Billy Mays here for Epoch batteries 😂 LifePO4 are a game changer, just the weight reduction is huge, I was amazed at how much lighter they are than traditional batteries. Definitely a worthwhile investment.
Great video, thanks for the detail! Just pulled into Titusville yesterday for a couple of nights and right next to Trident! Hope to catch you and Lynn next time!
If ours ever dies I am replacing it with a smaller generator and adding smaller lithium. We only use it for air conditioning and charging lithium when at anchor.
I have a pair of these on my boat with a full Victron system thats been up and running for a while. Fantastic batteries! There are basically 2 ways to employ these with the Victron system. I have a few videos covering some of the basics but need to make another vid to update some things. If you need a hand when it comes time to program let me know. For these batteries you will want to set 13.9 absorbtion and 13.5 float or if you will be using the comms for control you will need to enable the DVCC and then set "limit charged voltage" to 13.8 or 13.9. One other great selling point for these is that they have an internal 500 amp Class T fuse inside the case. That saves an additional $150-$200 per battery that you dont need to add an external class T fuse as per ABYC E-13. Also since it has the internal class T fuse its ok to use MRBF fuses right on the terminals for a very clean install. Let me know if you need some help when the time comes. In addition you can go to the Epoch Marine facebook group for tons of help.
That was very interesting. Battery technology has become incredible. Digging that nice Roger Out as a sign-off fer sure! I hope to see Cleo do it again!!
Btw, your Cerbo GX can control your generator for you, if you like. You can, for example, set it to monitor the charge condition of your batteries and start your generator when the batteries drop to 20% and turn the generator off when the batteries reach 80% (or, any other charge level you prefer). The 20%/80% will maximize charge cycles; because, LiFePO4 batteries like being partially charged, rather than full or empty. So, what I would suggest is getting a 240v battery charger to connect to your generator. These are usually able to deliver about 3600 watts of charging power - so, you will be able to recharge your new batteries in just a few hours.
We actually have a device that can turn the generator on to charge our house batteries if they get low. However, we have it turned off. I just don't like the idea of our generator tuening on when I am not at the boat.
I have 125 amp alternator on each engine, when I fire the engines up it usually goes to 80 amps for half hour then goes down to about 30, I have 5 house batteries and two for cranking engines, so it recharges within an hour usually
We only have 65amp alternators. I put a charge controller between it and the batteries to keep the draw down to 25amps. We hope to add high amp alternators some time soon. I am looking for direct drive but haven't found any yet.
@@tryingnottosink9107 You can connect charge controllers in parallel to increase the charge current - and, those MPPT controllers like you have are cheap. You can also get a current limiting DC-DC converter from Victron, or other manufacturers.
I'm about your ages.. Those batteries are life time for you and me. Let be put 3500 cycles in prospective.. That's using them 3500 times the chances of you taking your boat out 3500 times is impossible unless your a working vessel.. I thought I could brag about my set of 300 amp PO4's.. Them pups are off grid gems ya got there mate!!! 460 amp you could be off the Generator for weeks with 6 of them puppies. With todays LED lighting I bet you could stretch them even further. What I dont like is they are to dam smart and I don't want them getting pissed at me and turning themselves off one fine vacation day.
Terrific addition for boaters... The crucible will be, can you run your master stateroom a/c off of that battery bank? I had 5 8D's in parallel with my 3500 watt inverter.... in dc 12 volt amperage, I was drawing 90 amps per hour... after 5 hours, the a/c was off line! Naturally, every hour you save on generator run time is likely upwards for 10 dollars an hour (based on 2 gallons an hour at 5 dollars a gallon-- and not mentioning the using up the service life of your generator) This should be an excellent series of videos. Be especially careful wiring in ALL THAT amperage!!! really loving the remote shut off switches.. Very enthusiastic!
This should put an end to the battery problems you had this season. Have you ever considered keeping your boat up here - especially when we have weather like today - high of 82 on Halloween!
I’m sure you know already an external regulator on the 200a alternators is a wise option. Also need to ensure the alternators stay cool with blowers always running probably, I know you have nice large engine rooms so maybe not such a biggie. But the main thing is even at 200a I bet your lithium batteries will be quite capable of overworking the alternators if you are not setup properly .
It was not clear to me so I will ask. Are you removing the other batteries you have, and putting this one in? Or are you adding this to your existing set-up (ie: keeping the ones you have in addition to this new battery? . Side note: has your boat survived the bad weather? Thanks, great video!!! GB
We are going to use our existing batteries to run the 24 volt systems on the boat (toilets mostly) and our 12 volt LED underwater lights. I may also hook up a switch to add them to the inverter system in case they are ever needed. We only had minor damage to our spray rail from the storm. A port piling that we were tied to broke and we swung into the starboard piling.
A word of caution: It is essential that you limit the current draw from your alternator to prevent it from overheating and potentially self-destructing. The batteries you have there can easily overload your over-sized alternator. Just because your alternator cannot deliver the current demanded by the batteries does not mean it will not tirelessly try to do so. And, even if your alternator can deliver that much charge current, it likely cannot withstand that much current being drawn for very long. Usually, an alternator is called upon to deliver a large amount of current for a short period of time - to replenish the current used for starting engines. Alternators are not intended for high current AND high duty cycle. Victron, and others, make DC-DC devices that will regulate both the charging voltage and current in the system to protect your alternator. I strongly urge you to investigate and obtain one. Please, take this seriously, as you risk a fire hazard if your alternators overheat.
Perhaps I did not explain it in the video. I have a solar charge controller in between the alternator and batteries that regulates the draw to a maximum of 25 amps. I did a video on it a few years ago.
@@tryingnottosink9107 At what voltage? 25 amps at 13.8 volts (typical 12v alternator voltage output) is only 345 watts - not much charge power. I still think you would be better off with a dedicated DC-DC converter that can provide higher current.
It sounded like that didn't it! 😁Actually, we really like these batteries and we though some of our viewers would appreciate the info since it has been five years since our original lithium installation.
aarrrgghhh dont sea water and those new batteries make a fire you cant put out dont it - i dont know i see cars and sea water blow up so on a boat -- googan time ???? - capt flint
I would never place a Li battery on a boat, especially an ocean boat. This is such a bad idea. I worked with them for years. I hope it works out for you all. BTW - This sounded more like a commercial than your other videos; don't like this.
@Chris-zo5ze okay but, what if you need to replace them when out of the USA? How available are these? Besides the fire risks? I am not arguing with anyone here, I only love you all..
@@lordTowle I'm not arguing either... Just letting you know that the technology is changing and the fire risks aren't what they used to be. I'd imagine just like anything else, you can get anything shipped to most places in the world.
LiPo4 don't burn, plan and simple. Lots of test videos out there when they drive a 1inch diameter spike in to one. They don't use them in things like cars because the energy storage capacity VS weight is much lower than regular LiOn.. As for outside of the US replacement. They are super common everywhere in the world at basically any marine store. May not be the same brand, but it's a group sized industry standard.
LiFePo4 is Lithium Iron Phosphate chemistry- much safer than other types of Lithium ion batteries- folks that wouldn’t have a LiFePo4s due to the risk, should probably be much more concerned about there cordless drills, iPhones, and (especially) cheap lithium battery products like inflatable bed mattress batteries and the like. The biggest fire hazard with these huge batteries isn’t typically the actual battery -it’s the huge wires and high amperage terminal connections that cause the majority of marine fires…and then the fiberglass boat burns to the waterline. In a fire like that. the LiFePo4 batteries will indeed burn up in the fire, but they will (literally) not hold a candle to the fiberglass fed fire once that starts 🥺
Actually, these batteries replace our lithium, not our starting batteries. The main thing that shortened our season was the windlass breaking. In any case, we still have several more "trip" videos coming out over the next few weeks.
It seems a great product. Looking forward the installing and test video.
We are excited to get them installed on the boat. Some time in December!
Billy Mays here for Epoch batteries 😂 LifePO4 are a game changer, just the weight reduction is huge, I was amazed at how much lighter they are than traditional batteries. Definitely a worthwhile investment.
LOL 😁😎 We agree! LifePO4 batteries are a huge improvement in boating.
Great video, thanks for the detail! Just pulled into Titusville yesterday for a couple of nights and right next to Trident! Hope to catch you and Lynn next time!
Sorry we missed you!
I'm about to retire and dive in to into this lifestyle, see you at the next marina!
See you soon!
great episode
Thanks!
awesome looking forward to install..thanks
We are excited to get them on the boat!
The generator the the most useful item I had on my boat 🎉🎉
If ours ever dies I am replacing it with a smaller generator and adding smaller lithium. We only use it for air conditioning and charging lithium when at anchor.
Glad you are doing this as we are thinking of going the same way on our 1989 carver santego. Cheers
It is so much nicer than turning on the generator and pay for themselves over time with fuel and maintenance savings.
I have a pair of these on my boat with a full Victron system thats been up and running for a while. Fantastic batteries! There are basically 2 ways to employ these with the Victron system. I have a few videos covering some of the basics but need to make another vid to update some things. If you need a hand when it comes time to program let me know. For these batteries you will want to set 13.9 absorbtion and 13.5 float or if you will be using the comms for control you will need to enable the DVCC and then set "limit charged voltage" to 13.8 or 13.9. One other great selling point for these is that they have an internal 500 amp Class T fuse inside the case. That saves an additional $150-$200 per battery that you dont need to add an external class T fuse as per ABYC E-13. Also since it has the internal class T fuse its ok to use MRBF fuses right on the terminals for a very clean install. Let me know if you need some help when the time comes. In addition you can go to the Epoch Marine facebook group for tons of help.
Thanks for the detailed info, very helpful! I plan to install them in December and I might take you up on that offer. Thanks.
These look ideal for your boat.
We agree!
Great information, Ed. Thanks for all the research you do and sharing the results. Appreciate y'all...from Virginia Beach, VA.
You are welcome. Glad you liked it!
That was very interesting. Battery technology has become incredible.
Digging that nice Roger Out as a sign-off fer sure! I hope to see Cleo do it again!!
Thanks. We'll see. I'll ask Cleo for the next video!
I’m jealous! Epic!
These batteries are fantastic. No more staring the generator every afternoon!
Just bought a 36’ marine trader. Hope to see you guys out there. These epoch batteries seem to be quite good, I just saw them on another channel.
We are very excited to get them on our boat. See you on the water!
Btw, your Cerbo GX can control your generator for you, if you like. You can, for example, set it to monitor the charge condition of your batteries and start your generator when the batteries drop to 20% and turn the generator off when the batteries reach 80% (or, any other charge level you prefer). The 20%/80% will maximize charge cycles; because, LiFePO4 batteries like being partially charged, rather than full or empty.
So, what I would suggest is getting a 240v battery charger to connect to your generator. These are usually able to deliver about 3600 watts of charging power - so, you will be able to recharge your new batteries in just a few hours.
We actually have a device that can turn the generator on to charge our house batteries if they get low. However, we have it turned off. I just don't like the idea of our generator tuening on when I am not at the boat.
It would be nice if I could get an alert that the batteries need charging and I could use the Cerbo to turn the generator on and off as I please.
Right now I am, having an issue with my Cerbo losing internet connection when I am away from the boat and not reconnecting.
I have 125 amp alternator on each engine, when I fire the engines up it usually goes to 80 amps for half hour then goes down to about 30, I have 5 house batteries and two for cranking engines, so it recharges within an hour usually
We only have 65amp alternators. I put a charge controller between it and the batteries to keep the draw down to 25amps. We hope to add high amp alternators some time soon. I am looking for direct drive but haven't found any yet.
@@tryingnottosink9107 You can connect charge controllers in parallel to increase the charge current - and, those MPPT controllers like you have are cheap. You can also get a current limiting DC-DC converter from Victron, or other manufacturers.
I'm about your ages.. Those batteries are life time for you and me. Let be put 3500 cycles in prospective.. That's using them 3500 times the chances of you taking your boat out 3500 times is impossible unless your a working vessel.. I thought I could brag about my set of 300 amp PO4's.. Them pups are off grid gems ya got there mate!!! 460 amp you could be off the Generator for weeks with 6 of them puppies. With todays LED lighting I bet you could stretch them even further. What I dont like is they are to dam smart and I don't want them getting pissed at me and turning themselves off one fine vacation day.
We agree. And we replaced all our lightbulbs with LED already!
Terrific addition for boaters... The crucible will be, can you run your master stateroom a/c off of that battery bank? I had 5 8D's in parallel with my 3500 watt inverter.... in dc 12 volt amperage, I was drawing 90 amps per hour... after 5 hours, the a/c was off line! Naturally, every hour you save on generator run time is likely upwards for 10 dollars an hour (based on 2 gallons an hour at 5 dollars a gallon-- and not mentioning the using up the service life of your generator) This should be an excellent series of videos. Be especially careful wiring in ALL THAT amperage!!! really loving the remote shut off switches.. Very enthusiastic!
We will be doing an air conditioner test after we do the install. Stay tuned!
This should put an end to the battery problems you had this season. Have you ever considered keeping your boat up here - especially when we have weather like today - high of 82 on Halloween!
We were in Philly for 5 years. We might be headed to Puerto Rico this year.
Nice
Thanks!
I’m sure you know already an external regulator on the 200a alternators is a wise option. Also need to ensure the alternators stay cool with blowers always running probably, I know you have nice large engine rooms so maybe not such a biggie. But the main thing is even at 200a I bet your lithium batteries will be quite capable of overworking the alternators if you are not setup properly .
Good point. We'll make sure we're doing everything right.
How many of the new lithium batteries did you install?
We bought two of them and will install in December.
I assume you will use these for your House Bank and not for engine start. Correct?
That is correct. We will still use our lead acid batteries for the engines. These are only used for our inverter.
It was not clear to me so I will ask. Are you removing the other batteries you have, and putting this one in? Or are you adding this to your existing set-up (ie: keeping the ones you have in addition to this new battery?
.
Side note: has your boat survived the bad weather?
Thanks, great video!!! GB
We are going to use our existing batteries to run the 24 volt systems on the boat (toilets mostly) and our 12 volt LED underwater lights. I may also hook up a switch to add them to the inverter system in case they are ever needed.
We only had minor damage to our spray rail from the storm. A port piling that we were tied to broke and we swung into the starboard piling.
@ thanks,
A word of caution:
It is essential that you limit the current draw from your alternator to prevent it from overheating and potentially self-destructing. The batteries you have there can easily overload your over-sized alternator. Just because your alternator cannot deliver the current demanded by the batteries does not mean it will not tirelessly try to do so. And, even if your alternator can deliver that much charge current, it likely cannot withstand that much current being drawn for very long. Usually, an alternator is called upon to deliver a large amount of current for a short period of time - to replenish the current used for starting engines. Alternators are not intended for high current AND high duty cycle.
Victron, and others, make DC-DC devices that will regulate both the charging voltage and current in the system to protect your alternator. I strongly urge you to investigate and obtain one. Please, take this seriously, as you risk a fire hazard if your alternators overheat.
Perhaps I did not explain it in the video. I have a solar charge controller in between the alternator and batteries that regulates the draw to a maximum of 25 amps. I did a video on it a few years ago.
@@tryingnottosink9107 At what voltage? 25 amps at 13.8 volts (typical 12v alternator voltage output) is only 345 watts - not much charge power.
I still think you would be better off with a dedicated DC-DC converter that can provide higher current.
A lot of doodads ...hopefully it will chug along if one goes bad.
Only use batteries which are certified for commercial vessels, anything else is bad!
Who told you that?
Was this an epoch battery ad?
It sounded like that didn't it! 😁Actually, we really like these batteries and we though some of our viewers would appreciate the info since it has been five years since our original lithium installation.
aarrrgghhh dont sea water and those new batteries make a fire you cant put out dont it - i dont know i see cars and sea water blow up so on a boat -- googan time ???? - capt flint
The new Lifepo4 batteries are safe. All the new boats are putting them in. It is more likely that my electric drill will catch on fire.
@@tryingnottosink9107 thank you i wondered about new tech and sea water
Lead is dead!
I would never place a Li battery on a boat, especially an ocean boat.
This is such a bad idea.
I worked with them for years.
I hope it works out for you all.
BTW - This sounded more like a commercial than your other videos; don't like this.
They have Lithium blends now that won't produce oxygen and burn up like the older batteries.
Yes, this whole video was an ad.
@Chris-zo5ze okay but, what if you need to replace them when out of the USA?
How available are these? Besides the fire risks?
I am not arguing with anyone here, I only love you all..
@@lordTowle I'm not arguing either... Just letting you know that the technology is changing and the fire risks aren't what they used to be.
I'd imagine just like anything else, you can get anything shipped to most places in the world.
LiPo4 don't burn, plan and simple. Lots of test videos out there when they drive a 1inch diameter spike in to one. They don't use them in things like cars because the energy storage capacity VS weight is much lower than regular LiOn.. As for outside of the US replacement. They are super common everywhere in the world at basically any marine store. May not be the same brand, but it's a group sized industry standard.
LiFePo4 is Lithium Iron Phosphate chemistry- much safer than other types of Lithium ion batteries- folks that wouldn’t have a LiFePo4s due to the risk, should probably be much more concerned about there cordless drills, iPhones, and (especially) cheap lithium battery products like inflatable bed mattress batteries and the like.
The biggest fire hazard with these huge batteries isn’t typically the actual battery -it’s the huge wires and high amperage terminal connections that cause the majority of marine fires…and then the fiberglass boat burns to the waterline. In a fire like that. the LiFePo4 batteries will indeed burn up in the fire, but they will (literally) not hold a candle to the fiberglass fed fire once that starts 🥺
Dude you mean epic not epoch
The company is called Epoch but pronounced Epic.
Finally upgraded your batteries, I think your delays in upgrading kinda spoiled your season, not much content…
Actually, these batteries replace our lithium, not our starting batteries. The main thing that shortened our season was the windlass breaking. In any case, we still have several more "trip" videos coming out over the next few weeks.