New AC inverter w/ 24V batteries & creating cabin space. Expedition lifeboat conversion Ep105 [4K]

To HELP CHARGE ALAN'S BATTERIES for the journey north, to buy merch, and to support my videos and help them grow in scope and quality here: www.alexhibbert.com/aho
EPISODE 105
Alan was rated to weigh up to 12 tons. Stripped out he was only 2, maybe 2.5. This means he sits, even with added equipment and ballast, too high in the water, which makes sea handling worse than necessary. So, I've got hold of yet more ballast - lead this time - to add. But I'm still looking for more. I'd like Alan to travel at a good 4-4.5 tons 'fighting weight'.
Products mentioned:
500W 12V mini angle grinder / polisher
1500W 24V Eco-Worthy DC-AC inverter
D-line plastic conduit
TecSound mass loaded vinyl from SRU Insultation
Feel free to ask any questions in the comments!
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Thanks to vanguardstorage.co.uk/ for warehousing facilities.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

It's possible I should have used a crimper than wasn't my hex crimper. So, whilst I investigate, you can comment nice things instead of pointing that out. Cheers.

[@britinmadrid]

Nice comment: I like your Alan-orange plastic bin bag!

[@espowari]

I work in IT data centers in the US and see Anderson connectors occasionally. They connect to PDU (power distribution units). I've never seen them used anywhere else until now! Keep up the good work and videos Alex! Cheers!

[@johnf8877]

They are really popular in the HAM radio world.

[@philgray3443]

Pretty standard on camper trailers and caravans here for charging onboard batteries from car connections. Also excellent for connecting solar panels to lithium banks. My car has three and could do with more.

[@popuptoaster]

While you are messing with your Anderson pin crimps you may, if possible, want to move the inverter closer to the battery bank. It's more efficient to keep the power leads going in to the inverter as short as possible and have the output leads longer if needed.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Agreed, but space is the limiting factor. The wires are over-spec, so the voltage drop should be minimal.

[@stefanshelenko4487]

Excellent content this week Alex. A bench on centerline will be calmer on a passage. Is it close to the transverse axis, which would also increase comfort?🎉

[@normanboyes4983]

Moving forward a step at a time, looks a great improvement with the space for the new seating area. I think the bolted arrangement for that framework is a much better solution than welding.👍

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Cheers

[@namesake-mx9nl]

As always , very interesting and impressive video .

[@pontuswendt2486]

AMAZINGNES!!!

[@ptonpc]

People might mock the bolted together framework but it works. Do you have any ideas for securing the sides / old seating area for storage use? Perhaps cargo net type mesh or deck to deck head railing?

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

There are plenty of eyes for straps already, but I could improve further.

[@gafrers]

Always progress.

[@robertevans6229]

Get a reciprocating saw easy peasy then no sparks

[@PsRohrbaugh]

Depending on you long-term AC situation, I still ultimately think a Victron inverter charger might make the most sense. Yes they're expensive. Yes I'll help pay for one. However if you're going to be running anything important on AC power, it's super handy to be able to maintain power as the inverter automatically switches between batteries and shore power (or generator). It will also dynamically limit the battery charging to not overload your generator / mains connection. So say it's charging your batteries at 100 amps, which is 10 amps on the AC side. Then you then on a saw or kettle or something that would overload your 13 amp shore connection. The charger will sense this and immediately lower it's charger output to not overload the mains. Then, when that load is gone, the charger will automatically go back to full power. Plenty of features that increase safety and convenience

[@Jehty_]

Do you have anything in mind that would fit the description of "anything important on AC power" on board of Alan? I can't think of anything. As far as I can tell everything important is DC, and I can't think of anything that would be needed on Alan fitting that description. But I might be wrong 🤷🏼‍♀️😁 Plus I don't see the importance of automatically switching to shore power. I guess that's a nice feature on a leisure yacht, but on an expedition boat?

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

I really do appreciate the thinking and sentiment behind this. At this stage I'm comfortable with a modular system, which always attracts me in terms of replacing failed parts. I understand that will impact seamless operation, but yes initially cost was a major factor. My other Victron units have been major investments. Currently saving for a second Victron 50A charger between my generator and battery. Oh, and a fourth Leoch 210Ah battery :)

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

You're right that there's going to be nothing critical running off AC whilst not linked to shore power.

[@PsRohrbaugh]

@@Jehty_ I don't know what sort of gear: computer, camera, scientific will be added. Yes everything we've seen so far has been DC, but if they decide to run - a mass spectrometer - or something - not having to shift everything over is helpful. All I'm getting at. I will cry myself to sleep if I see Alex installing a transfer switch onto a specific piece of equipment so it can go between the generator and inverter.

[@PsRohrbaugh]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals see this is what I'm talking about. Instead of chargers, look at a Quattro 5000 or Multi-plus 5000. Keep the standalone charger as a backup

[@pidginmac]

For Catastroff is a cruel god ❤

[@Jehty_]

How good is that adhesive on those self-adhesive cable channels? My experience with anything self-adhesive is that it would much rather be on the floor than on the wall/ceiling where I intended it to be 😅

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

It's ferocious. I've had to take some sections off, and it's a pig to prize away even from 'waxy' gelcoat. That said, it's single use. I tried to reapply a section and that doesn't work. It's called D-Line.

[@Jehty_]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals that's good to know. Interestingly my local hardware store here in Germany sells D-line. So I guess I know which channel I will try next time I need one :)

[@dancarter482]

As an extremely helpful Irishman once constructively advised me when asking for directions; _Well, I wouldn't start from here!_

[@rzuraf]

it looks like you can now fit a decent pizza oven where the workbench were 🙃

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Your priorities are beyond reproach.

[@rzuraf]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals it would boost up the crew morale to have a friday pizza night, and would double down as an additional source of heat - additionally would help weighting the vessel down at least a bit 😅

[@benderbender1233]

😎🤙

[@Jonathanbaker]

That Anderson connection is an eye brow raiser. You have the wrong size crimp on ends. Continuity might be okay but when you have higher power they’ll be massive resistance.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Wrong size crimp on ends? The pins are matched to the wire gauge. I set the correct size on the hex crimping tool, but the crimp whilst neat didn't fully arrest the wires (possibly as the strand count is so high). So, I went with a slightly smaller setting, and whilst this fully crimped the wire, it deformed the pin as shown. Unsure as to how to solve, if indeed there's a problem. I see no reason why the surface area of contact, with wire and pins well within their current ratings, isn't workable. Edit: next time I'm at the yard I'll do a further investigation with this. It's possible I shouldn't have tried to hex crimp, and instead do a pair of spot crimps from one side. Will update.

[@Invinciblemoam]

I have to agree with the eyebrow raising, there is a huge issue in industry with high resistance joints, I would explain further however there’s a plethora of information online, you may wish to revisit these joints on behalf of Alan and his occupants

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

@@Invinciblemoam Thanks - I do have a different crimper and some spare pins. I'll try and get a neater crimp, and not forget to grease. I've had a good read/watch of latest best practice/general industry arguments so will incorporate that.

[@Jonathanbaker]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals Alex sorry for the late response my friend, my comment was very sharp. When it comes to DC, high currents, there is a lot of Anderson connections out there that are Chinese, sub-standard and the sizings are often wrong. I learnt the hard way. You’re doing a grand job. Kind regards J

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

Cheers - although I don't think you were wrong. I do carefully source my Andersons though, so they are real.

[@versatec1]

Hi..what make of mini cordless grinder are you using? Super usefull...Thanks in advance

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

it's generic. If you search 12V mini grinder in Amazon or eBay it'll pop up. Usually between £30-50.

[@versatec1]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals lovely...Thanks😊👍

[@ianmitchell3725]

Have been watching you for some time . Have a question . Why did you decide on that particular size enclosed lifeboat,would you on retrospective got a bigger one??

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

A good question - it was the right size for the original purpose, and none of the 9/10m ones on sale we in good shape. Would I prefer an extra metre or two? Yes.

[@ianmitchell3725]

Yes a metre or two would be nice. Keep sailing and safe

[@UKvet246]

All those 20th century electrical circuits go 21st century and offer to test a solar power generator. One of the Bluetti ones has a TX90 with a 30a DC output, others are available. Q the Butts

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

I'm confused. The bluetti thingys appear to be vastly expensive all in one portable inverters, charge controllers and lithium batteries. Why would I want one in a boat?

[@ysesq]

@@AlexHibbertOriginals thats correct. you dont want those on a boat.

[@UKvet246]

Notice my suggestion regarding offering to test not necessarily purchase, don't understand why your confused they provide everything and more of what you have they are compact high power and chargeable in many ways and super versatile.

[@ysesq]

@@UKvet246 weight and space matter on boats.

[@AlexHibbertOriginals]

The key issue for me, aside from the cost and unecessary use of Lithium, is the all in one nature. If a component fails, you may have the whole unit out of action. I can see the benefit for camping/base camp/work camp/dry cabin applications.

[@jackfntwist]

Thank you for not wearing mom jeans ;)

[@jackfntwist]

😂

[@antnewbon2673]

Yes but unfortunately he is or she depends on what way up you rise. The name is before allen. Life preserver.

[@ysesq]

dumbness in this episode - Spaghetti wiring, no threadlocker on connector nuts, corrosion already visible on connections, not filling crimps with nooxid prior to crimping, not using solder after crimp, using self adhesive conduit in a seawater environment, using an off grid inverter instead of a marine inverter (victron, xantrex etc). the crimper (despite the self criticism) is, ironically, fine. all that is required is a mechanical connection followed by solder - looks/shape dont factor into it. stainless steel spring washers for locking nuts is also fine. ABYC E-11 - First shalt thou take out the Holy Crimper. Then shalt thou crimp once, no more, no less. Then solder thou thy Holy Connection, which shall connect it.

[@Jonathanbaker]

😂 thou shall soldier thou crimp. Sounds like a crimp off from mighty Bush. 😂