Christmas Came Early! Lithium Batteries from Delos (Calico Skies Sailing, Ep.69)

[@johncalogero2402]

Thanks for the update on why the rod failed. Your presentation about swapping LiFePO4 batteries for your AGM. The reduction in charging time, the amount of usable power; you are another crew helping us to move towards a lithium purchase for our off-the-grid house after 26 years of lead acid. Thank you both for opening your boat home to us. Safe passages south. Happy New Year!

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thanks and Happy New Year! Lithium has been a huge upgrade for us! They allow us to be off the grid longer abs reduce dependency on the Honda 2000 :)

[@dtonvista]

The upgrades you are doing will make a whole change of life on the boat! I work as a Space Sciences engineer and I have worked on the com gear for many products, my favorite was on the rovers so an error in 1:10000 is unacceptable. Lets talk about a mission designed to last 6 months that actually lasted years. I hope we get better at making things like rigging, batteries, and solar that work as well as what I have worked on.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

wow it's really cool that you work as a space sciences engineer! We were fascinated that the rigging was built to a certain failure rate, as non engineers it was super interesting!

[@aceofadez]

Lithium upgrade 👌 😎 🙌 lol your boat life changed forever

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

🎉🎉🎉 wooohooo!

[@PaulBartomioli]

why don' you loosen the pivot bolt and locking bolt on the alternator, move it in, put the belt on, then tension it down with a lever bar?

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

They were both loosened actually, that was all the space we had for the size belt!

[@PaulBartomioli]

@@CalicoSkiesSailing, so the alternator was pushed as close to the pulley as possible? I honestly have never seen that happen, unless the belt you were installing is too small.

[@rickpfanku9864]

@@PaulBartomioli ‘

[@PaulBartomioli]

@@rickpfanku9864 ????

[@alanlovesmusic6442]

@@PaulBartomioli slack the alternator. remove pulley 4 bolts. insert belt. attach pulley. tighten alternator. working on old muscle cars this was the easiest way. prying with a screw driver can create burrs on the pully and then premature failure of the belt.

[@KSSilenceAU]

Hey Guys, Love the Videos (Been a long time Delos fan!) Suggestion for you: Have you considered adding a Starter type LifePO4 Battery that's separate and dedicated to engine / generator start so that in the event of a main bank shutdown you can still easily and reliably crank up up the engine / genset rather than having to "jump" yourself from a jump pack? Ideally Said battery should be able to power all the minimum required electrics to start and run the engine and ideally should be switchable to charge directly from alt if main bank is faulty. Some of them also come with a built in reserve so if you somehow manage to run that "flat" as well, you can press a recovery button to unlock some extra charge and still fire up an engine. I've actually got one in my car, and it works wonders! Using a lifePO4 start battery should also simplify charging as then both House and start batteries are the same chemistry. Normal charging could be via a DC-DC charger such as a Balmar duo to charge from the house bank, Or you could have the Engine Alt directly charge the starter battery, and then use a combiner relay or heavy duty DC-DC charger to charge the house bank. (and me being the kinda person to have redundancy in everything would also add a dedicated AC charger for the start battery than can run from shore / gen, but thats up to you if you want to go that far, I mean heck, you could even go overboard and have one solar reg thats also switchable to the start batt :P ). No point jumping from a jump pack if your only battery bank is in a persistent fault state for some / any reason and you have zero electrical power for basic systems. Some engines wont stay running without electrical power, and you cant run an alt without a working battery, not to mention it's a rather large safety issue to have no radio's and no basic instruments either. Also sticking a jump pack like that in parallel with a large lithium bank that's deeply discharged and/or has a fault is asking for trouble in its own ways. so in my car I have an EVWorks (Australian) brand "Start Saver" (Seems they don't sell them anymore), but the MegaLife ones ( www.megalife-battery.com/ ) and other equivalents Would work perfectly fine too and come in just about all shapes, sizes and capacities, with and without reserve function. (in fact i'm about to put one in my other car.). Happy Sailing! - Alex.

[@Nicolasm1420]

It’s great that the manufacturer replaced the defective rigging as You explained it so well. I have to check on my rigging that was installed 2019 in the south of France. Do you recommend the lithium battery brand you installed? As I am also looking to replace my batteries to lithium? Love your Videos.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

We are super happy with our batteries so far. We have transporter energy which is the same brand as battle born. So far so good!

[@meestahwah]

PS... always wondered where those lithiums Delos traded out went. Glad to hear they went to a good home.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

We are taking good care of them!! Awesome upgrade :)

[@Kiwi_Mike]

I enjoyed that. Great to see some of you back together again and being able to help each other out. Following you guys as well now thanks to Delos. Greetings from New Zealand

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Welcome aboard! We've been meeting up with quite a few of the TTYC members after we left, so fun!

[@andrewh9286]

Amazing video- working on a battle born install now

[@cravenmoorehead3756]

Take that bolt completely out of the alternator. It will give you just enough room to easily get it in the pulley groove. Them you can install the bolt and tighten

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

👍

[@WindoverWater]

You are going to love the LiFeP04 batteries. We are Battleborn brand ambassadors like Brian and Kazza. We upgraded last year and the capacity of our bank is over the top with only 4 on board. A beast of a system.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

It’s absolutely amazing. Charging is about 30% faster and the loads we can pull out are a insane. Adding the battered greater reduced out need for the Honda. If we ever end up in another situation like a pandemic in the ragged we will be even better equipped to be off the grid :)

[@ZPapaGeek]

Congrats on the new batteries! Why don't you try a 1" longer alternator belt? You have plenty of adjustment. Will be easier to install and not risk damaging the belt from too much prying.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thanks for the tip! I wasn't sure how hard the belts were supposed to be to get on 😂. I just matched what was originally on there

[@meestahwah]

This might have already been answered, however, i have REALLY tight clearances on my alt belt and I struggeled to install it as you did. For me, the solution was to remove the 4 water pump pulley bolts and then install the belt in the V of the water pump pulley. Then i set the pully on the water pump and install the bolts. Once the pully is re attached, I tension the belt with the alternator. Works quite well and doesn't add much time.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

That's a good idea! It shouldn't be that much of a battle LOL, Maybe I should go up in belt size 😂

[@meestahwah]

@@CalicoSkiesSailing my engine compartment is too small to go up a belt size and get tension on the belt. However, if you have the room, that would certainly be the easier solution.

[@colinboniface194]

Really good summary on the lithium upgrade...

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Glad you liked it! Felt like we were writing a research report on lithium batteries lol

[@donnakawana]

Thats very interesting..I learn so very much thanks!! You guys are great!!

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@olemanjim1415]

Hey great video guys! You really did an awesome job explaining all that goes into a lithium battery installation. And you did it with out boring me to tears like a lot of installing vids do. Bill, you've got a knack for explaining things clearly. Grace I love your narrating style : ) Good stuff guys !! Much love !!

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thanks Jim! One of our main goals was to keep it entertaining so it's good to hear we achieved that! Big hugs🥰

[@normanboyes4983]

I have never seen such a hamfisted alternator belt change. Either the alternator was not fully relaxed on the adjustable bracket or that belt was just too small.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

😂 I’ll be buying a longer belt in the future

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

😂 I’ll be buying a longer belt in the future

[@jamescarid3448]

Sweet upgrade. You gotta find room for all 8. Cheers.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Yea we scored big time! I wish . . .

[@allenshepherd5225]

Always love the technical information. My wife and I sold our Mariner36 years ago, but enjoy our vacations now on a big moto coach. We still call it the boat. Keep up the great video content. Merry xmas wishes to you and Grace.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Glad you enjoyed it! Sounds lovely :) Ha! Thanks Allen, will do! Right back at ya.

[@angelatutino6789]

Nice to see you all enjoying yourselves! Thanks for another great episode! ❤️🎂❤️

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

🥰

[@urlkrueger]

Hey Bill, looks like your engine is just like me. As time goes by I keep needing to buy longer belts too.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Ha! Knuckle buster, I brought the old one onto shop when purchasing the new one. I’ll go up a size next time !

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Ha! Knuckle buster, I brought the old one onto shop when purchasing the new one. I’ll go up a size next time !

[@eleanor4482]

Love the way you look out for each other. Hope you had an enjoyable holiday and best wishes for 2021.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Aw thanks Eleanor :) We make a good team I think😉 Thank you - Hope you did as well and all the best for the new year.

[@dingo397]

Great Job !!! You explained it ALL.... I really enjoyed this video, Thank you

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thanks, glad you liked it!!

[@janvanvliet5195]

That's a serious power upgrade ,the jumper pack i had never heard off. Thanks for sharing and enjoy the hollidays!

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thanks for watching! Yea so much power for a 36’er’! Happy holidays!!!

[@edwarddavis6022]

I really love watching you guys could you please put out a bonus video of the work that you have done and in more detail I know and understand it is a lot of work for you on videoing and editing you have a really beautiful boat and is so interesting watching you do the work You could put out videos that are two hours long and I would watch every second You guys are awesome

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Super glad to hear that :) Well I'm not sure I (Grace) could make it through editing a video that long of boat work . . .😤 I'm sorry . . . maybe I should just send you the raw files lol We have a bit more boat work coming in our Maine vids and probably more down the line because an older boat and lots of miles = Lots of work! Thanks for the compliments though and so happy that you found us!

[@ianhelleren4890]

Thanks guys, really good topics.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Our pleasure!

[@paulvonauth7254]

Merry Christmas to Calico Skies, enjoy your New Years, be safe!

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thanks, Happy holidays!

[@Sabalon]

Watching him put the belt on is why I could never do this. I'd end up poking myself through with the screwdriver, breaking the belt, getting pissed, throwing things, hitting the engine, etc. Computers - no problem. Mechanical systems - Hulk Mad!!!!

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

😂😂😂 I’m sure some blood was shed over this project!! 🤪

[@wizardgmb]

Great video! You must have been going back and forth working on Calico and Delos while both were on the hard. You could make a living following Delos around catching a couple of batteries here another nugget there... A belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to both of you! 🎄🎅🎁⛄

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thanks much!! Initially, yup. But we moved out to anchor pretty shortly after taking the mast down. So then the dinghy was involved😉 We are definitely grateful to have scored the batteries! Ha -Another nugget! lol . . . Thanks, right back at ya!😘🎄🎉

[@lloydhalljr.7570]

love the video were getting caught up glad u guys got delos bateries so cool tight family

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it :)

[@wanagiandme]

I'll be tackling solar this spring when I launch. Greatful for wisdom of those who come before me.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Sweet - Yea it will prob be in 3 or 4 episodes (our upgrade in Maine)

[@nickwebster1473]

Best video ever, love it!

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

😬😬😬Thanks so much Nick!!!

[@AwangYudiAryadi]

In this case, Bryan Delos is the best. Great.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Such a good upgrade!

[@dustyritz983]

WE DO FIREWORKS EVERY YEAR WITH MY BROTHER IN LAW JUST LIKE YOU DID LOL LIGHT A BUNCH AND RUN

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

😂

[@1fastbuggy502]

Try using a wrench . LOL

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

😂

[@danceswithcarsdc]

Time lag, July install, FireWorks 🎇🎆, heat, just posted here, post Xmas, time travel courtesy of Lithium (manic depressive aka bipolar bad joke)... Glad things worked out. Sierra could use an update toothless bib, with teeth now. And crabs to lobster (Maine happened since)

[@danceswithcarsdc]

And scary putting hands in something that holds a charge like old CRTs. It's DC but collectively a replacement for main into an apartment or garage, and most aren't electricians. Those spaghetti wires on top, some metal tool hits the wrong things, Arc welding, startling and likely don't know what caused it until after, if able...

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Hahaha!

[@jerrymiller276]

And Bill joins the Mechanic's Order of the Bloody Knuckle.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

HA . . every time! lol

[@BillB23]

Nice work. PS: the Nugget needs to ugly up to be cute.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thanks :) Shes adorable!

[@lowellmccormick6991]

I raced a Lindenberg 22. It had rod rigging until we sunk and had to replace the mast and the rigging. We went with wire rope rigging with the new mast. Is there an advantage to using rod rigging?

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Oh no sunk?! What happened?! The rod is lighter and stiffer giving a lower center of gravity. We looked into changing over to wire when we rerigged back in 2016 but the costs to change the mast fitting to accept wire was crazy expensive!

[@lowellmccormick6991]

@@CalicoSkiesSailing We were racing in the Race For the Case between Gulfport and Biloxi, Ms. in squally conditions. We got hit by a microburst with the sails down and secured and the extreme winds blew us over and left us with the dagger board pointing up out of the water at 45 degrees from vertical. We had the hatch closed but not the companionway and the boat filled with water and sunk after 45 minutes. We tied a fender to the bow to mark where it was before the Coast Guard plucked us out of the water. A local shrimper offered his help and we dove down in 15' of water, to tie a line to the bow cleat and pulled the boat to shore 3 miles away. The mast snapped because it had been stuck in the mud when we started towing it. We cleaned up the boat, replaced the mast & rigging and finished 2nd in the race the following year.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Wow!! That’s a crazy story!!

[@roncanizares9966]

Did Calico Skies come with rod rigging?

[@Taisen_Des]

You guys gave up your married life for a few stormy days, but in exchange you won 🎅🏻 a set of semi-new batteries. 😅 😅 It's not bad at all. 😊 👌 P.S.: And now, Grace's hair dryer will work better... and her golden mane will look even more beautiful. 😄 👋 👋

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

This is true! Gotta keep the good hair days coming lol😆

[@dopeytripod]

yay DELOS

[@dingo397]

WHY are you prying a belt onto your pulley.....lmao

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ops7750]

How to ruin a belt during installation. Boah I couldn’t watch this torture.

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

🤷🏻‍♂️ Shes in a running fine!😆

[@ops7750]

Even it is running fine at the moment, mounting a belt like this will partially destroy it, before it even ran for a second. I highly recommend not to do it the way you did.

[@cbecht]

@@CalicoSkiesSailing The alternator is mounted on a tension-adjusting mechanism. When you were prying on the belt, the alternator slid along the curved track in it's mounting bracket (movement visible at 6:18-6:20 for example). If you fixed the alternator in the closest (lowest tension) position (tighten the bolts with it in that position, or lash it down with cordage or whatever), the belt should go on easily. Then you readjust the alternator position to restore correct tension and tighten it down. Since the alternator was clearly moving, and it was close to the lowest tension position, it's possible you already knew this and just ran out of tension adjustment. But for anyone else watching who wasn't aware, hopefully my description is more helpful than "You're doing it wrong, this is torture."

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thanks! From all the comments I think I must have the wrong size belt 🤓. I took the old one into NAPA but I should prob go up an inch. Having not really worked on engines before buying the boat I assumed it was supposed to be a challenge 😂

[@wolfman1549]

That’s not how you install a belt. Loosen the alternator

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

The bracket was loosened but we must have been using too small a belt! We bought the old one in to shop to get replacement but got the wrong size I guess!

[@joecucch8261]

With lithium I guess it's in for a penny, in for a pound,

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Ha yea had to spend some money to get our charging sources to spec, but figure we would have needed née batteries so so used that money to upgrade :)

[@stevensaxon8888]

@@CalicoSkiesSailing great video. What name brand of sailboat? Size of the boat?

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

Thanks!! Boat is a 1985 Sabre 36 footer. She’s been a boat to us :)

[@taylorclaxton4806]

Nugget

[@CalicoSkiesSailing]

She’s the cutest 🥰

[@alanlovesmusic6442]

rigging company - certainly not six sigma for that rate of failure...