T&T: Ramifications of AGM batteries

[Richard Cook]

I haven't removed a generator, but my 26' cruiser is set up much like 
what you're talking about going to.  Propane is better for cooking 
anyway, and my 2 group 31 AGM's with a good charging system are more 
than adequate for one or two days on the hook, sometimes three.

The engine heats water and provides cabin heat when underway, so the 
only disadvantage of my simple setup is after a couple of days at anchor 
in cool rainy PNW weather I wouldn't object to a little heat.  If I 
could figure out where to stuff in a small diesel heater, I'd be set.

Richard Cook
New Moon (Bounty 257)


Phil & Kate wrote:
> Bob asked "So how does that affect our perception of the overall
> usefulness of ac generators, which I believe have inherent bottlenecks when
> creating dc energy (not revealed when using slow-charging batteries), but
> which have previousl"
> 
> I've wondered about this as well. We have a 5kw Northern lights that we use
> mostly for heating water and cooking on the electric stove. The admiral would
> like to convert to propane for the stove and at some point I will relocate the
> water heater to a position at which it can be linked to the engine cooling
> circuit for heat exchange. We have minimal DC loads, e.g. LED as primary
> lighting, the habits of bare bones rag sailors, rarely spend more than one day
> without engine time, use AC at the slip only. If we pulled and sold the
> genset, I could easily relocate the water heater, add 2 6-volts to the house
> bank, improve access to some important systems, and take a fair amount of
> weight out of the boat. I would probably install a larger alternator to
> increase charging capacity, although there can be issues with that. I
> understand concerns with using a main engine as a generator for long periods.
> Has anyone gone this route for similar reasons? Regretted it?
> Thanks.
> Phil Pennington
> AMY B
> Kent Narrows