Skookum Maru
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Re: Skookum Maru
With the frig/battery problem, my thoughts run to whether there's a way to disable the default switch to DC when shore power is off. Make it so you had to do something positive to draw dc for the frig, instead of default/auto. Might lose some groceries I suppose, but you can buy a lot of groceries for two Rolls 8D's !Comment
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Re: Skookum Maru
Did you say the boat or shed has wifi?
If so - maybe this? http://www.batterytender.com/future"If it ain't broke, you're not trying." - Red GreenComment
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Re: Skookum Maru
At least in that instance you can expect that they will restore power at some point. I have no such hope if the cord gets knocked loose. And now that Favorite has headed north for good I don't even have anyone in the boathouse who can wander down the dock and plug it back in.
(Anson I think I might need to give you a key to the boathouse so I can impose on you for tasks like this from time to time...)
I've still got a key to your boathouse, although the codes are expired. I've come to really enjoy Blaine Harbor.There's the plan, then there's what actually happens.
Ben Sebens, RN
El Toro Dinghy Springline
12’ San Francisco Pelican Sounder
Laguna 18Comment
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Re: Skookum Maru
With the frig/battery problem, my thoughts run to whether there's a way to disable the default switch to DC when shore power is off. Make it so you had to do something positive to draw dc for the frig, instead of default/auto. Might lose some groceries I suppose, but you can buy a lot of groceries for two Rolls 8D's !
Thanks Ben. I texted you the new code so you have it. Blaine is a pretty nice marina isn't it? I think they've done a great job up there.- Chris
Any single boat project will always expand to encompass the set of all possible boat projects.
Life is short. Go boating now!Comment
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We lived aboard our boat for a couple of years in Papua New Guinea. Our dock neighbour was the Prime Minister. He was a keen fisherman and usually had a stock of Tuna and Marlin in his freezer. One time someone forgot to plug in the shore power. Batteries ran down, freezer defrosted. Tropical heat. His million dollar boat stank like a cat food factory for the next 6 months or so, no matter how hard they tried to clean, disinfect and deodorise.
I'm sure there are cell based boat monitors that send voltage readings, bilge alerts and whatever to your phone pretty cheap.
Sent from my CPH1851 using TapatalkComment
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Re: Skookum Maru
--PaulComment
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Re: Skookum Maru
OK, understand the existing system now. Well, I'd probly do what Paul did: disable frig when not aboard. Cause the other stuff...bilge pumps, not killing batteries, etc, seems way more fraught to me.
BrianComment
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Re: Skookum Maru
Unless Chris has replaced the old Vitrifrigo--which wouldn't be a bad idea but it basically works, just not very efficiently--it's a DC only model. It's powered directly from the batteries (well, through a few switches and fuses and breakers). We always emptied it of perishables and turned it off when leaving for a while, a strategy I recommend, because there really aren't any other continuous DC loads, or anyway hardly more than the Rolls's self discharge rate, and those big AGM's will easily last for months. The thing is, if you discharge the house bank, it is possible to have worse consequences than some spoiled provisions--say if the boat somehow happens to really need its bilge pumps to work and there's no battery to power them.
--Paul
Yes, I'm seeing the wisdom of that plan as well. Ok then.- Chris
Any single boat project will always expand to encompass the set of all possible boat projects.
Life is short. Go boating now!Comment
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Re: Skookum Maru
The new Raspberry Pi 3 has enough conouting power to be a stand-alone desktop computer with built in Wi-Fi. It shouldnt be hard to have it monitor battery voltage or charge current and send an alert when it hits a certain threshold.
Also, it's nice to see so many locals in Blaine Harbor. Most likely going to splash my big plastic boat up there next spring.Comment
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Re: Skookum Maru
I highly recommend the Expanse if you enjoy sci-fi.
The new Raspberry Pi 3 has enough conouting power to be a stand-alone desktop computer with built in Wi-Fi. It shouldnt be hard to have it monitor battery voltage or charge current and send an alert when it hits a certain threshold.
Also, it's nice to see so many locals in Blaine Harbor. Most likely going to splash my big plastic boat up there next spring.
Blaine is great. I highly recommend it. Quiet, clean, well-maintained. Close to the San Juans and Gulf Islands. Really there is nothing not to like except the distance from Seattle.- Chris
Any single boat project will always expand to encompass the set of all possible boat projects.
Life is short. Go boating now!Comment
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Re: Skookum Maru
I am not a fan of Seattle. Or any city, for that matter. Since I moved away from downtown Dallas, TX 10 years ago I have slowly moved farther and farther away from cities. I now live halfway between the 'Ham and Lynden with my closest neighbors 200 yards away.
I have spent a little time in Blaine Harbor. In 2016 we pulled my buddies big red fishing boat out of the water and made a helluva racket for a couple weeks repairing and painting her before heading to Alaska for the Summer. We went to the Kite Festival a couple weekends ago there and hopped on Plover for a quick ride. The only friend I have who has a boat there full time has decided to sell it, so now all my friends are in Squalicum.Comment
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I use a Ctek dual battery controller which selects the best recharge source, solar or alternator. You can get a thingy called a Smartpass for it. It monitors your house battery and only lets current through to your house supply if the house battery is full.
I think it's specifically designed to manage the high current draw of an item like a fridge.
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkIt's all fun and games until Darth Vader comes.Comment
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Re: Skookum Maru
QUOTE=SeanM26;5927118]I am not a fan of Seattle. Or any city, for that matter. Since I moved away from downtown Dallas, TX 10 years ago I have slowly moved farther and farther away from cities. I now live halfway between the 'Ham and Lynden with my closest neighbors 200 yards away.
Hi neighbor!Last edited by BBSebens; 07-02-2019, 03:21 PM.There's the plan, then there's what actually happens.
Ben Sebens, RN
El Toro Dinghy Springline
12’ San Francisco Pelican Sounder
Laguna 18Comment
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