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In a previous article, I detailed how we converted our ice box into a fridge/freezer onboard our Catalina 270. I can assure you, it is one of the best modifications we’ve made and truly classifies itself as an upgrade for both convenience and overall enjoyment.
Should you have 120VAC devices or appliances (vacuum, expresso maker, induction elements, wired tools) you’d like to run on your vessel when away from the dock you will need an inverter. An inverter takes in DC power and synthesizes 50 or 60Hz AC power at 120 or 220V.
When it comes to building sizable house battery banks, you will probably need more than one battery. Combining multiple batteries in series and/or parallel will allow you to construct a larger battery banks.
Read more: Boat Nerd: DC Electrics – Part 6: Battery Banks...
Figure 10 shows many of the fuse types commonly found on a vessel and the ones I use most commonly. (but not a complete list by any means). They differ by physical size, current capacity and AIC.
Many wires on a vessel are connected via a bolted lug. ABYC standard E-11 covers normal do and don’ts.
The other factor that affects wire size after the “how much current can it handle before burning up” question is, what is the voltage drop across the wire? At 120V if we lose a volt or two along the wire run it’s no big deal. At 12V if we lose a volt or two it’s a very different story.
I’m often asked to take a look at a survey to complete repairs at the request of a boat owner’s insurance company. Over the years, I’ve noticed that there are some items that are considered much lower ‘risk’, than others when identified on a survey.
This series deals with basic DC boat wiring concepts. From various articles and posts I see, and talking with boating friends, there seems to be mystery for many when it comes to boat electrics. I don’t intend this to be a deep dive but hopefully enough to take away some of the mystery.
Rarely have I seen a boat that is bought brand new and continues to look like it rolled off the factory floor a year or two later. Upgrades and changes are inevitable. A new GPS is installed. A cooler is replaced. Lights are swapped out. The list goes on.
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Boat Reviews
Video Gallery
X Shore EELEX 8000
By Andy Adams
100% Electric performance available now
When we arranged to interview the designer and manufacturer to write a profile of the X Shore Eelex 8000 for the June 2021 issue of Canadian Yachting magazine, it was on the understanding that we always prefer to actually drive and experience the boats we write about, and we were especially keen to drive the X Shore when BCI Marine here in Canada, got their first boat from Sweden.
There has been a lot of media attention around everything electric lately, especially electric vehicles, but so far, most electric boats are a concept, not yet a reality. The X Shore Eelex 8000 is a reality and a very impressive one at that.
Neptunus 650E
By Andy Adams
Last August, we were again invited to the Neptunus Yachts facility in St. Catharines, Ontario to run and review their latest yacht, a 202650E at their marina by Lake Ontario. Keen readers of Canadian Yachting might recall reading about a Neptunus 650 back in 2016 and while this is the same proven hull, Neptunus is a custom builder and the 2022 650E here has a totally new interior design and layout.
Neptunus builds bespoke yachts. The reality is that no two Neptunus Yachts are the same. Each is individually tailored to its owners tastes and activities and is finished to their specifications.
Destinations
The Lady-like Atmosphere of Ladysmith
By Marianne Scott
Instant towns have sprung up in the past, especially on the BC coast. In the late 1850s, Victoria grew overnight into a tent city when hordes of prospectors stopped by to provision for their quest to get rich in the Fraser goldfields. The tents were followed quickly by brick hotels, stores and brothels. Prince Rupert began as a tent town after it was chosen as the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway’s terminus, then built more permanent structures.
But no place went up overnight like Ladysmith, where coal baron James Dunsmuir moved his miners “stock, lock and barrel” after coal seams further north on Vancouver Island had been exhausted.
Lifestyle
By Andy Adams and Allegra Smith-Herriot
From cottage boats to luxury cruisers, there have been a host of major design changes over the past decade and the latest boats for 2022 are significantly different from the new models we saw back in 2012. To better understand what is driving these design changes, we contacted the designers, product specialists and marketing experts at several of the top boat builders.
More than anything else, we learned that people’s lifestyles are changing, and boats are changing to serve those new priorities. Maybe you will see your own boating plans reflected in their comments.
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Marine Products
SeaKits now available in Canada via Canadian Yachting Ecommerce Store
Don’t let offshore emergencies turn into disasters. SeaKits help to prepare you for emergencies at sea so you can take on the challenge with confidence.
There are three SeaKits available at www.canadianyachting.ca/store:
• SeaKits Expedition - Offshore emergency damage control and repair kit. Be prepared to save your boat - SeaKits Expedition gives you the tools to fight the battle. Each kit comes with more than two dozen emergency tools in a waterproof PelicanTM 1500 case. Retail - $1399.99
News
SailGP, the international racing series featuring high speed F50 wingsailed catamarans, is partnering with RS Electric Boats – sister brand of sailboat manufacturer RS Sailing – to use the Pulse 63 electric RIB as chase, coach and support boats.
RS Electric Boats will supply SailGP with four Pulse 63s, which were designed to be electric boats from the outset. The unique aerodynamic hull form is designed to support the weight of the batteries while allowing rapid acceleration, functional speeds up to 23 knots and ample range.
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