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Old 11-08-2017, 06:52   #1
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New to forum - 25y/o Solo Sailing Great Loop to Bahamas

Hello all, I'm Ben from Columbus, Ohio. I've never written on this forum and wanted to say hi. In April, I quit my job, sold my junk, and bought a 1978 Hunter 30 - 4ft draft. I sailed it from the Lower Detroit River to Sandusky, Ohio.

I spent 90 days outfitting the boat for a 9 month trip west through the Great Lakes, south through the inland rivers, and east out of Mobile, Alabama towards Florida and the Bahamas.

I was encouraged by all the young cruisers online, specifically Wicked Salty. So in hopes to continue on the inspiration, I have started my own channel on YouTube, Sailing Wrangler.

The biggest upgrades I put into the boat was a Jabsco manual head with Vetus 14.5g Flexible Holding Tank and a solar power system to run small fridge, 65qt freezer, Xbox and tv! I'd be happy to give my experience if someone is considering installation/needs help midway through their project.

I am on this forum to engage with other cruisers on different techniques, share new ideas, and meet folks along the way.

Currently heading north on Lake Huron - just a few days away from cresting the tip into Lake Michigan.

Best,

Ben
S/V Wrangler
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Old 11-08-2017, 07:48   #2
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Re: New to forum - 25y/o Solo Sailing Great Loop to Bahamas

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Ben.
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Old 12-08-2017, 09:30   #3
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Re: New to forum - 25y/o Solo Sailing Great Loop to Bahamas

Welcome aboard, Ben. Keep us posted on your travels and adventures.
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Old 12-08-2017, 11:26   #4
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Re: New to forum - 25y/o Solo Sailing Great Loop to Bahamas

Fair winds, Ben. Good on you for going at age 25. Wish I'd thought of that, way back then. . . .
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Old 14-08-2017, 12:37   #5
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Re: New to forum - 25y/o Solo Sailing Great Loop to Bahamas

You're going to need A LOT of solar panels and a big battery bank to run a fridge, freezer, TV and gaming console away from shorepower.
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Old 19-08-2017, 14:09   #6
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Re: New to forum - 25y/o Solo Sailing Great Loop to Bahamas

I've already got them installed, 2 100W flex panels. Store the power in 2 AGMs. On the days there isn't much sun I keep them topped off with a generator. But fortunately, haven't had to do that too much. The freezer only draws 3.5amps and the fridge somewhere around 7amps. The Xbox and tv kill it around 16amps together.
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Old 24-08-2017, 08:51   #7
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Re: New to forum - 25y/o Solo Sailing Great Loop to Bahamas

You don't have nearly enough battery bank to be running TV's and video games. I'd take those items off the boat completely, because you will only be able to use them when hooked to shore power.
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Old 24-08-2017, 09:14   #8
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Re: New to forum - 25y/o Solo Sailing Great Loop to Bahamas

I wish I had done what you are doing when I was 25. You're going to have a blast! Welcome aboard!
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Old 24-08-2017, 13:30   #9
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Re: New to forum - 25y/o Solo Sailing Great Loop to Bahamas

Thanks, Group9.

Lowcountry, everything works perfectly and for the length of time needed too. I am extremely happy with the results!
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