450: Lagoon 450 Modifications

[D&D]

Originally Posted by bryguy67

With the 440, how long could you stay at anchor without using the generator or alternators to charge?

With 654W of SunPower....

...and sunlight (and even light cloud cover) we could stay at anchor indefinitely without using the genset. With solid sunlight, we can cruise days indefinitely without using the genset. If we're sailing overnight, we would probably use the genset for an hour or two, although our 960 Ah gel batteries were probably beaten up a bit before the solar panels arrived such that a better battery bank would perhaps take us through the nights' sailing as well.

We do not, however, carry some of the bigger power-suckers like air conditioning or a water maker. Our consumption at anchor would comprise 2 x frigs and 1 x freezer; an 8-speaker stereo; plenty of 'office' electronics (computers, printer, etc); and a few galley appliances like a juicer and ice cream maker.

When cruising we would add the chart plotters and autopilot and power winches to the power consumption.

We need the genset if we want a hot shower (and haven't been using the starboard engine at all)...and we'll take advantage of any time it's running to use the kettle and/or toaster as both of those are too high wattage for our inverter.

On balance, we still use the genset, but far, far less than before...and, in most situations, not at all.

Fair winds!