JVD

So little past 12 v it could be 12.05!! JVD

Isuzu 42 engine panel showing AUX lit while engine running. Batteries are kept charged when moored by Sterling Pro Charge D. Boat does relatively short (2-4 hours) and intermittent trips. Is this an alternator charge failure? The warning sound has not been activated. Charge on electrical panel remained satisfactory > 12 volts when cruising, when stationary and when on shore mains. Thanks.

Dynorod here we come!! JVD

Many thanks - I thought it might be a deliberate trap. My next question that follows is can I get a better designed compartment cover that lets less rainwater in - or is it just a problem of this summer!! It is in two halves made of steel and heavy. I notice some look to be aluminium or even coated board/wood and much tighter fitting. There are drain away channels but the torrential rain........

The engine compartment on our cruiser stern is divided (on the base) into sections. Two "triangular" side sections, a more or less rectangular rear section and a rectangular section under the engine. Rainwater reaching the compartment can flow freely between the sections except for the section under the engine. The water elsewhere is effectively pumped away by the bilge pump. Is the section under the engine usually "connected" with the other sections so water can flow around and get to the pump freely? Any advice solutions gratefully accepted! JVD

Thanks for your prompt and succinct reply!! Any advice as to which type? Can it be linked to the Sterling device and/or our inverter and be switched from the cabin? Perhaps some cut in automatically?

Excuse me for being a bit dim but we are new to the game! The batteries are charged via a Sterling device (Alternator to Battery type). The boat when attached to shore mains only powers the fridge and the ceiling lights from 12V (we use the lights as little as possible by using table lamps on 240v). The fridge will even cut out over night. I presume this may just be that the cut out on the fridge has been set too high and might be worth adjusting or that the batteries are tired and not holding charge. The fridge cuts out when the voltmeter is showing 11.8V. However, what advice would you give regarding a device that could be installed that would allow the 12v devices to run when attached to shore mauins without draining the batteries. The inverter is obviously doing the opposite. Is a mains battery charger the answer? Grateful for any advice. Many thanks

Has anyone managed to activate a £20 Freesat Sky card for use in a generic sat receiver with CAM module? The people at Sky activation centre did not seem to know what I was talking about! JVD

I want to attach a Gazelle aerial - any tips - self tapping screws, adhesives, sealant, gaskets etc.?? Any previous tips or experiences welcome! Many thanks.

Inverter is Invertek L series pure sine wave inverter - user manual does not seem to make reference to a charging function or being a combi. However, boat data sheets include a Sterling Power Products Alternator-to Battery Charger. The wiring diagrams of this do not seem to show a 240v input. The small print is so small you can barely read it!!

I think I am beginning to see the light!! Can I assume that when we are connected to shore some clever device is charging the batteries rather than the alternator. If this is likely to be the case you may have cracked it!! I am therefore thinking that tomorrow we connect up to shore, keep the batteries switched on, fridge will run, batteries won't go flat and we won 't need to run the engine for a couple of days to catch back up!!

Danfoss BD35/50F compressor. We are new to the game!! Moved boat to marina just this weekend. Everything functioning well electrically including inverter and connection to shore until...............we needed to leave. Switched off batteries, had 240 connected from shore to boat - checked a 240 socket with lamp was working and presumed all the switches on the DC panel were properly set - one is labelled for the fridge. The 240v trip switches were properly set hence the lamp in socket working. We have probably been incredibly dim newcomers. So when we left switched batteries back on and disconnected main supply. Will return tomorrow to switch off completely and empty fridge or try to get to bottom of conundrum! Any more pearls of wisdom gratefully received.

Thanks - I am presuming that means do not leave for more than 24 hours.

Have 12v fridge that does not seem to be powered when boat attached to shore main. Can we leave it on the batteries for a few days? Have we made some basic error in selection on the panel of power switches?

Have hired many times over the years but new owners on Grand Union Canal at Blisworth Marina.