Sailing Around the World, Boat Electronics and Batteries, Ep 37, Off the Starboard Hull

[@OneGenericName]

What a great hurricane hole you have there. Water like glass and nothing but sunshine and your favorite drink until things blow over

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Yes, it is pretty calm until the afternoon winds blow through the cut in the marina. It is a great life and we are enjoying it to the max. Thanks for watching. Cheers

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

OneGenericName Scott here: We will post a cool drone video that gives a clear view of the marina

[@geoffthefarmer]

Again great video. We currently have a 25 year old 48ft cat and our new FP Helia 44 arrives next month. Your videos are great as it can be very expensive and time consuming to go through the learning curve and to learn from others is the fast track to sailing instead of fixing. Thanks from Australia.

[@hijodelarecife5478]

Are you going to upload videos of the cat?

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

A brand new FP Helia 44 replacing a 25 year old cat, how exciting! Glad to get you on the fast learning track with our videos. Also, thanks for watching from down under - hope to get in Oz in 3-4 years.

[@Camp_Runamuck]

Love these nuts and bolts videos .. I know nothing about boats so these are great . Keep up the great work Team

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Thanks for keeping in touch with us over most of our videos. Most that comment seem to love the nitty gritty details of the boat. Thanks again for watching Cheers, Laurie and Scott

[@lucianosantucci108]

More great advice. Reliable Electricals are critical. Well done.

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Thanks again, Luciano

[@waynebilko]

I just recently came upon your channel, and have loved ALL your videos, including the comments sections! My wife and I are currently selling our house up in Courtenay and will be following your lead. One thing I noticed in your safety video was the jack "line". Webbing is better, especially at night, since it lays flat and is less of a tripping/rolling your ankle hazard. Also, I love my InReach too, but SSB is good backup and you can listen to the local nets for great information, and also receive grib files. A sextant can also save your skin in case of electrical failure on ocean crossings. It's not too difficult to figure out the basics. That said, you're a real inspiration on how to do things right. Fair winds!

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Wayne Bilko Cheers from Mexico Just so you know the jack lines are Dyneema core and lay flat, they are strong and can be tied and adjusted better than straps in my experience. No rolled ankles. We have been around many sailors width SSB and have watched most fail at making connection, time and time again. The Electronics store in Victoria refused to sell me an SSB, he said that they were outdated and going the way of the Dodo. I would have been getting into 1940’s technology and we both agreed that the $ could be utilized in a much better way. The Coast Guard Commander was in full agreement, his advice was to take the InReach and a satellite phone, programme in the base number in Victoria and talk to then direct, they could dispatch everything from their office. The only purpose would be to chat on a passage. Hope it all works out for you and maybe we will see you in an anchorage soon. Cheers

[@waynebilko]

Off The Starboard Hull Thanks, Scott. More great info!

[@waynebilko]

Off The Starboard Hull Hi, Scott. Been following the Trio, but didn't know they were from here! We were hoping to be out by summer, but the house market went a little flat. As soon as it sells, we're heading to wherever in the world the best boat deal happens to be. We're looking for something under 150,000. Favs are older Lagoon 42 TPI and Moody 46. See anything good, let me know!! Cheers. Oh, and if you know anybody looking for a big old house in Royston or a J30... 😀

[@roberttorres809]

Hey Scott and Lorie, Robert here. I’ve just popped in to say that If it’s any consolation to you guys and to be fair; that I’m partial to both formats of videos. That is to say the technical versions as well as the adventurous, aquatic and picturesque video too.... oh, and by the way, great stuff as always and thank you for sharing....

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Hey Robert, thanks for your input. Glad you enjoy both forms of our videos. We are putting together lots of great shots here in Tonga, but not able to upload until we get to NZ in Dec

[@baz4x4r]

I think all of your videos are great. I must say that the footage on the boat and how you use it are really worthwhile. So a nice balance. Makes us jealous about where you are and show us how you got there.

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Thanks, Barry. I hope you will be able to use the knowledge on the videos to do the same some day. Cheers, Laurie and Scott

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Barry Nevill Hey Barry Thanks for the kind words, we are having a great time. We are always shocked at the popularity of the nuts and bolts videos, they take way less time to produce and garner great comments. The travel Vlog content is massive in comparison. Well for now the nuts and bolts stuff is over and back to the editing , the next vid will be highlighting the North Sea of Cortez, it includes a sad 😞 day when we retrieved a drowning victim out of the Ocean. Proof it’s not all Margaritas and beaches, reality shows up every once and a while. Cheers and thanks for watching

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Barry, both Laurie and I we responding to your comment at the same time, that’s why there are 2 replies, now 3

[@baz4x4r]

Laurie and Scott. Two replies are always better than one! Keep up the great work and enjoy life.

[@PVsimpilot]

Excellent video, Great job explaining your boat's electrical systems. I appreciate your time making, editing, and publishing your videos.

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Thank you Jorge, for your kind words. We are glad that are able to appreciate this information. Cheers Laurie and Scott

[@seatravel8536]

Really like the idea of remote strips and fuse panels, not many manufactures install them. Excellent suggestion to diy'ers not to mess with factory stuff.

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Thanks, Sea Travel

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Scott here: Especially French electrical, only a Frenchman would have a light come on when the switch is down. But they have a President that uses full sentences.

[@SailBeforeSunset]

Well done, my friend. I get that you’re an electrician, so that’s why your install is so clean. I’m an EE, and I agree with what you’ve done there.

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Thank you for your endorsement, Sail Before Sunset. I was reluctant to give a view of the details of my electrical work to the general public for fear of those with little electrical knowledge trying to do a complicated install with poor results. However, I realized that a basic description can only help people understand how things could work. Cheers

[@marchudson1961]

Scott . Thanks for the nuts and bolts video. Our 400S2 will be arriving next month and we will be adding a lot of the same things you did. Again thanks. Marc

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Hi Marc You must be so excited. Where are you picking up the boat? If you are like us, you will be very pleased with the boat. Even the new 50 doesn't have the 3 sinks in the kitchen and the loads of closed cupboards for storage that this boat has. The owners version is a perfect boat for 2 people living aboard, we think. Are you getting the 3 cabin model? Thanks for letting us know. Cheers

[@marchudson1961]

Yes very excited. Boat is currently being delivered to Houston and yes it is an owners version. First thing we will probably add is a solar array similar to yours. Enjoying your videos.

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Yes, the solar array was originally designed by a guy (engineer from Tesla) who owns a 450. His version has survived hurricane force winds twice, the second time the frame was solid but a panel broke (the 450 has 6 panels). Our version has a few more supporting struts. Hope the delivery goes smoothly.

[@petertarantola786]

Hi Marc. My Lagoon 42 is being delivered with yours. Have sailboat Mike give you my contact info so we can chat and compare notes! Excited

[@jwmartin3222]

Makes total sense coming from a sparky too

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Thanks JW, glad fellow sparkies all agree. Cheers

[@sailingsubmariner]

Great video, thank you for taking the time to do it. Cheers John

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Hi John Thanks for your warm comment. Cheers, Laurie and Scott

[@douglaschamorro3642]

Great video and I love the travel parts as much as the live aboard videos. Please Scott keep them coming. Thanks

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

We will continue the travel parts as we still have lots of unused footage from Baja Concepcion all thee way around the Sea of Cortez to San Carlos. We are just amazed at how our nuts and bolts videos (which are extremely easy to make) get many more views and comments than our travel and sailing footage. Cheers, Laurie and Scott

[@douglaschamorro3642]

Thank you

[@michaelquestion103]

Loving the videos, keep them coming. A Muskoka boy myself, born Parry Sound, lived Huntsville. Grandparents were in Huntsville and Dwight so after we'd moved away, still spent loads of time up in god's country. I also have a Laurie of own, literally. Follow a few sail channels and always on the look out for Cdn sailors. Like the blue waters channels over those that hangout in one area constantly so am looking forward to your Pacific passage. Keep the videos coming.... you know, when you get around to them, Muskoka cottage pace is fine by me.

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Michael Question Hey Michael Scott here, Laurie and I were just in Parry Hoot, I wanted her to see the Bay so we took the cruise around the island. MUSKOKA will be in Parry Sound once we get around, we think we will spend 2 seasons in the Bay . Thanks again and we will stay in touch Cheers 🥂

[@roberttorres809]

Great stuff, as usual thanks for taking the time to share with this novice..

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Robert, we still feel like novices in this journey. No matter where you go, there is someone who has loads more experience. We are continually learning. Thanks for joining us. Cheers, Laurie and Scott

[@kirkpeters7825]

Love your site. Good luck with the rest of your worldwide trip. Retired sparky from Wa state. 😎 Kirk Peters

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Thank you Kirk for watching our videos and your best wishes. We cruised into Washington State waters last August and enjoyed crossing all those bars - saw some beautiful beaches at La Push. Cheers, Laurie and Scott

[@willmoritz5493]

Excellent info, great video, have fun and keep the entertainment coming, thanks

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Thanks, Will Fun is easy with this lifestyle. Thanks for joining us and taking the time to comment. Cheers, Laurie and Scott

[@andersjakobsen9906]

Great stuff ;-) I only have a 39ft mono.(and i now want to pony areas;-) But in a cat it seems to be fantastic,- and a must. Fair winds,-greetings from Norway.

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Hi Anders You are funny - feel free to "pony" away Thanks for the greeting from Norway Cheers, Laurie and Scott

[@RR-or5ip]

I am a new subscriber and love the videos! Keep it up and thanks from Okinawa, Japan.

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Thank you for subscribing, Ray Kelly! I will be uploading the first part of the Tonga videos today. Cheers

[@sm6wet]

Good install. Thank you for sharing. Cheers from Sweden

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Good hearing from you again - glad you found the video helpful. Cheers

[@va7dgp]

Thank You. You have given me idea's in how to distribute 12 v powers from my battery bank in my radio room. I use an MFJ banana plug distribution panel. I have several radios and 2 TNC (for radio email) that I use here in New Westminister BC. I'm running out of the banana ports and running a 12 v line from the distribution panel to a new repeater rack, I can use that pony panel. I don't want to drill any more holes in the apartment wall. I can use my existing cable run ties and mount that pony panel on the rack for the other electronic equipment. Enjoyed the tech talk.

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Don Poaps Pony up big boy, a great way to make sure the electrical is fused and safe. Cheers

[@chuckdrew5240]

thank you. I like it

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Thanks, Chuck

[@garyg315]

master sea electrician! i like your meticulous work* you surely must be having more fun then me

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Thanks garyg315 Thanks for the accolades. Not sure if the term "master" is earned yet on the seas, but will try to find a solution each time a challenge appears. Necessity is the mother of invention and fun is easy with this lifestyle! Cheers

[@jenwilko1692]

Thank you, enjoyed you’re great info. Always keen to know were you both are! Cheers from Oz 🐨

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Thanks, Jen. Yes, we will be in San Carlos until Nov and Mexico until March when we start heading your way across the South Pacific. Thanks for watching. Cheers

[@mamasthree2649]

We are buying a cat and although we love to see where you go we love nuts and bolts videos. We will be live aboard and we hunger for good info.thanks!

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Mamas Three Glad you are absorbing the boat nuances, there is lots to know about your own boat, they are all different yet the principals remain the same. Good luck with your Catamaran, I spent 10 years doing the dreaming. Cheers The dreaming part of the journey cannot be rushed, enjoy!

[@petertarantola786]

I love the nuts and bolts. I am waiting on my brand new Lagoon 42. It is being delivered with Hudson Lagoon 400. Wow. I have too many questions for you. One is I ordered an inverter with the boat. Will I need another? I'll be waiting for more video! Thanks, Pete Tarantola

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Hi Peter Wow! You have a 42 being delivered in a month. Your total immersion into nuts and bolts will be be very soon. Our boat did not come with a factory inverter, so no, another inverter will not be necessary if it is a full sized one. Cheers

[@LUCID99999]

Your just really good at this bit. 👍. I still like to see where you are too though 😉

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Thanks for the thumbs up, Jetasin. We will keep putting out our travel videos too. Scott is now putting in a salt water pump near the kitchen sink. He is a busy guy. Cheers, Laurie

[@randymartin7802]

good ideas. Easier troubleshoot , isolate and repair. shorter runs if needed to replace.

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Thanks, Randy

[@nachumedelstein8164]

Great video, please continue the good work.. looking at maybe buying the new 40..... hi fron israel.

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

The new 40 looks like a good boat with a self tacking job and the mast further back than this 400 S2. However, the storage space seems less than this one, I think. Thanks for following us from Israel. Cheers, Laurie and Scott

[@nachumedelstein8164]

We are 53 yo couple looking to travel like you guys, no second thoughts on the size of the boat ? The 400 is perfect for offshoring couple?

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

The 400 S2 (owners version 3 cabin) is perfect for us - tons of storage space, our work shop in one guest cabin but small enough to easily find dock space. However, I just looked at the specs for the new 40 - it is one foot shorter and one foot narrower than our boat. Also, we have cabinet doors in our cabin storage space. I see that the newer boats have open shelves. This would be harder to store clothing and other personal items. We also have 3 sinks in our galley which is surprisingly useful. When we checked out the 39, it seemed much, much smaller with lower ceilings than the 400. The newer 42 may be more similar in size to our 400 S2. We love our boat and wouldn't trade it for any other model.

[@nachumedelstein8164]

Thanks

[@gwendolyngordon6989]

Hello, I have been watching your videos. Very impressed with the way you have organized your boat. My main question is what you think of electrical propulsion instead of gas or diesel. Is it practical financially, I like the idea of being independent of fossil fuels, and from what I have seen in some videos electrical motors require little or no maintenance. How do they perform on the water, what happens during lightning and storms. Your opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks mike

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Gwendolyn Gordon Hi Scott here, in my humble opinion the electrical propulsion systems have not yet proven themselves, case in point is the absence of any of the major manufacturers having an electrical option. There are probably one somewhere but until they have it all worked out just sail more. The only reason to motor is getting somewhere in a hurry. Of you have no time restrictions then sail. Hope that helps Cheers

[@lorrinbarth1969]

I'm still not clear on one thing. You have A/C and love it. You have all the solar you need. So, does that mean you can cool the boat using solar?

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Lorrin Barth Great question, indeed the A/C would work powered by the solar. One has to prioritize the use of power when off grid and do what works, for us while at anchor the breeze in the anchorage cools us very well. When MUSKOKA is in port and the breeze is minimal the heat becomes relentless, that’s when we need the A/C and indeed it is welcome. One thing that would help with the starting loads if the A/C compressor would be to install a soft start module, it takes the start up loads and softens the start. Further we have a small HONDA generator (2000w) it can handle the running load so if we wanted to we could run it that way. Hope that answers your question. As I am responding to your comment we are at anchor the temperature is 92*f and a 15 knot breeze, it’s glorious, no A/C. Cheers Scott

[@prof.m.ottozeeejcdecs9998]

One can tell your pro-skills ;-) and you like it! very clever to have redundancy, I like that a lot!

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Thanks, Prof. Michael O. Zimmermanm JCD ECS Catamarans are the very essence of refundancy. Glad you liked it. Cheers

[@rogerkerkmann]

Just wondering how the Honda gen is working for you. Do have gen support mode on inverter, that would be awesome setup, you can even put it in the dingy, float it out, no more gen noise!

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Roger Kerkmann Hey Roger The Honda works great, the only problem is I have never needed it. My solar works so well the Honda has never been used to charge. I have lent it to a boat that had motor issues and needed some way to charge. So there you have it. Cheers

[@fredwaternobbyiii4256]

So glad you got back to the technical videos! You guys are great and I'm glad you are enjoying life. I watch your channel to glean ideas and understanding on the operation of your catamaran. You are an intelligent guy so I appreciate all you can teach me. Thanks for all of that. Don't be offended that I am not interested in watching you guys frolic around Mexico. Happy for you but just not interested in that part.

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Fred WaternobbyIII Hey Fred Scott here, Ya I get it, it just astounds us that the nut and bolts stuff is so wildly popular. We don’t do this to be wildly popular, we make these videos for many reasons, getting paid is NOT one of them. My original thought was to pay it forward, show that you can be a dreamer as I once was and morf into a doer. Anyone can do what we’re doing, it’s hard work but so very worth it. The travel videos will continue and we will now incorporate nut and bolts. Thanks for the input. As I am responding Laurie and I are at anchor just outside San Carlos making water 💦 and have just returned from a scuba dive. Cheers

[@onthebeaches]

So are you taking your feed to the pony panel directly off a battery bank?

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Good question. The feed goes from the battery bank to a breaker and then to the pony panel.

[@petertarantola786]

I guess another question would be... What items need to be replace on the boat right away. Besides the small anchor it comes with. On the anchor I'm deciding between a Mantus or Ronca?

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

A Rochna 33kg is oversized for our boat, so should work for a 42 as well. It is rock solid for us so far.

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Can't think of anything else that would need to be replaced right away. I guess it depends on which sails you chose and what you ordered with the boat.

[@silvanocometta9760]

Hi there, I like your approach to the circuitry via pony-panels a lot. As you are an expert on electrical, I have a question based on the following issue: My bowthruster is activated via a VETUS joystick. The latter is no longer working and the previously used VETUS push botton controller is also no longer of use (both controllers were brand new). The bowthuster is working fine when bridged. Would you have an electrical scheme for a bowthruster circuit? I would like to verify if my 29-year old boat has a fault in it circuits related to the bowthruster. VETUS is of no help, as the offer their products as plug-and play. Best regards, Silvano

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Hi Silvano. My guess would be the solenoid. Any Marine electrician can trouble shoot this quickly, even if Vetus is not helpful. Not easy to troubleshoot this over the internet. Cheers Scott

[@urabus7875]

nice

[@AMLuka-to5vf]

Hello Scott i been waching yours videos and you have one on your batteries and electrical systems. just wondering why you have gone to a 24v system instead of 12v any pertical reason. any pros and cons of it. As im aware may be wrong.have been wrong before.lol but all electrical and nevigation are 12v ?.We are running 12v system on our RV for 8 years and been working great. Just wondering.?Cheers john

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

A.M. Luka MUSKOKA is a 12 volt boat. The only other voltage is 110v 60 cycle from the inverter. Cheers

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Laurie just posted and I think I'm first to watch it on KZbin

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Scott here, Ya that one.

[@CawffeeTyme]

LOL Scott.....you're funny, then again you're canadian....it's in the canadian blood. Highly informative, thank you.

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽⛵️⛵️⛵️⛵️🚴🏻⚓️

[@natersthegamer1953]

I think most of us watching these videos are interested in what life aboard is like. Sure going places is cool but anyone can go places, boat or not. A lot of us are just trying to learn the ins and outs of living on a boat.

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

That makes sense. Living aboard questions seem to be the majority. Cheers

[@natersthegamer1953]

Off The Starboard Hull I definitely enjoyed this type of video because, as I'm sure you know, there's so much to learn about living aboard. It can be scary and intimidating when you first get into it so every bit of information that might prepare you is invaluable. I personally never thought of the idea of creating a separate system for customer electricity work. It makes sense and is probably safer. It just tends to be a bit more work is all. Not everyone is proficient at dragging wires through the hull.

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Hi, Scott here. Pulling wires and plumbing pipe thru your boat is a one time thing. Buy a good fish tape and every time you pull,a wire add an other small string so the next time your already with the pull string. Every time you add something replace with a new pull string. Easy Peasy Cheers

[@petertarantola786]

For clarification. My boat is being delivered with Marc Hudson's.

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

You two will have lots of fun sailing together

[@TsarOfRuss]

Why aren't boat users buyer the TESLA POWERWALL 2??? its just $6000 for 14kW of storage

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Will check it out

[@ismzaxxon]

Lithinum batteries have a long way to go yet. I design power systems as an electronic engineer.

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Yes, we are looking forward to the future development of lithium batteries. Thanks for watching, Terry!

[@edplow5917]

y cant you level the sound level from scene to scene?all i am doing is screwing with my remote to level out volumn poor video

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Will do

[@pgreenx]

People are attracted to the videos because of the sailing and live aboard aspect. Plenty of travel channels out there otherwise....

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Thanks for defining what people want - sailing and live aboard info. It is a dream shared by many, it seems. Cheers, Laurie and Scott

[@Ivansgarage]

A SUB panel would be the correct terminology. Just as long you know what the hell it is that's all that counts.

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

So what we called a pony panel is called a SUP panel in marine terminology. Thanks, Ivansgarage!

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

SUB

[@scottdoran6347]

I have lithium now, 1,200 ah worth

[@mikewomack4088]

its a salty pirate

[@offthestarboardhull8913]

Thanks

[@warjacare]

Instead of sailing some people rather keep mending all sort of gimmicks aboard. Good luck!

[@RichSadler]

Hello Scott and Laurie, Trust this finds you well - safe & sound and having a Blast somewhere in the Pacific-ish! Been a fan for a while now and have watched most of your videos, possibly all. Great Job-Love ‘em! Wondering if I could HIRE you Scott to advise me on replacing nearly all electronics and navigational equipment on a Catamaran (2014 Lagoon 39) we recently purchased. Brief Backstory: we live in St Thomas, US Virgin Island where we own and operate a few businesses - one of which is a successful sailboat charter business (www.sailjester.com). Our plan is to add this new boat to the business as the demands is there. Main issue is the boat was at Nanny Cay - Tortola, British Virgin Islands in September 2017 and was damaged by Category-5 Hurricane Irma and 2 weeks later, Category-5 Hurricane Maria. However, fortunately the vessel was not damaged near as bad as so many others at that marina and boatyard. So, the boat took on damage on the portside (our Owner’s side) and was submerged towards the bow (majority of the aft cabin stayed out of the water) for approx. 3-weeks. The result is the majority of the electronics on this side of the vessel was fried. And some of the navigation equipment is toast as well. Possibly needing replaced: Autopilot Course Computer, Whole-House Inverter, Main Navigational Screen, Battery Isolator, Chain Counter and maybe even the Main Control Head. Also, 4 solar panels (100w) were added recently as well but I’m uncertain if it will be sufficient for our overall purposes - in the long-run. Soooo, we are moving forward on analyzing and assessing but we need to get all done and replaced as soon as we can. Yet all new equipment needs to jive (sync) with the new stuff. Question is: can you help? Love to hire you as a consultant, if you are amenable. Your thought sir? If you’d like to discuss, please feel free to shoot me a message on the Jester website… Thank you in advance, Rich