dewshi

28’ Dutch Sailing Barge

... I’ll check with the engineer when I see him

It’s a Sole 34 / 4 cylinders. I think 12V, as that’s what all the other circuits are on.

Ok thanks

@Tony Brooks Thanks! I found this for joining my positive cables: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B08S7G64TP Rated at 300A. Is it enough for starting engine?

@Tony Brooks Thank you for this information, it’s super helpful. The inverter is 400W, so I trust not likely to overheat the switch. The boat originally came with two solar panels, each of which was charging one of the batteries only. But then the seller put the 4-way switch in and wired them both via a MPPT controller to the switch output, so I could select which battery to charge. This was intended as an improvement. I hadn’t registered that if the switch is off no battery will be charged! Though I will be living aboard, so it is unlikely I shut down the batteries for an extended period. By by the way, is the output of the 4-way switch what you are referring to as the alternator terminal? Sorry I’m not completely up to speed with the wiring. I presume that it connects to the alternator, engine and the main switch panel? it is a single alternator boat, so your wiring suggestion would mean I lose some voltage through the VSR, but I wouldn’t have to think about which battery to charge if moored or cruising etc, right? So without the vsr, the engine battery wouldn’t get a solar top up when moored, unless I selected both. But then it would also be drained by domestic use. Also if I’m cruising and have the switch set to 1, the domestic battery won’t get a top up from the engine. Is this correct? I haven’t really got going yet, so haven’t figured the pattern of my needs. I think I will delay this decision until I know better how I use the boat. Please can you explain why the inverter fuse must be outside the battery box in order to satisfy BSS? How is that safer? thanks again for these comments.

@Richard10002 Thanks. I’ve found a heavy duty busbar online that would do the job. Though it would need a cover.

@Tracy D'arth This is what was in here for solar connection... wtf

@Tony Brooks I’ve actually already got a decent 1-2-Both-Off switch (which you can see in the pic is hanging off the side of the battery storage box while I’m painting). So I only really need a way of connecting those heavy duty cables. Plus adding solar and inverter positive leads. Any suggestions on how to rig ? Thanks

@Tracy D'arth Haha!! The whole wiring is a mess !! You would freak at the solar panel connections. I’ve just got the boat, so sorting it little by little

@philjw No it’s not home made, it’s embossed moulded plastic. Though in a Dutch sailing barge so prob hard to find an exact replacement :-// Would be happy with anything that works. @Tony Brooks Thx. I’ll check out Blue Sea switches...

Damn! I broke the battery isolator (runs from battery selector 1-or-2 to main switch panel). One side of the housing cracked. It’s an unusual design: you pull the slider out to break the circuit. Any idea where I can find a replacement? Pic attached:

I know how to use google. I wanted local knowledge Thanks @Tony Brooks. I am probably passing a B&Q on the way by car.

@Jen-in-Wellies @Tony Brooks @Sea Dog @David Mack @Onewheeler @Alan de Enfield Thanks for replies! My error! I'm on the Thames at Hampton Court. Looking to buy a new orange 13KG Calor Gas bottle.

Anyone know where I can buy a gas bottle, near Hampton? Thanks

@blackrose The article refers to Storm Bella which is due to hit full with impact today. Apologies if it the question wasn't totally clear though. Thanks for those points !

70MPH winds !! Jesus ! Merry Xmas

@matty40s Thanks. Is it advisable to use anchor? BTW I'm not on the river... just curious if ever in that situation :-0

Huh ??? The question is what preparations should you make.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-55447801 https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings How should you prepare if you're moored on the river ??

@blackrose ?

@Alan de Enfield Right! Probably get solar panels to help in summer. Got it

@Detling Wow! Really ?? I would be scared Greta finds out

@tehmarks Thanks for this ! I wondered how much use you get out of a gas bottle, and about managing the lack of hot water on demand from a calorifier.

@Alan de Enfield Thanks for this info, I'm currently looking at buying a boat with calorifer, so happy to hear it's potentially piping hot !! I'll be continuous cruising, not anticipating mooring with a shoreline. So I guess I'll have to run the engine every day for hot water. Unless it's viable to use the immersion heater off the battery + inverter ??? I would guess this drains the battery in minutes. Instant gas heaters remind me of my student bedsit days :--//