 360 AH house bank, separate start bank, combiner with shutoff 10. 2008 new stereo, four speakers, uses less than a half an amp 11. NO television 12. NO generator (quality energy budget developed, backed by Link 2000 readout) 13. Don't feel like we're camping, but rather in a cabin-in-the-woods that can move -- all the comforts of home The largest house bank you can fit with a separate start bank can improve your enjoyment considerably without making you feel like you're skimping.
solar panels
I have 2 80 watt Kyosara solar panels on an arch on my 1984 H31. I installed them 2 years ago and have not needed to use shore power or the diesel to keep the 2 gel type 31 house batteries charged up. I run 12 volt refridgeration, lights, radio, loran, depth sounder and inverter for my laptop. I can now sit at anchor for days without having to think about how my supply is. On those sailing days after being at anchor, I don't have to think about how long to run the engine to charge up the batteries as I only have to sail.
I have 2 80 watt Kyosara solar panels on an arch on my 1984 H31. I installed them 2 years ago and have not needed to use shore power or the diesel to keep the 2 gel type 31 house batteries charged up. I run 12 volt refridgeration, lights, radio, loran, depth sounder and inverter for my laptop. I can now sit at anchor for days without having to think about how my supply is. On those sailing days after being at anchor, I don't have to think about how long to run the engine to charge up the batteries as I only have to sail.
- Jan 22, 2008
- 519
weekend sailor
I only have a 20 foot boat so the systems are comparativley smaller. That beng said, the 2.5hp Yamaha is pull start, no electricity required. The 65amp deep cycle battery runs two standard 1004 bulbs, an LED cabin light, a tiny light on the compass, and a 12 accessory plug. Although I have a VHF, GPS, bilge pump, am/fm radio, 115 v inverter, flood/spot light, each of these is self sufficient, but can be recharged or run from the 12 volt accessory, but must be plugged in to do so. This type of system requires me to make a conscious effort of what I plug into the 12 volt accessory socket. The battery is kept topped up by a 5.5 watt solar charger. I am planning on installing a 55 watt halogen spreader light this spring. So far this system works well for me, and keeps me humble. I used to be a backpacker, so my meals are typically ones where the food does not require refrigeration. I do have a cooler for refreshments, but wine kept low in the hull, and out of the sun servable at room temperature, seems to work better than trying to keep the beer cold. Ice for me lasts about 3 days at the most, so cold drinks are always a bit of a challenge. My water is in a thermos which is secured on the counter with the spigot over the sink. My 'running' water tends to stay cool as it is out of the sun. I use lake water for dishes and washing. I have not tried collecting hot water from the spitter on the outboard, but that seems worth a try!!! I also have a citronella candle in a jam jar for late evening lounging when full light is not required, but total darkness is not an option.
I only have a 20 foot boat so the systems are comparativley smaller. That beng said, the 2.5hp Yamaha is pull start, no electricity required. The 65amp deep cycle battery runs two standard 1004 bulbs, an LED cabin light, a tiny light on the compass, and a 12 accessory plug. Although I have a VHF, GPS, bilge pump, am/fm radio, 115 v inverter, flood/spot light, each of these is self sufficient, but can be recharged or run from the 12 volt accessory, but must be plugged in to do so. This type of system requires me to make a conscious effort of what I plug into the 12 volt accessory socket. The battery is kept topped up by a 5.5 watt solar charger. I am planning on installing a 55 watt halogen spreader light this spring. So far this system works well for me, and keeps me humble. I used to be a backpacker, so my meals are typically ones where the food does not require refrigeration. I do have a cooler for refreshments, but wine kept low in the hull, and out of the sun servable at room temperature, seems to work better than trying to keep the beer cold. Ice for me lasts about 3 days at the most, so cold drinks are always a bit of a challenge. My water is in a thermos which is secured on the counter with the spigot over the sink. My 'running' water tends to stay cool as it is out of the sun. I use lake water for dishes and washing. I have not tried collecting hot water from the spitter on the outboard, but that seems worth a try!!! I also have a citronella candle in a jam jar for late evening lounging when full light is not required, but total darkness is not an option.
My strategy is to design a working system
as dictated by priorities. Here in Florida with the high heat and humidity the ability to run A/C is a necessity so we built our system around a 120V power source. We chose a portable Honda 2000eu as a good compromise between cost, performance and portability. (we have 2 boats) With adequate power to run the 20 amp battery charger meant that we also had refrigeration and the use of other items like microwave oven, coffe maker, TV, DVD. The addition of a 1500 watt inverter allowed the use of some of these items when the generator was not running. When we are out and not at a transient marina slip we usually run the generator for 10 hours with the A/C and battery charger. It usually consumes approximately 2 gallons of fuel for a cost of $6.50 a day. In the mornings we'll shut off the A/C and use the microwave oven and the coffee maker. The batteries are usually at their float stage by that time. We have a very modest house bank of 2 group 27 batteries, but the power usage gets replenished often. We do not find we waste power and use conservation measures like pre-cooling the refrigerator and being consious of the power being used. If the temperatures are cool we may not use the A/C but just run the generator for 5-6 hours just to recharge batteries. At that rate the fuel used is less that 1 gallon. I could do with ice and canned or preserved foods and read a good book by a gas lantern but have not found a substitute for A/C so as long as I have to have the power I will use it for other conveniences.
as dictated by priorities. Here in Florida with the high heat and humidity the ability to run A/C is a necessity so we built our system around a 120V power source. We chose a portable Honda 2000eu as a good compromise between cost, performance and portability. (we have 2 boats) With adequate power to run the 20 amp battery charger meant that we also had refrigeration and the use of other items like microwave oven, coffe maker, TV, DVD. The addition of a 1500 watt inverter allowed the use of some of these items when the generator was not running. When we are out and not at a transient marina slip we usually run the generator for 10 hours with the A/C and battery charger. It usually consumes approximately 2 gallons of fuel for a cost of $6.50 a day. In the mornings we'll shut off the A/C and use the microwave oven and the coffee maker. The batteries are usually at their float stage by that time. We have a very modest house bank of 2 group 27 batteries, but the power usage gets replenished often. We do not find we waste power and use conservation measures like pre-cooling the refrigerator and being consious of the power being used. If the temperatures are cool we may not use the A/C but just run the generator for 5-6 hours just to recharge batteries. At that rate the fuel used is less that 1 gallon. I could do with ice and canned or preserved foods and read a good book by a gas lantern but have not found a substitute for A/C so as long as I have to have the power I will use it for other conveniences.
Made my own battery
It took me a while and a lot of 'elbow grease' but I eventually dug out a hollow space in my lead keel, down from the bilge of my Hunter. I filled it with sulfuric acid and then set in a series of plates that I took out of other batteries. Essentially I made my keel into a large battery. It works great. I charge it with a TruCharge plugged into shore power during the week...and a solar panel on the deck on long weekends on the hook.
It took me a while and a lot of 'elbow grease' but I eventually dug out a hollow space in my lead keel, down from the bilge of my Hunter. I filled it with sulfuric acid and then set in a series of plates that I took out of other batteries. Essentially I made my keel into a large battery. It works great. I charge it with a TruCharge plugged into shore power during the week...and a solar panel on the deck on long weekends on the hook.
ditto
DITTO Guy and Ross. You must think that there are a bunch of people on here who just fell off a turnip truck. WRONG
DITTO Guy and Ross. You must think that there are a bunch of people on here who just fell off a turnip truck. WRONG
I believe in electricity
I have electric Davits, electric windlass, electric refrigerator, electric freezer, an AC water-maker, and everything else electric except a propane barbecue & stove, but the solenoid for that is electric. I have about 660 AH of 12 v House Battery capacity that I keep up with a 124 amp alternator w/a total ample power DC system (Next Step Regulator, an Isolator Eliminator, and an energy monitoring system). I also have a 150 amp shore power battery charger as part of my 2500 watt Trace True Sine Wave Inverter, which also monitors my battery voltage and automatically starts my 3.5 KW diesel generator to charge the batteries as required (it recognizes a quiet period for sleeping). I have AGM batteries now and no longer worry about them. These systems have taken a while to gradually install (and I have done all the work myself), and obviously didn't come cheap, but I have been gradually improving Quest over the past 14 years and regret none of it. Joe
I have electric Davits, electric windlass, electric refrigerator, electric freezer, an AC water-maker, and everything else electric except a propane barbecue & stove, but the solenoid for that is electric. I have about 660 AH of 12 v House Battery capacity that I keep up with a 124 amp alternator w/a total ample power DC system (Next Step Regulator, an Isolator Eliminator, and an energy monitoring system). I also have a 150 amp shore power battery charger as part of my 2500 watt Trace True Sine Wave Inverter, which also monitors my battery voltage and automatically starts my 3.5 KW diesel generator to charge the batteries as required (it recognizes a quiet period for sleeping). I have AGM batteries now and no longer worry about them. These systems have taken a while to gradually install (and I have done all the work myself), and obviously didn't come cheap, but I have been gradually improving Quest over the past 14 years and regret none of it. Joe
- Status