03 May
Ocean NavigatorMarine Technology, Ocean Voyaging, Offshore Sailing, , , , , , ,
Earlier this year, I finally upgraded from lead acid batteries to lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo4) batteries on my Valiant 40, Brick House. I’d researched for at least a year and South Africa, with its great tech base and good exchange rate, was the place to do it. [gtx_gallery] Lithium batteries favor the inclusion of a battery management system (BMS) in most applications on boats. The BMS ensures that the battery is not over or undercharged, and that it doesn’t overheat, freeze, or have to deal with oversized currents. Most people understand that a lithium battery BMS is the brains of…
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16 Mar
Ocean NavigatorMarine Technology, Newsletter
An essential component of any offshore cruising yacht’s electrical system is an inverter, which converts 12V DC into 110V or 220V AC. As much as we might want to create a 12V alternative reality for ourselves offshore and at anchor, reality speaks for itself: we still need AC for many electrical appliances and systems. Power tools and appliances, including drill motors, small circular saws and blenders, are available in 12V versions, but many yachties still prefer the higher performance of AC tools and fixtures. Fortunately, the range of marine and recreational inverters is wide and varied, from small cigarette lighter…
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