https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/ en Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:23:51 GMT vBulletin 60 https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/ https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/couple-of-electrical-questions-victron-battery-monitors-300724.html Tue, 16 Jun 2026 09:33:25 GMT Couple of questions:


1. The latest version of Victron BMV's can measure "midpoint voltage". Is this worth implementing? Or not? I suppose the purpose of this is to detect any large cell imbalance, which would cause midpoint voltage to not equal 1/2 of pack voltage. If we are measuring the voltage of every single cell with the BMS, is there any point to this?


2. I've got my Cerbo up and running, and it reports voltage and current into and out of the whole battery bank. I bought a SmartShunt to measure this, so I have a picture of the whole bank rather than just the two batteries separately. Is there any point to using the SmartShunt?


Grateful for all tips! ]]> Dockhead https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/couple-of-electrical-questions-victron-battery-monitors-300724.html https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/three-cylinder-diesels-300723.html Tue, 16 Jun 2026 08:00:17 GMT When choosing a diesel generator, it's important to keep in mind the speed and number of cylinders.


There's a tradeoff -- low speed generators are larger and heavier and more expensive. But are quieter and longer lasting. I think everyone knows that.


But there's another factor -- number of cylinders, because that's what determines the character of sound and vibration.


Three and six cylinder engines have crankshaft throws at 120 degrees, so you don't pistons at the top and bottom simultaneously. This gives them a kind of loping rhythm, in the case of three cylinders. In the case of six inline, no rhythm at all because they have perfect primary balance.


The difference to two cylinders is remarkable. A three cylinder engine produces some rocking motion vibration, but without harshness. The sound is harmonious and pleasant.


I'm just writing this for anyone who is trying to choose between a two cylinder and three cylinder diesel generator. The three will be a bit heavier but oh what a difference if you're using it daily. ]]> Dockhead https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/three-cylinder-diesels-300723.html https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/grounds-and-engine-blocks-300695.html Sun, 14 Jun 2026 09:55:40 GMT I have recently removed the old starting battery system for my main engine and genset, and simplified this to a single AGM battery in the engine... I have recently removed the old starting battery system for my main engine and genset, and simplified this to a single AGM battery in the engine room.

The negative cable of the main engine starting system is attached to the engine block, which is also attached to the main negative DC bus of the boat.

I went to some trouble to preserve this arrangement.

But now I wonder -- why? Doesn't this increase the risk of stray current corrosion? Why not let the DC system have a floating negative like Jedi's AC system?

I would be grateful if someone with a deeper understanding of electrickery could explain this to me. ]]> Dockhead https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/grounds-and-engine-blocks-300695.html https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/wind-turbine-output-300669.html Fri, 12 Jun 2026 04:03:42 GMT Specifically interested in real world wind turbine output in summertime Florida. Can anybody tell me avg daily or weekly yield (and the unit)? My... Specifically interested in real world wind turbine output in summertime Florida. Can anybody tell me avg daily or weekly yield (and the unit)?

My solar space is maxed out, and thats enough, except i could use a little more in summer (I run a small 12v AC). Summer is of course the least windy time of year, so looking for real numbers, so i can evaluate if it's worth the trouble. ]]> SKMT https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/wind-turbine-output-300669.html https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/victron-cerbo-gx-and-digital-multi-control-300660.html Thu, 11 Jun 2026 19:00:12 GMT This feature is not documented, as far as I can tell, so I'm putting up here to possibly save others a bit of perplexity.


The Cerbo GX MkII has two, not one VE.Bus connectors, and you CAN daisy chain the Digital Multi Control through the Cerbo. In fact, it even works with the Cerbo powered down.


One may ask why use both? Answer in my case is I have been using the Digital Multi Control for 15 years and it is handy and familiar for me with all the fundamental controls for the Multiplus. Much prefer to have the hardware knob and hardware switch right there, with current limitation value constantly display, than wading through pages with a touch screen display.


So for me -- DMC for every day basic control. Cerbo for deeper dive into what is going on in the system, and more sophisticated controls. ]]> Dockhead https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/victron-cerbo-gx-and-digital-multi-control-300660.html 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