For trouble-free cruising Energy Consumption For trouble-free cruising
Day boat Weekender Coastal cruiser Blue-water live aboard Purpose Day boat Weekender Coastal cruiser Blue-water live aboard Storage Berthed or Moored
What kind of power user are you? Conserver Carefree
Consumption Simple first steps for reducing power consumption onboard High draw electrical items – kettles, hair dryers, toasters, irons Only operating necessary items Change all lighting, navigation lighting to LED Regulating and setting thermostats Keeping fridges and freezers stocked Solar hot water
Generation Alternators & Battery Charger Solar Smart regulators Calculating your solar required Panel types – glass, flexible Shore power & Generator Investing in a good regulator Noisy Low maintenance Cost of diesel Quiet Engine & generator servicing Weather dependant Only works at its optimum for approx. 5 hours per day Wind generators Performance drops off when shaded by bimini / rigging etc Ideal for charging while passage-making especially while sailing Generally don’t work in a sheltered anchorage Expensive installation costs, especially on a multihull Hydro-generators
Batteries House bank Capacity Battery types – Maintenance free lead acid, Lithium, AGM
Questions?