PV Gap

Allen Said:

Solar Electric motors for sailboats / boats?

We Answered:

A live aboard needs a large motor and though I am sure that technology has an answer for a sizable motor the charging threw solar has not caught up yet. The sun doesn't shine enough to bet that you won't get stuck someplace and sometime with a dead battery and the wind in your face when you need to go that way and tacking just won't do. It will cost less to do a fueled motor for the little you need it and never have to worry about your charge going down cause the clouds have been cutting the sun levels and it's night and you have not found shore or dock. Also, don't bet on the dollar a day as electric service at your dock-age comes with a cost. Keep in mind too that much of the electric that goes threw boats has a funny way of causing electrolytic corrosion and zincs disappear like lemon drops on your tongue, boat metal to follow. I don't know a huge amount of info on these systems and don't know your boat and size but ask someone where you are to look at the boat and the system specs, and that someone should not be the person who is selling the equipment (and making the money for that sale).

Kirk Said:

Boat House Battery solution required?

We Answered:

You need to add a deep cycle batt for the house bank. Your alternator(s) should be fine. Get a 1,2,both,off battery switch if you don't already have one. Save the N150 for starting. The switch allows you to parallel if needed. The deep cycle can also be used for starting but won't likely be needed when your N150 is now used for starting only.
If you can...look at all your loads...in terms of Amp Hours useage...this will tell you how big a Battery you need in terms of reserve capacity. You might consider 2 6V combined to get huge reserve capacity in a smaller footprint.

Alternator being fine is a relative term...sorry...if you want to run your engines less...get a bigger alternator on at least one of your engines....like a Balmar 100 or 105

Good luck