INSTALLING THE 48 VOLT LITHIUM BATTERY

 One of the nice things about electric propulsion in a sailboat is the ability to upgrade parts of it as new technology comes along. When I made the conversion back in 2008 Lithium batteries were new and available but, were very expensive. Plus there were long wait times for delivery. So I went with the 8A4D AGM batteries. Today the prices have come down as have delivery times. My 48 volt Allied Battery 105 Amp Lithium battery arrived in two days. 

Installed the single 48 Volt Lithium battery on board. It was easy using the Nova Lift I originally installed in 2008 to lift the 120 pound AGM batteries for installation.

The new 48 volt lithium battery replaced almost 500 pounds of AGM lead acid batteries that I have been using since 2008 when I converted to Electric Propulsion.

In addition to the four AGM batteries I was also able to get rid of a lot of other jumpers, tie downs, wires, fuses, screws and battery insulators.

The best part is all maintenance is now done from inside the cabin. No more squeezing down the cockpit hatch and doing boat yoga.

A BATTERY SEA CHANGE

It was in 2008 when I converted BIANKA from having diesel auxilary power to electric propulsion. I had four heavy 8A4D AGM lead acid batteries totaling almost five hundred pounds to power the Thoosa 9000 electric propulsion system.

 

The batteries were located below the cockpit and though while accessible it wasn't really comfortable to work on them. This season they are being replaced by a single 48 volt lithium battery that weighs less than a single one of the old batteries.

Even better I will be able to access the terminals for maintenance from inside the cabin. No more squeezing down through the cockpit hatch is going to be a welcome change.

A CELL PHONE ALTERNATIVE TO SATELLITE PHONES

If you often sail out of Cell Phone range a new blue tooth device can turn your cell phone into a text satellite phone.

"The motorola defy satellite link, is a Bluetooth device that provides satellite connectivity to any iOS or Android smartphone*, designed for anyone that has ever been frustrated by a lack of cell coverage – whether travelling or participating in outdoor activities, or just in their daily lives."