Vega Electrical System

[Brian Hofler]

Hello All:
I own Vesper (#1868) with a Volvo MD6A, Variable-Pitch prop, etc. The
engine has two generators on it: one an alternator and the other the
starter-generator. She still has the two batteries in the vulnerable "bilge
battery box" beneath the sole in the salon. As it is now, I have only one at
a time on-line, and connect the other if needed. One alone is plenty to
start the little 10 HP Diesel. I like to use my autohelm, but it takes more
out of the battery than the Diesel puts back in during the short run down the
Mystic River.
I am presently using only the alternator to maintain the battery(ies). I
am looking for someone who has set up a third battery, using the
starter-generator. If anybody has done this, and can give me any pointers, I
would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks........Ed Davis

 

[reefmagnet]

Lorna Doone, #1517, has only one battery, but has a permanantly installed
solar panel. As most sailing is in daylight hours, the solar panel is able
to more than keep up with the autohelms drain. Summer and winter in the
Pacific Northwest!Regards,

Gene Suess

SUESS RETAIL SYSTEMS, INC.

NCR POS - SHARP REGISTERS - IBM PC'S + BASS & Auto~Star Software
SERVICE & SHOWROOM: 611 Dunedin Street, Victoria, B.C. V8T 2L7
E-MAIL: (genes@...)
PHONE: 1-250-382-4431
CELL: 1-250-744-0227
PAGER: 1-250-413-4027 / TOLL FREE BC MAINLAND 1-888-644-8061
SALES AND SERVICE FAX: 1-250-382-4451
"SRS" SUPERIOR RETAIL SYSTEMS FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM

 

[reefmagnet]

Dear Ed,

Let me say first of all that I am not a technician, but 'just ' a dutch Vega
owner \Vega 1687, so a bit older than yours.

My Vega has been equipped with two batteries and that's enough. The starter
battery does not have a large capacity, but the light battery has a
somewaht larger capacity of I believe 90 AH. Its a large as I could get to
fit in the bun.
So may suggestion is enlarge battery number 2, I never have trouble with
my electricity, with the following exception:

However, yesterday both batteries were flooded with bilge water and I had
to pump out the water and clean the whole dirty mess.

The starter battery was fine, but the light battery was empty and I am now
loading it by an rectifier, taking electricity from the main.

Now my question is why did the water come in. Again from the propllor
shaft, which obviously started leaking water in spite of a new stuffing box.

As I the only Vega sailor with this trouble? I would like comments , if
possible.

Thanks in advance,

Henk Jansen
Vega Le Cygne 1687
Naarden Holland

 

[reefmagnet]

over the 1st battery and staying there.

 

[reefmagnet]

Hello:



Why does
the bilge fill every time you use the engine? Perhaps you have a hole in the
exhaust hose and you are pumping water into the boat. I had that problem once.
A hose clamp broke and water was pumped into the boat as long as the engine was
running. Other than that, I have not had any trouble with water in the bilge.



Brian-1039

 

[reefmagnet]

Henk,I just recently purchases my Vega #3233 and when I had it surveyed we found water
around the forward auxiliary battery in the bilge. Flooder. There is no limber hole so make
one. The water gets to the forward battery by flowing over the 1st battery and staying there.
As I only have a manual bilge I must remember to pump every engine run otherwise the bilge
fills.
I,m thinking about relocating the batteries into the hold on the starboardside of the cockpit in
water proof battery boxes.

Dave #3233

 

[reefmagnet]

i had problems with my stuffing box... seemed the problem was with a loose
cutlass bearing.. the bearing was secured, but was not aligned properly,
which caused wear and eventual need for replacement.... so that is where you
must start and work your way back to the engine.... good luck.

dan

 

[reefmagnet]

thanks Brian I'll check them this winter as I'm taking the boat out of water to paint and
change the seacocks.I'll also install the auto bilge pump.
Dave #3233