Off the grid, advice

[alieboot]

Our new boat is spec with 9K genset, we are thinking 6K Northern Lights with 3K Magnum Hybrid inverter. Someone said go with a 5k inverter, not sure, that seems like overkill. Also spec for 2-16K AC, I'm thinking 2- 10K and 2 -6K so we can zone each cabin and run one 6K on solar through the batteries.
Whati is the best bang for the buck, as the budget after buying the boat is running thin, on solar, inverters , generators, batteries and AC? What is working best for you?
Thanks,
Alyce and Mike
L 45 hull number 133
Bohemian Minou

[Sawbonz]

You say L45 which is Leopard to me as we have one delivering August, hull #139. I have designed a system with a 6kw Northern Lights generator and two 3kw Victron MultiPlus units in parallel. That way I have 6kw power without the generator, 12kw with it.

Ours is 3 cabins and we will have two 16k btu air conditioners and we will put the thermostats in the hulls. The owner’s suite one will be near the bed and we will put up a curtain so that the area cooled at night is small. With 900ah of lithium batteries we should be able to run that one on batteries only overnight. If we need both we can run the generator.

The smaller generator is a great choice for three reasons: 1. Weighs 200 lb less 2. Uses 30% less fuel 3. You can actually run it under load easier, which will increase longevity.

[SailsWithFists]

You will NEVER say, "I wish I had less solar."

You will however say:
"It cost's how much?"
"That's a lot!"
"Damn, this is a lot of stuff to maintain"
"Really? A new A/C control panel costs that much?"
"I can't believe I'm stuck here fixing this, while everyone else is out enjoying...XYZ"
"I wish we had more battery capacity"
"This takes up a lot of valuable space"
"I wish we didn't have to run the generator so often"

[alieboot]

Yes, the sun is free... it's harnessing it that costs so much.

Thanks for the input, we are looking at LG panels 2k. What do you think?

Congrats on hull #139, can't wait to get out on the water.

[alieboot]

Sawbonz,
Is your Victron 12v or 24v?

[Sawbonz]

It will be 12v because we got a US spec’ed electrical system on the boat. I wish it could take 24v but alas, ‘tis not to be!

[alieboot]

Victron has 24v inverters that have 110/120 output.
The reason we are looking at a Magnum Hybrid inverter is that if the batteries run low it will automatically start the generator. Does the Victron do this?

[Sawbonz]

Good question. It can. There is a relay on the MultiPlus that can be used to start the generator, but I just learned at the Miami show that you have to get a module added to the Northern Lights to accept the signal and start the generator from it. I forget what it is called at the moment but it’s a black panel that sits in the sound shield, costs about $400 and has to be ordered with the generator.

Beyond that, the “Power Boost” function is the best part of the MultiPlus in my opinion. If you aren’t aware, it basically supplies the transient start up load requirements from your batteries to allow you to use the smaller generator.

[alieboot]

That is the reason we are looking at the Magnum hybrid it adds to the power of the generator as well. That is why this one is called a "hybrid".

What deciding factor was it that brought you to the Victron vs other mfg.?

We are looking for longevity and dependability.

[Sawbonz]

Ahhh. We are going with Victron because they are made for marine use and because they have everything for a complete system. I have a meeting tonight to discuss options but am currently planning on Victron for the MultiPlus, lithium batteries, BMS, system controller and display, and probably MPPT’s. I expect the best communication between devices this way and like that I should be able to get all of the info on the display in the boat or on my phone.

We are coming out of the RV World and I look at Magnum as being an RV product. Whether that makes a difference I have no idea.

[alieboot]

Thanks for your insite. We are now doing more resaerch. Hope to meet up out on the open seas someday!

[Sawbonz]

Originally Posted by alieboot

Thanks for your insite. We are now doing more resaerch. Hope to meet up out on the open seas someday!

Me too! If you’re interested you can PM me your email and I will send you the electrical plans I had drawn up and any others we do in the future. I can tell you that they aren’t cheap. We are looking at $38k for the equipment not including the $10k generator, plus installation.

[alieboot]

I am new to this and am not sure how to PM. My email is alieboot@comcast.net, thank you so much for your offer. When is your boat due off the line? Ours is due into FT. Lauderdale in August.

Happy sails

[Sawbonz]

Originally Posted by alieboot

I am new to this and am not sure how to PM. My email is alieboot@comcast.net, thank you so much for your offer. When is your boat due off the line? Ours is due into FT. Lauderdale in August.



Happy sails

Just click on my name (Sawbonz) and click “Message” for practice. Then edit your post to redact your email. If you don’t the spambots may find it and add you to a bunch of lists. I’ll email you at that address also.

[s/v Moondancer]

A/C's and multiple kw inverters are battery killers! Buy a Honda 2k!

https://marine-ac.com/diy-question-m...erter-power-2/