carterrs31
06-18-2007, 09:36 PM
Just bought my first boat, 1969 38' Le Comte Northeast, and would like to trick out the 12V power system to reflect the times. I'm an amateur electrician but am not familiar with boat, 12V, systems. Reading the text is alright but I would prefer some experienced help from multiple people not on commission or keeping their business afloat.
Currently it has 2 house banks consisting of 4 US Battery 2200's (purchased '04, definitely bad), 6 V 225 Ah, for a total of 8 batteries. No separate starter bank. It also has a Mase (Italian) Yanmar IS 2500 generator (1900W), unknown purchase date, and an Exide Nautilus Power Inverter\Charger (22A charger, 2000W AC output) purchased 1998. Engine is a Yanmar 3GM30F. No solar, no wind at this point. 50 Gallon Diesel tank.
I am living on the boat, moored, and plan on cruising it soon. I would like to have a system that will last and support refrigeration, freezer, auto-pilot, lighting, bilge pump, VHF, SSB, Radar, GPS, Depth finder, water pump, hot water heater, laptop, etc. :) Of course as sparingly as possible but without too much concern. Preferably maintenance free batteries as they are difficult to get to.
Any pros out there who have been around multiple (not just a few) systems and new technologies (ie-solar advancements, regulators, LED's)?? I'd love to hear about the dream system as well as reliable brands and technologies, Gel or AGM or Spiral, flexible solar vs rigid. Wind durability? What's the best corrosion protection I can get? Can I hook up all sources; generator, alternator, shore, solar, wind through the inverter so as to be sure to get a good, regulated charge? For example: Looks like my gen set has a regulator to charge the starting battery (which is my #1 house bank). So if I have the switch set to -All- banks then the batteries are getting charged from the generator regulator AND the inverter\charger at the same time? Sure seems this way and that doesn't seem right! Or is it?
Well I know this is a lot but I have a lot of questions. Any help is appreciated. Including cheap websites to get the parts. At least I'm limiting the post to electrical and not including rigging, thru-hull, fuel cleaning, water purifying, heating, teak, or plumbing questions!
Cheers,
Rudy
Give me a hand in coming up with this and I'll let you know how it works!
Currently it has 2 house banks consisting of 4 US Battery 2200's (purchased '04, definitely bad), 6 V 225 Ah, for a total of 8 batteries. No separate starter bank. It also has a Mase (Italian) Yanmar IS 2500 generator (1900W), unknown purchase date, and an Exide Nautilus Power Inverter\Charger (22A charger, 2000W AC output) purchased 1998. Engine is a Yanmar 3GM30F. No solar, no wind at this point. 50 Gallon Diesel tank.
I am living on the boat, moored, and plan on cruising it soon. I would like to have a system that will last and support refrigeration, freezer, auto-pilot, lighting, bilge pump, VHF, SSB, Radar, GPS, Depth finder, water pump, hot water heater, laptop, etc. :) Of course as sparingly as possible but without too much concern. Preferably maintenance free batteries as they are difficult to get to.
Any pros out there who have been around multiple (not just a few) systems and new technologies (ie-solar advancements, regulators, LED's)?? I'd love to hear about the dream system as well as reliable brands and technologies, Gel or AGM or Spiral, flexible solar vs rigid. Wind durability? What's the best corrosion protection I can get? Can I hook up all sources; generator, alternator, shore, solar, wind through the inverter so as to be sure to get a good, regulated charge? For example: Looks like my gen set has a regulator to charge the starting battery (which is my #1 house bank). So if I have the switch set to -All- banks then the batteries are getting charged from the generator regulator AND the inverter\charger at the same time? Sure seems this way and that doesn't seem right! Or is it?
Well I know this is a lot but I have a lot of questions. Any help is appreciated. Including cheap websites to get the parts. At least I'm limiting the post to electrical and not including rigging, thru-hull, fuel cleaning, water purifying, heating, teak, or plumbing questions!
Cheers,
Rudy
Give me a hand in coming up with this and I'll let you know how it works!