oasis

50W single panel keeps all my batteries charged even during winter 1X110 starter and 4X135 leisure

I agree with Trackman, we had the same problem and the multi block connector was the culprit. Just broke it open and closed it a few times solved the problem.

We fly ours (and a British flag - small ones). It's the only time we get people to say hello or a friendly wave!

Thanks for the input everyone. Actually I left my inverter on while I was away for 4 days (coupled with my solar on, and mains incoming, 12V systems switched off) and my soc dropped to 77% so a shore powered trickle charge through my inverter is not an option, at least not for 7 months away from the boat. Anything can happen to the shore power. I have done some tests during the day with everything off and solar going to batteries (yes dear, the power will be on soon dear) and it performs well in overcast conditions. I know winter will be different but I should get about 7 ah a week - surely.

Thanks bottle, I am using a PWM controller as well so it should be OK. Methinks, or mehopes

Hi Chalky, is 5W a typo? I calculated 50W should do my bank of 4x135's (maybe only 450Ah by now) over the winter months @ 5% discharge per month, using worst case scenario. What do others think? Should I go back to the drawing board?

We were away for a few weeks, got back this afternoon. I was looking out our side hatch and noticed some pitting corrosion at the water line and slightly below it. I felt the bubbles and the blacking came away revealing rust underneath. I black the hull every 2 yrs and haven't experienced this before (last blacking July 2013). We have recently moved our position in the marina we are in and the next door boats haven't got shore power. I think this will only get worse, what are the forum members opinion? Ask to have our old position back again?

Boatsman, 4 kW on our 58" is great. Welded construction, wife loves it and she bought it from Eddie who gave great service. No I don't work for Boatsman

Only started getting hello's when I raised both a GB and an Oz flag on the boat, but then that was before The Ashes.

DON'T plan to stay on board after you paint the bilges, at least not for the first night

Agree with p6rob findings. Great stove, Eddie really helped us when we purchased ours. Damped down the flue is not too hot so less heat is going up in the smoke. Welded construction...what more can I say. No, I'm not giving out free advertising either.

An old belt

Another question is the battery to battery isolator (not the main isolator ). My switch lever is knackered and I will replace this soon prior to my BSS. But is this a required test as well? My starter is isolated from my leisure bank and I have a jump lead in case I have to use the leisured for a start. Edited to add: I don't have a vent on my fuel tank, is this common?