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Old 19-10-2017, 11:20   #1
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Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
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Battery Charging Efficiency

I have a new Moorings 4000 (Leopard 40) with twin Yanmars and a Northern Lights generator. Although I have been told to charge batteries using just the port main engine (which I suspect is to balance fuel use as the generator's fuel supply is from the starboard tank) it appears that the alternator on either engine charges the batteries. In addition, the 110v system has as battery charger that charges the batteries when the boat is on 110v (generator or shore power). The question is, which is generally more efficient in terms of fuel consumption for charging batteries -- main engine vs. generator?
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Old 19-10-2017, 12:47   #2
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Re: Battery Charging Efficiency

If you have a good shorepower Charger, it’s going to be much better than any alternator, in my opinion.
First it can be BIG, and if it’s a good one much smarter than an alternator external regulator.
Use the generator as long as you have a good shorepower Charger, if you don’t, then get one if possible.
In my opinion it’s more efficient and cheaper in the long run to use the generator to make electricity than a propulsion engine.
But then I wouldn’t likely try to use my generator to drive the boat either
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Old 19-10-2017, 13:09   #3
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Re: Battery Charging Efficiency

That was my initial thought, but thanks for confirming.
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Old 20-10-2017, 19:31   #4
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Re: Battery Charging Efficiency

you'd never run a engine to charge if you have a gen. that's silly.

however you need to make sure you have a good AC charger that then gen is powering. ratioed to your battery bank size.
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