https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/ en Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:02:43 GMT vBulletin 60 https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/ https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/csy-44-icebox-rehab-300649.html Thu, 11 Jun 2026 03:35:55 GMT All you refrigerator experts out there.... I am between 2 options on my boat refrigeration. Built into the boat is a large stainless refrigerator.... All you refrigerator experts out there.... I am between 2 options on my boat refrigeration. Built into the boat is a large stainless refrigerator. The exterior is in good shape. I really like the look and capacity BUT it has not worked for many years. (says the previous owner). From my reading it is a diesel run compressor so since the diesel has also not ran in years there is no telling if it is actually working. (Currently in the process of fixing the massive job that is the diesel) I would however like to convert the system entirely so that it works without having to run the diesel. From what I have researched I would basically have to tear apart the entire refrigerator and freezer to redo the most likely poor insulation that was originally used. This I can DIY as I dont think its beyond my capability.

Option 2- Tear it all out and build in a new refrigerator system. Which in my mind would be more expensive because im quite sure there are no direct replacements that would fit the dimensions of the current box. Which would mean more custom wood work.

Has anyone had any experience with this subject? ]]> ekelly36 https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/csy-44-icebox-rehab-300649.html https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/rewiring-question-300618.html Tue, 09 Jun 2026 03:16:53 GMT Hey all, im in the process of rewiring my helm area, I am upgrading from 12v to 24. I know that I need a couple items to step down the voltage for... Hey all, im in the process of rewiring my helm area, I am upgrading from 12v to 24. I know that I need a couple items to step down the voltage for the new electronics I'm planning on buying but my main question is instead of running wiring from each individual device from the helm to the engine room, is it possible to just run a larger gauge positive and negative to a fused block at the helm and connect everything there? My plan was to make a waterproof box and mount it somewhere close to the helm that I can run all the new electronics to. ]]> ekelly36 https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/rewiring-question-300618.html https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/isolation-transformer-ve-300604.html Mon, 08 Jun 2026 13:02:15 GMT Hi, I'm installing a Victron Energy 3600 Isolation Transformer. Could someone please explain this section of the VE manual?
3.6. AC output neutral to earth link




A GFCI must be installed in the AC output of the isolation transformer. For the GFCI to operate correctly, the AC output neutral must be connected to the AC output earth and ground (= all the metal parts in the vessel).
To link the AC output neutral (N) to earth (PE), place a green/yellow jumper wire (included) between the J33 and J21 male spade connectors. ]]> Bridger https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/isolation-transformer-ve-300604.html https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/victron-or-panels-problem-300586.html Sun, 07 Jun 2026 17:19:21 GMT I have two 9 year old 320 watt solar panels connected through a Victron 50/100 mppt smart solar controller. This spring I have noticed that my... I have two 9 year old 320 watt solar panels connected through a Victron 50/100 mppt smart solar controller. This spring I have noticed that my system is never producing more than about 320 watts with occasional cloud edge jumps to 340 watts. In previous years I have regularly produced over 600 watts. I have done open circuit voltage tests on both panels and they are at 35.4 and 35.6 volts, which is well within the degradation curves for 9 year old panels in the hot south florida sun. Short circuit tests produced 9.6 amps each and 19.2 amps at the controller. When connected to the Victron the voltage drops to 24.5 to 25 volts and the amperage on the panel side drops to about 11.5a. The temperature of the Victron is around 35C. It is rated at full output up to 40C so I don't think it should be derating itself due to temperature. I have tried loading the battery side up by turning on lots of dc loads, but the output does not change so it appears to me that the Victron is putting out all it can and it's not a matter of how much the batteries will take. I'm thinking that my Victron is the source of my issue and has developed a problem.


It's been a long time since I did much hardware trouble shooting, but my guess is that the output of the controller is controlled by mosfets of unknown quantity, but these symptoms would make some sense if the number was two and one of them has bit the dust.


Is there anyone out there familiar with the circuits of these controllers and can give me an opinion. ]]> Captain Bill https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/victron-or-panels-problem-300586.html https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/what-options-to-charge-starter-bat-from-house-bank-300564.html Sat, 06 Jun 2026 02:33:47 GMT Looking for a good way to keep my wet cell start battery charged from the house bank while not using our boat. Some way to transfer a small amount of... Looking for a good way to keep my wet cell start battery charged from the house bank while not using our boat. Some way to transfer a small amount of current from the house bank to the start battery. ]]> freshalaska https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/what-options-to-charge-starter-bat-from-house-bank-300564.html https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/sodium-ion-batteries-better-than-lfp-300556.html Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:35:54 GMT I can buy Sodium Ion batteries on amazon and they are superior to LFP in several ways: 1. Lower Fire risk. Lower thermal runaway than LFP 2.... I can buy Sodium Ion batteries on amazon and they are superior to LFP in several ways:

1. Lower Fire risk. Lower thermal runaway than LFP
2. Cold weather, can charge and discharge 20C colder (no problem to charge below freezing) and perform better in cold weather.
3. Can be drained to 0% without damage
4. Does not degrade as much from full charge and/or from heat.
5. No lithium mining, and lower environmental impact to manufacture.

From what I can tell any disadvantage (cycle life 8000 vs 10,000) or energy density 20% less are minor, and in future versions of sodium ion this situation reportedly reversed in research.

Also a drop in replacement for LFP voltages. ]]> seandepagnier https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/sodium-ion-batteries-better-than-lfp-300556.html https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/seeking-mentor-300516.html Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:36:18 GMT Hey, CF community My wife and I own a beautiful Catalina Morgan 450 that we purchased a few years ago. Getting her ready to cruise this coming... Hey, CF community
My wife and I own a beautiful Catalina Morgan 450 that we purchased a few years ago. Getting her ready to cruise this coming season. I have worked through most of the systems on the boat, but the electrical system bedevils me. We have three new 250 W Renology solar panels, 2x90 AH AGM (new) and 2x160 Ah (1 yr).

When on shore power, the batteries charge up to about 13.5 V, but, when I come offshore power, they immediately drop to 12.8 V. Our “resting consumption” consists of one fridge, one freezer, inverter powering AC with Starlink plugged in but in standby mode. All other AC is low, draw like charging cell phone, etc. All told it looks like about an average of 8Ah.

In order to test our consumption/production, I have been charging up throughout the day with shore power and switching over to ship power at night. In an eight hour. We will drop from 13.5 V to 12.8 within the first five minutes. The next seven hours 55 minutes will see a drop from 12.8 to 12.2 V.

My back of the napkin calculation say we should only be using 60 to 70 amp hours overnight but we keep running the batteries down more than I think they should be.

Is there someone with the patience of Job out there to help me work this problem? ]]> BDW https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/seeking-mentor-300516.html https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/alternator-mystery-wire-300512.html Wed, 03 Jun 2026 03:06:43 GMT Hi all, I have a 1976 Tartan 37. The motor is a Westerbeke 4-107. My alternator is a J+N 400-1677 12volt 55 amp. There is a yellow wire coming out... Hi all,
I have a 1976 Tartan 37. The motor is a Westerbeke 4-107. My alternator is a J+N 400-1677 12volt 55 amp. There is a yellow wire coming out of the back of it that I can't identify where it goes. It has a female plug connector at the end. I've been told it is either a feed to the tachometer, or receives 12volts from the ignition switch to energize the exciter function. The alternator doesn't charge while the engine is running.
Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks ]]> Shannara https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/alternator-mystery-wire-300512.html https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/victron-or-battery-problem-300487.html Sun, 31 May 2026 13:39:22 GMT My Victron dropped to Float with 25 watts of power still showing coming in from the solar panels and 1.8 amps battery current. My Golf Cart... My Victron dropped to Float with 25 watts of power still showing coming in from the solar panels and 1.8 amps battery current.

My Golf Cart Batteries are from 2022 and haven't been fully charged in months.

While sailing the last few times, voltage is at 12 or so in the morning after running the fan all night. ]]> thomm225 https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/victron-or-battery-problem-300487.html https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/ample-power-3-step-regulator-model-1021a-300486.html Sun, 31 May 2026 13:18:10 GMT I founded the Installation Instructions 3-Step Deep Cycle Regulator Model #1021-A. It can be useful for someone else.... I founded the Installation Instructions 3-Step Deep Cycle Regulator Model #1021-A. It can be useful for someone else.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16L8...w?usp=drivesdk ]]> Fretless IV https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/ample-power-3-step-regulator-model-1021a-300486.html https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/grunert-ar-50-12-a-300482.html Sun, 31 May 2026 07:29:30 GMT The compressor drive shaft on my elderly unit is leaking Freon & the technician claims it cannot be repaired as parts are unavailable. He says it has a fiber seal which will have worn, which is highly likely as it is very old, but has worked excellently. There are no markings on the Compressor to give any clue as to what it is, but guesses made are Tecumseh, but, yes, I know these are no longer available. I have tried R Parts but they do not appear to have anything. I am truly loathe to replace this entire unit, as far as I am concerned nothing can compete. I don't have solar & my Girl is a double ended ketch, already over weight, so I have no plans to install an arch to carry panels, even if it were possible. Also, the over hanging sheet winches prohibit panels along the rails.
Does anyone have any suggestions about whether this compressor can be repaired or if there is a suitable substitute? It is a single short belt drive to a Pacific Scientific 12v 1/2HP motor.
Failing any of the above, is there any partial change over that may work which allows me to keep those massive holding plates? ]]> Tommee https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/grunert-ar-50-12-a-300482.html https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/wind-powered-electric-boat-300418.html Wed, 27 May 2026 03:38:20 GMT I was wondering if it would be possible to just remove the sails and running rigging and install vertical wind turbines on the mast and the stern and... I was wondering if it would be possible to just remove the sails and running rigging and install vertical wind turbines on the mast and the stern and the bow. Say 5-6 vertical wind turbines. Using that, charge a large lifepo battery pack on board and also power a main motor and side thrusters for better control.


Could you harness the power of the wind like this instead of using sails? You could then sail in any direction.


I have heard of a boat powered by mechanical gears using a similar idea..


Idk, sounds like it might work with todays power technology. ]]> plane man https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/wind-powered-electric-boat-300418.html https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/acr-drawbacks-300401.html Mon, 25 May 2026 16:13:11 GMT Was wondering if my ACR will damage my start battery if it's left on all the time. When my solar has my house bank full, the ACR floats the battery at 13.5 volts... ]]> sailalibi https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/acr-drawbacks-300401.html https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/mix-agm-and-flooded-300384.html Sun, 24 May 2026 21:22:06 GMT Ok Reconfiguring the battery system on a new-to-me sailboat. Boat currently only has two 4D starting batteries. Both shot. Just bought four... Ok Reconfiguring the battery system on a new-to-me sailboat.

Boat currently only has two 4D starting batteries. Both shot.

Just bought four 100 amp hour AGM house batteries.

Need to buy a starting next. Flooded???

Is it OK to have both AGM and flooded being charged at the same time?

I currently have a very standard Mitsubishi alternator on the Yanmar diesel. 70 amps I believe. May change to Balmar eventually, but just have to get going now.

Also. I assume the Mitsubishi is optimized for wet cell technology. Is there an easy way to tell it to charge AGM batteries?? ]]> Phish https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/mix-agm-and-flooded-300384.html https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/17-year-old-lifepo4-100-of-rated-capacity-300379.html Sun, 24 May 2026 15:13:34 GMT For those still on the fence about LFP batteries, this may help.... 17 Year Old LlFePo4 - 100% of Rated Capacity... For those still on the fence about LFP batteries, this may help....

17 Year Old LlFePo4 - 100% of Rated Capacity ]]> Maine Sail https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/17-year-old-lifepo4-100-of-rated-capacity-300379.html