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Overnight Power Preps

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
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Initially Posted - 06/03/2006 : 09:39:16

As I decided to ask this question, I then realized what a wimp I must have turned into during the past 20+ years since I last owned a boat. I would have just gone on overnighters...anyway....

I presently do not pay for $20/month extra for electricity at my marina. I have a 20 watt solar panel and does fine for keeping the batteries up to snuff. But, I have also not spent an overnighter yet on my boat. I have very low power requirements right now. Just basic cabin lighting and possibly a radio. If anchoring, well then I probably would conserve using the cabin lights and for one night, etc probably would not drain the 2 batteries. However, if I was to stay at as a transient at another marina and wanted to utilize more of the cabin lights, what would be best to be utilizing on the boat to not drain the batteries.

My boat does have two electrical AC outlets. I have to check them out and see if they work and also wanted to install GFIs in the outlets. Then I could utilize AC power when at a marina but woild have to bring lights that run off AC. If I were to use my DC lights, what should I get ....a Guest or Xantrex battery charger ? Then leave it hooked up, run my cabin lights, etc and let the battery charge accordingly ? What do others do that occassionally go on overnighters ?

Larry
'89 Robin's Nest#5820, Potomac River/Quantico, Va
http://catalina25.homestead.com/olarryr.html

Edited by - on

existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 06/03/2006 : 10:45:53

I believe this thread has some useful information Larry. My solution worked fine for me over Memorial day weekend.

http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12084&SearchTerms=inverter

Edited by - on

Bubba
Admiral

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USA
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Response Posted - 06/03/2006 : 10:57:51

What ever brand you choose, I'd recommend a portable charger if you're only going to use it occasionally. The only issue would be rigging it to charge both batteries.

Seems like the cheapest solution would be to pick up a $10 AC desk lamp at Target or Wal-Mart. One of those would be brighter than all of your 12v lights combined. And, every marina has ice so, take the money you save and get a blender for dock-side margaritas!

Edited by - on

OLarryR
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3502 Posts

Response Posted - 06/03/2006 : 11:14:54

Rick,

Thanks for the thread. Of the options people used, the generator for me would be an overkill and the powerpack, while seems like something to look into more, believe that I would not have use for it except the occasional overnighter and so I tend not to want to get rechargeable things unless I can come up with frequent uses to keep the rechargeables from weakening. Probably the best options for me is relying on my solar panel (though, it's only a small one) and switching cabin lights over to LEDs. The LEDs does interest me especially because I just got done putting on an LED Anchor light. Though, from what I have seen on the web, you have to really look into what LED config is used in place of the cabin lights because some setups result in very low light. A slight improvement over the existing lights but yields bright lights is to go the halogen route via Catalina Direct. Based on the info provided for the halogens, it looks like it cuts the cabin light amp load in half compared to the existing lightbulbs. I need to look into this option some more considering different LED configs and also flourescents. All three significantly reduce amp loads. Another option is just to bring a camp battery lamp along to take the edge off using the boat batteries for all lighting, etc. But then that's an added thing to bring along.

I also have a new Honda 9.9 with the 12 amp charger. That's twice as much as the older model. Perhaps, I should just go out on a few overnighters and see what the deal is. Between my outboard, solar panel and possibly some lightbulb changes, that may be all I need to do at present. Just that some info I have read and some friends at work indicated I should consider a marine battery charger because many chargers have a smart technology where they run all boat house functions and charge batteries at various charging stages depending on battery status. Can only use it, though, if staying overnight at a slip with power. If I do not do that often, then better to just forgo the charger and go the lighbulb option as only real major change needed.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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3502 Posts

Response Posted - 06/03/2006 : 11:19:58

Dave & Deb,

Just saw your post. Yeah...that was sort of what i was thinking , though, get some small AC light, etc to have onboard for the few times when I have AC power available and get a charger but I would opt for a marine charger versus the Walmart, etc route. Many of the Guest and Xantrex ones I looked at have wires for 2 or more battery banks, so that solves the more than one battery charging scenario. But for tacking on a marine name to it....it opts the charger cost for a resonable decent one to approx $100 - $230 versus a cheap and dirty one for less than $60. Marine chargers can be way over the $230 cost but that seems to be for very frequent overnight users.

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existentialsailor
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1180 Posts

Response Posted - 06/03/2006 : 13:01:08

Larry,

Sounds like the try it out and see what you need option is probably the best one you have come up with. I'm a bit of a boy scout myself in that I tend to over prepare things...one thing that did not come out of the other thread is that the Xantrex unit I got is also able to charge the boat battery. Kind of an all in one device.
I agree with you on the lights, LEDs are great for some applications, not so for others, though AlpenGlow has some nice offerings and I know someone who installed them...he and his wife love them. I think if I go the LED route in the future, I'll change the entire fixtures. If I keep my current fixtures, I'll just use the halogens.

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aeckhart
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1709 Posts

Response Posted - 06/03/2006 : 18:37:25

Larry,

I have a very basic system consisting of two batt banks, a 10 watt solar charger, and a 6 amp alternator on the Evinrude motor, all of which keeps me charged up for the summer boating season. When cruising - I've been out for up to eight days, I usually use a coleman gas lantern for lights. It provides enough lighting, and warms the cabin on cool evenings. I don't think I've ever used shore power at a marina, although I've stayed at quite a few over the years. Battery charge has never been an issue. My solar panel and alternator provide all I need whether at my mooring or motoring during a cruise - which as most cruisers know, is often.

I'd think real hard before I spent the extra dollars on extra add-on equipment. My power requirements are very minimal. If yours are similar maybe all you need is the basics you already have.

Edited by - on

britinusa
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5404 Posts

Response Posted - 06/03/2006 : 18:54:32

So this all leads to a simple question...

Does the (2005)Tohatsu 9.8hp engine pump out enough power at idle to run the boat systems over night
Typical at anchor includes
.. Masthead Anchor lights
.. Cabin lights
.. Stero system
.. DVD player (plugged into the stero for quality sound)
.. GPS (with anchor alarm set)
.. Trickle charge the batteries.

Paul

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 06/03/2006 : 20:03:42

"Does the (2005)Tohatsu 9.8hp engine pump out enough power at idle to run the boat systems over night"

Don't think so... most of these outboards don't put out much wattage at low rpm. I don't think you'd want to be listening to it vibrate on your transom all night anyway... it would drive you nuts (well, maybe) as well as the anyone else in the anchorage (not a maybe).

Why not make it a policy to enjoy the quiet and starlight after say.. 10:30. That way you only need to run most of your stuff a couple hours.

Edited by - on

britinusa
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Response Posted - 06/03/2006 : 20:15:51

By 10:30 we're normally stewing zzzzzz's :)

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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3502 Posts

Response Posted - 06/03/2006 : 20:43:59

I have same thinking regarding the outboard motor alternator in that I would not run it idling for long periods of time to charge my batteries. But with the Honda, it's putting out 12 amps/hr at normal speeds, so going in and out of the marina and perhaps any addl time in a channel it's helping a bit. Al, is getting by with his 10 watt solar panel and so given that I have a 2o watt solar panel, I expect I will have similar successes running that way. Looks like best for me to forgo buying a battery charger for now. Maybe I will just change the lightbulbs to halogens or LEDS.

Al, you mentioned that you use a Coleman Gas lantern. I thought those Coleman products were mainly for use outside and not in an enclosed space. I know the white (fluid) gas Coleman lanterns indicate that but not sure about the compressed gas canister Coleman Lanterns. I guess the two things that I would be concerned about and do not know if they apply to the Coleman products these days is the concern about any gas that is heavier than air. Also any product that may deplete the air of oxygen. I know I have seen warnings of these type for some stoves/lanterns but not sure about ...Coleman compressed gas canister lanterns. (Believe they use propane these days.)

In any case, I would probably go the Coleman battery flourescent lantern way if I were to bring any supplemental light sources onboard for anchoring. if in a marina, well then I could bring an AC light to hook up.

Edited by - on

Champipple
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6855 Posts

Response Posted - 06/03/2006 : 20:56:17

For your purposes, combined with the solar panel the smaller guest model just might do the trick for you. I believe we have the 6 amp marine charger that we clipped the ends (they were alligator clips) and swedged permanent terminals on.

A lot of talk here about lighting and charging sources, but I think that a big point that hasn't really been addressed is that the factory original AC panel was no more than a home depot (of that era) big breaker box.

It is definitely no longer marine code.

I think smaller battery (AA, AAA, 9volt, C, D etc) will get you by for one night. I'd consider an alternator on the engine or the charging unit for the longer stays.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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3502 Posts

Response Posted - 06/03/2006 : 21:14:07

Just thought I would share an LED cabin light and cabin light adapter I just came across on the web. See what you think of this one:

http://www.sailorssolutions.com/index.asp?page=ProductDetails&Item=SEN10W

Best thing right now is for me to get an overnighter under my belt. Hope I don't have anchoring questions afterwards ! LOL
Probably will not be able to do one for a couple of more weeks.

Meanwhile...I am coming to the end of a couple of projects. My mast rewiring/anchor light LED is done but still need to replace the deck connector and replace the VHF cable connector. Right now, the VHF cable is not hooked up. My lights are all working but I have the old deck connector off and a glob of 3M5 5200 taking it's place to seal out moisture/rain.

Tomorrow, I hope to go out sailing for a bit but main thing is that I have come to the completion of my plexiglas storage compartment for the area under the VBerth. I made this compartment out of plexiglass which will protect the sea cock and thru hull fittings from any storage dumped under the VBerth. My thought is that the storage area under the VBerth is wasted because I and many others are probably reluctant to store things around the sea cock and trnasducers out of concern that they will be disturbed. This compartment I made completely encloses the fittings with about 12" of space around them if they need to be worked. A plexiglas shelf extends to the sides of the hull and the compartment fits the contour of the V area. I plan on taking photos as I do the initial install tomorrow and probably tweak it during the week. The compartment will be mounted using a dense, flexible material similar to what they use for orthotics - It's called plastizote. That will cushion the compartment sides, wedge it all together in the space and dampen any vibrations that would have been caused. More to follow on this latest endeavor.

Edited by - on

atgep
Master Marine Consultant

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Response Posted - 06/03/2006 : 23:51:25

Go try it. I have spent a month or so aboard mine over the past 3 yrs and find I do not use much power at night. I use a compact propane lantern and a battery powered led lantern. This thing is a year old and is still on the same batteries with plenty of use.

I use it to provide dim lighting in the cabin for using the head or walking below

Tom.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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3502 Posts

Response Posted - 06/04/2006 : 08:14:51

I have to check out that LED lantern or similar that uses a couple of "D" batteries. Good suggestion ! I really do not need much - Probably just something to take the edge off a bit.

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atgep
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Response Posted - 06/04/2006 : 10:42:22

The lantern provides enough light to get things done. It looks to be weather resistant, and mine still shows a green battery condition after approx 100 hours of use.

I think walmart now carries the garrity lantern.

Tom.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 06/04/2006 : 11:28:13

Try these 'stick-up' LED lights by Sylvania... bright, compact, last long time and look pretty cool too. I have them strategically placed around the house for emergency lighting. I like them so well that I am ordering some for the boat.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F7WW40/102-9524360-9302547?v=glance&n=15684181

Edited by - on

bbriner
Captain

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Response Posted - 06/04/2006 : 13:37:00

Bruce - very cool! I saw your post, clicked the link, immediately thought of 3 places to stick these little guys. I immediately clicked on the 1-click buy. Done! Thanks for the tip!

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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Response Posted - 06/04/2006 : 17:13:18

Those LEDs certainly are reasonable in cost ! I am also considering getting LEDs/solar accent lights for the front of my house - Both for the walkway and to highlight front door/landscaping. Still checking them out because if I do go that route, I want to get one that will have a fairly large solar panel on it or shared by two so the battery backup does not die too soon and adequate light is provided at night. I saw Malibu light has the landscape lights both with a panel mounted on top of each or with a larger panel shared by two lights with short wires too each. Guess I am getting carried away on these LEDs....back to boat talk.

By the way, I installed my plexiglas storage compartment in the VBerth area today. Project completed, no tweaking necessary.....Got to load the photos onto my website today or during this week.

Edited by - on

Lightnup
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1016 Posts

Response Posted - 06/04/2006 : 17:41:36

We use a couple of the portable, battery operated lights like Bruce suggested but they are made by First Alert, cost $2.99 each and can be found in any Target, CVS, K-Mart, Publix, etc. They're the kind you "tap" the lens and they come on. We hang one in the v-berth and one in the quarter-berth for reading prior to sleeping.

In the cabin, we use a battery powered portable lantern with dual-flourescent lights that provides plenty of light, lasts a looong time on batteries and we have used it through two post-hurricane power outages at home.

Only boat battery power I use when overnighting is for keeping the masthead anchor light on.

Steve

Edited by - on

britinusa
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Response Posted - 06/04/2006 : 19:38:21

Larry, we saw those leds at the miami boat show, they were very impressive, plenty of output (brights)
Seeing how they have the adaptors they would appear to be just the ticket.
I can see using those to provide brights and those dot-its for dims would work out a really good solution for those of us that push the cruising loads.

Now I'm getting excited again about another project that is affordable.

Paul

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
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Response Posted - 06/05/2006 : 08:45:43

"battery operated lights like Bruce suggested but they are made by First Alert, cost $2.99 each and can be found in any Target"

Those Sylvania LED puppies are a whole different caliber.
Extremely bright. Bright enough to be used as a reading light directly under the beam.

Edited by - on

danandlu
Navigator

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USA
175 Posts

Response Posted - 06/05/2006 : 20:48:20

I just purchased 3 Sylvania "DOT it" LED lights at Linens-n-Things. $8.99 each.

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3502 Posts

Response Posted - 06/06/2006 : 05:13:26

What's this world coming to.....Target and Linens-n-things becoming marine stores ? Sounds like I should get down to them and check out those LEDs. At $3 and $9 probably the cheapest purchase ever for anything that is boat related. ....Not to be greedy but....are the batteries included ? LOL

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ClamBeach
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Response Posted - 06/06/2006 : 09:17:16

>"Linens-n-things becoming marine stores"

Heh, I've been a member of the K-Mart yacht club for a long time.

>"Not to be greedy but....are the batteries included "

Yup. Pre-installed in fact. 100 hours expected life before dimming.

The only complaint I have about the lights is they could have more 'diffuser' for use in a small boat cabin. I am going to try a piece of frosted contact paper over the lens as an experiment.

If I can find some red paper and I've probably go got a poor mans's night chartlight. Heck maybe I'll try a red dry-erase marker on the lens and see how that works.

If they start making these things a little bigger... say 6 LED bulbs in a spread pattern... a couple of them would light the whole cabin as well as the stock light fixtures.

Edited by - on

danandlu
Navigator

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Response Posted - 06/06/2006 : 09:32:43

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">If I can find some red paper and I've probably go got a poor mans's night chartlight. Heck maybe I'll try a red dry-erase marker on the lens and see how that works.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

My port marker light was completely faded from red to clear. My daughter's red nail polish worked great on it. Permanent though.

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