Glad to see fellow NW RUclipsrs (Mac & Jenny - Cruising Maya) Doing well after boat life. His wiring looks great! I’d be very happy with that installation.
I am based out of Oak Harbor and have never seen Langley so empty. I also have gone to LFP. In May of 2022, I installed a DIY 560Ah LFP battery that fit into the space previously occupied by a Lifeline 4D. It is a game changer. The total cost of the 560Ah battery was $1,500 although that has come down significantly this year. I can now go 3-5 days without charging and no solar. I do not have a bimini and cannot find an aesthetically pleasing way to install panels. I charge it from shore power with a couple of Victron IP22 30A chargers which allow it to charge a fully depleted battery in 10 hours. This year, I upgraded my alternator to a 250A large frame externally regulated alternator which is controlled by a Zeus regulator on my 23-HP diesel. I limit the output to a max of 190A to prevent it from getting too hot and to stay withing the 200-amp limit of some of the other components. This lets me fully charge a completely drained battery in under 3-hours motoring.
I really have been enjoying your trips. I visited several of the same places that you are visiting. Your postings are a welcome trip through nostalgia for me. Matia used to have two cans to tie off on. I had a similar power issue as you're experiencing. I added a high output alternator and a smart regulator and my problems disappeared. It was really beneficial on trips to Alaska where I motored and got more rain than would have liked. Have fun!
Great episode again. We really enjoyed meeting up with you and getting a tour of the San Juans, feeling a little bad that we bailed early before the storm but looking forward to meeting up again this summer. Once the summer sun is in full force, I think you can fully sustain on solar. Our setup is pretty similar and in the summer on our long trips have never dropped before 50% and as long as the sun it out, top up to 100 every day. I do set a sleep timer on starlink through the app from 11pm - 6am and helps save a little energy. Thanks for the shout out to our channel and did we ever declare a winner? ⛵
Thanks, yes I think you probably won, but we’ll win the rematch! Great idea on the timer. Yes, if we can go 3 days with solar gen in clouds, should be even better in summer sun-hopefully like yours. Looking forward to more buddy boating this summer!
Good fortune to you! I was once stationed at NAS, Whidbey Island, so this is a bit nostalgic for me. I'm now in south central France working to get a boat fit for sailing.
Nice video, good Li Battery and solar upgrade, you did very well with the upgrade. Always keep in mind were your energy comes from it is a) Sunshine b) Diesel engine c) shore power. Sunshine in your area is limited, we have sailed in Desolation Sound in January and for 30 days we had no sunshine every day overcast, every day some rain. Question, what starter Battery are you using ? The Li Batt. manufactureres do not like to use the starter motor on their batteries. Cheers from Sechelt, BC
@@francinegolbeck3116 thanks so much for the comments. We have separate agm battery for the starter. So far the solar and extra capacity is has been exactly and all we’ve needed. 👍🏻
Nice series of videos guys! I think I came across this channel quite a while ago, but probably went sailing and forgot it. Subscribed now and I'll look back through the earlier ones. Any indication of what happened to that Smart Plug? I've installed a number of them and have never seen that kind of a burn! I have one aboard "Natasha" as well, and now I'm somewhat concerned. This is not supposed to happen! Quite the transformation on the electrical. Nice work! Hopefully the system lives up to your expectations. I'm a simple sailor, no refrigeration, but an icebox that will hold two blocks of ice (and a bunch of cubes) for two weeks if the weather doesn't get too hot. I'm headed to the west coast of Vancouver Island June 2nd and don't expect hot sunshine and warm water (unlike Desolation Sound!). Keep on sailing, and perhaps we'll cross paths some time.
Thanks Bert. Just watched some of your episodes last night about sailing west coast of Van Isle. We’re also headed there in June/July. Yes will keep an eye out for Natasha!
@@SailingSVIndigo Cool! I'm headed out Juan de Fuca on Monday or Tuesday of next week. A week of sailing with a buddy in Barkley Sound and then single-handed north, as far as the south side of the Brooks Peninsula. Buddy Paul is flying into Walter's Cove and we'll eventually sail back down to Gold River where he goes home. From there (around July 10th) I'll be headed back to Barkley Sound to meet up with young Natasha for a week in the Sound before heading back to Victoria and home to Sidney. I transmit on AIS so we may very well cross paths. Have a safe journey out there!
Gotta ask, did your battery guy give you any suggestions on why your smart plug fried? I spent alot of money to have one put on my boat along with some other electrical upgrades and have not had any problems. Never heard of any problems until your video. Could it have been a marina problem ?
@SailingSVIndigo The fact that the plug fried after instalation just after installation of the new lithium system suggests a causal connection between them. Lithium batteries can suck up a heck of a lot if energy pretty fast. You might want to double check how much power it's drawing through that shore cable! Sorry if it's an obvious comment or if you've already checked. Nice videos!
Nice video. I have had similar issues with the Smart Plug but luckily they are easy (but expensive) to fix. What alternator did you install? I assume you changed it to be compatible with the lithium batteris?
Thanks. Yes, I thought so too on the Smart Plug. I guess they are still better than the standard ones. We installed a Balmar 170 amp alternator -- rather than keeping the old stock one.
With all the cloud seeding they do in BC and around the world, makes if. Difficult for solar-powered. Something to watch in the rain. THE DIMMING, documentary
![Megan Thee Stallion - Neva Play (feat. RM) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/TpYTyAaTRts/mqdefault.jpg)
Glad to see fellow NW RUclipsrs (Mac & Jenny - Cruising Maya) Doing well after boat life. His wiring looks great! I’d be very happy with that installation.
Yes, Mac did an awesome job. We highly recommend him if you need any boat repair/upgrade help while in Anacortes!
I am based out of Oak Harbor and have never seen Langley so empty.
I also have gone to LFP. In May of 2022, I installed a DIY 560Ah LFP battery that fit into the space previously occupied by a Lifeline 4D. It is a game changer. The total cost of the 560Ah battery was $1,500 although that has come down significantly this year. I can now go 3-5 days without charging and no solar. I do not have a bimini and cannot find an aesthetically pleasing way to install panels.
I charge it from shore power with a couple of Victron IP22 30A chargers which allow it to charge a fully depleted battery in 10 hours. This year, I upgraded my alternator to a 250A large frame externally regulated alternator which is controlled by a Zeus regulator on my 23-HP diesel. I limit the output to a max of 190A to prevent it from getting too hot and to stay withing the 200-amp limit of some of the other components. This lets me fully charge a completely drained battery in under 3-hours motoring.
I thought that those Smart Plugs were supposed to eliminate the risk of sparks and fires.
I thought so too! Thanks for the comment 👍🏻
I really have been enjoying your trips. I visited several of the same places that you are visiting. Your postings are a welcome trip through nostalgia for me. Matia used to have two cans to tie off on.
I had a similar power issue as you're experiencing. I added a high output alternator and a smart regulator and my problems disappeared. It was really beneficial on trips to Alaska where I motored and got more rain than would have liked. Have fun!
Thanks for the comment! Yes our new alternator is also really helpful. And it does still show 2 buoys on the chart in Matia. Cheers!
Love the Maya cross over with Mack👍
Yes Mac and Jenny are great! Definitely recommend him if you need any boat repairs while in Anacortes. You guys still sailing?
@SailingSVIndigo We still have the boat for sale but will start prepping for another season of boating if she hasn't sold by May long. 😊
@@HittingtheroadMatt great, keep us posted!
Great Video...I think you are on the same dock as me at Shilshole...best Aquila (a 37' Beneteau)...stop by and say Hi...
Thanks! Will do, and say hi to us if you see us at the slip!
You need to go back to Stuart Island and check out the school and graveyard. There is a lot of history at the school house and teachery.
Thanks for the tip.. we'll check it out next time!
Fantastic, thanks for sharing.
Thanks Andre!
Great job! We are presently sailing in Brazil. You will never regret the lithium batteries and solar power.
Thanks! Great to hear from sailors in Brazil!
Great episode again. We really enjoyed meeting up with you and getting a tour of the San Juans, feeling a little bad that we bailed early before the storm but looking forward to meeting up again this summer. Once the summer sun is in full force, I think you can fully sustain on solar. Our setup is pretty similar and in the summer on our long trips have never dropped before 50% and as long as the sun it out, top up to 100 every day. I do set a sleep timer on starlink through the app from 11pm - 6am and helps save a little energy. Thanks for the shout out to our channel and did we ever declare a winner? ⛵
Thanks, yes I think you probably won, but we’ll win the rematch! Great idea on the timer. Yes, if we can go 3 days with solar gen in clouds, should be even better in summer sun-hopefully like yours. Looking forward to more buddy boating this summer!
Great video guys!! Wish we didn’t have to leave so early. The rest of your trip looked fantastic! See you soon!!
Good fortune to you! I was once stationed at NAS, Whidbey Island, so this is a bit nostalgic for me. I'm now in south central France working to get a boat fit for sailing.
Probably need more solar and batteries. It's nice up that way..
Nice video, good Li Battery and solar upgrade, you did very well with the upgrade. Always keep in mind were your energy comes from it is a) Sunshine b) Diesel engine c) shore power. Sunshine in your area is limited, we have sailed in Desolation Sound in January and for 30 days we had no sunshine every day overcast, every day some rain. Question, what starter Battery are you using ? The Li Batt. manufactureres do not like to use the starter motor on their batteries. Cheers from Sechelt, BC
@@francinegolbeck3116 thanks so much for the comments. We have separate agm battery for the starter. So far the solar and extra capacity is has been exactly and all we’ve needed. 👍🏻
Nice series of videos guys! I think I came across this channel quite a while ago, but probably went sailing and forgot it. Subscribed now and I'll look back through the earlier ones. Any indication of what happened to that Smart Plug? I've installed a number of them and have never seen that kind of a burn! I have one aboard "Natasha" as well, and now I'm somewhat concerned. This is not supposed to happen! Quite the transformation on the electrical. Nice work! Hopefully the system lives up to your expectations. I'm a simple sailor, no refrigeration, but an icebox that will hold two blocks of ice (and a bunch of cubes) for two weeks if the weather doesn't get too hot. I'm headed to the west coast of Vancouver Island June 2nd and don't expect hot sunshine and warm water (unlike Desolation Sound!). Keep on sailing, and perhaps we'll cross paths some time.
Thanks Bert. Just watched some of your episodes last night about sailing west coast of Van Isle. We’re also headed there in June/July. Yes will keep an eye out for Natasha!
@@SailingSVIndigo Cool! I'm headed out Juan de Fuca on Monday or Tuesday of next week. A week of sailing with a buddy in Barkley Sound and then single-handed north, as far as the south side of the Brooks Peninsula. Buddy Paul is flying into Walter's Cove and we'll eventually sail back down to Gold River where he goes home. From there (around July 10th) I'll be headed back to Barkley Sound to meet up with young Natasha for a week in the Sound before heading back to Victoria and home to Sidney. I transmit on AIS so we may very well cross paths. Have a safe journey out there!
Gotta ask, did your battery guy give you any suggestions on why your smart plug fried? I spent alot of money to have one put on my boat along with some other electrical upgrades and have not had any problems. Never heard of any problems until your video. Could it have been a marina problem ?
I’ve never heard of problems either. Could be the marina, but it’s a very nice one so would think so. Mac didn’t know. Guess it just failed.
@SailingSVIndigo The fact that the plug fried after instalation just after installation of the new lithium system suggests a causal connection between them. Lithium batteries can suck up a heck of a lot if energy pretty fast. You might want to double check how much power it's drawing through that shore cable! Sorry if it's an obvious comment or if you've already checked. Nice videos!
@@SteveRemedios thanks for the suggestion. Looked into that but we think it’s likely corrosion on the wiring connection.
Nice video. I have had similar issues with the Smart Plug but luckily they are easy (but expensive) to fix. What alternator did you install? I assume you changed it to be compatible with the lithium batteris?
Thanks. Yes, I thought so too on the Smart Plug. I guess they are still better than the standard ones. We installed a Balmar 170 amp alternator -- rather than keeping the old stock one.
What about frying your lithium batteries if struck by lightning?
"and Canada"!!
With all the cloud seeding they do in BC and around the world, makes if. Difficult for solar-powered. Something to watch in the rain. THE DIMMING, documentary