Off-Grid BOAT WIRING for DUMMIES! 12v Lithium Battery Bank Install: DIY HOW TO 🛠️💥| ep.26

[@GuyFromGeorgia]

Don't know if they have an 'Emmy'-type award show for you cruiser vloggers, but if they do I'm nominating you guys for this episode. Just excellent! Not that it has inspired me to try any of that sh*t but I'm definitely in awe of your effort. Thanks for sharing it with us. I know this wasn't easy. Now get out on the water and explore for us!

[@SpearItAnimal]

Thank you!

[@chrisanthony579]

I swear these two could be doing educational shows for kids!

[@nooneanybodyknows7912]

Please read the many comments alerting him to the many errors in this video. It is gravely flawed in electrical analogy and miscommunicates standardized electrical terms. Unlike the costly, time consuming errors they made painting, electricity is unforgiving. Only licensed and trained individuals are qualified. Not knowing and using incorrect analogy is dangerous. Communicating, on a public forum, your inadequacies in knowledge deserve a dunce award... especially when you make jokes of them instead of correcting them. Insurance companies should and will take note if/when claims are submitted.

[@rez6229]

@@nooneanybodyknows7912 L take tbh the companys litteraly sent them the batterys im pretty sure theyll be fine

[@stoshkaras9779]

I’m a retired electrical engineer and that job was done fantastic 👍🏻

[@SpearItAnimal]

Thank you, means a lot!

[@ernestoramirez9379]

They make everything look so clean and organized just no laziness in everything they do

[@SailingFrolic]

Yeah that’s why I’m always like “how do they do it” I can’t ever seem to be able to keep my boat clean.

[@matthewwarren7252]

Legitimately one of the best intro to small boat electronics videos I have seen. The production level and editing has also gone up to a professional level. Really well shot, narrated, and edited. It most respect for the time and effort you put into this. Not to mention your set up is so well designed and laid out! You have nailed it.

[@SpearItAnimal]

Thank you🍻🤘🏼

[@jashman6023]

Absolutely agree, that was awesome guys!!

[@War4theWest]

You said it for me. Excellent work!

[@ianrhodes9289]

Sort of true but words don't make misinformation correct

[@lkajiess]

No joke, this was some PBS level educational material. You guys broke this down so well without being condescending.

[@MonkPetite]

Nice going. But here my 2 cents .. don’t use the prop shaft as an ground negative. Use the keel. Next to that ground the boat , mast rigging etc to that same thing. If you like to rot your brass prop away .. use it as a ground. Electrolysis will destroy the zink, brass bearings, aluminium. I have seen it many times. To make your ship safe for lighting strikes. Use negative and positive main disconnects. Make sure your engine can run with out battery power. Meaning the your common ground must have a disconnect too. But don’t make it the single chunk of metal to be connected with common. Just use the normal size wire for that starter motor to start battery and generator. As your boat is plastic, don’t connect the negative of your battery to any ships common ground. If you have wooden of plastic boat it’s nuisance to do that. If only one lighting strike may enter your system. The easy way. Only radio antennas need a good ground. It’s called a base plate. That’s why it’s at your mast. I have installed many boats with electric systems and never bothered with a ground to the water. See at your car or airplane .. they don’t have any too. Tip for steel boats . Install an isolation transformer in-line with your shore power. It will save the hull and all other metals not to be eaten away by nasty electrons. Don’t use the hull as a negative but run negative cables like in a wooden or plastic boat.

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

Man you stole my thunder, I agree with you 1000 percent! As a retired electrical engineer and former Irwin 45 ketch rig I have been down that same road. A docked boat two slips away had an open neutral on the shore power. The ground was being supplied by the salt water and his prop shaft. That lead to my zinks were being eaten up sooner than expected when did a hull inspection for bottom condition. I was lucky I caught the sacrificial zinks deteriorating and changed them out with out damage. The other boat did not fair so well. 🤯🛫

[@chrisfowler6278]

I’m not an electrical engineer by any stretch, but this video was awesome. The explanation was great. And the install, was amazing! Great stuff. Keep the videos coming!

[@SpearItAnimal]

Thank you 🤘🏼

[@jackpoirier5023]

I am an electronic engineer, and this explanation is not 100% accurate. But it IS adequate enough for the layman. Great job guys.

[@ianrhodes9289]

True

[@giselaupton3826]

Loved the AC/DC explanation, now I get!!!!!! ⚡️⚡️⚡️

[@rboston33]

Well prepared and well presented. Impressive

[@quillibrium-dk6jz]

As an electrical engineer, I always cringe when someone does an episode like this. But you nailed it. It was simplified, but all the info was perfect. Can't say the same about other channels.

[@Mordalo]

I was about to say the same. Just wish they had pointed out to never touch both sides of the bus bars at the same time. Also wish they had covered the charge rates, because math is not taught any longer. 😉

[@TheCybrKnyf]

I think this was the first DIY Off Grid type video that actually helped me to understand exactly how the system works. Thanks for that!

[@jeffbeckychudek4675]

Nice job explaining electricity! That was one of the most relatable I’ve heard. Maybe work on the “AC = high, DC = low” part though… lol

[@polabair911]

Thanks for going with Battle Born. The workers in Nevada would thank you!

[@243063]

45 year master electrician Nice job on the wiring

[@map9072]

Congrats on your new system! I have spent 20 plus years as an electrician and can appreciate the complexity of these multi source, voltage, and amperage systems. You did a great job at explaining voltage and amperages for your installations. Hope the new systems keep the beers cold and make plenty of ice for those higher voltages.

[@SpearItAnimal]

Thank you!

[@pokeygravityryder]

High voltage doesn’t mean AC and low voltage doesn’t mean DC. You can have high and low voltage levels of either type of current.

[@willbroadus2665]

Once again you guys did an awesome job with this video. Way to break it down with out overloading on the technical jargon. Raff once again amazed at your all around ability. Also loved the special effects.

[@DBartWest]

Can I copy and paste this comment? “what Will said!”. 😂😂

[@pkane5472]

Yeah@@DBartWest what @DBartWest said!

[@katiadaudegoncalves9103]

You made this so easy to understand! Thank you found such a well explained video

[@davidgrowse2041]

Great video and love your energy (pun fully intended but true 🙂). I would like to correct something though. AC vs DC has nothing to do with high voltage vs low voltage. AC and DC are simply ways that the power is delivered and you can use AC or DC for both high and low voltage. By convention, low voltage is anything below 50V and high voltage is anything above 50V. In the USA, mains electricity is delivered as either 120V or 240V AC most of the rest of the world use 230V/240V AC. The main reason AC is used is because it is more efficient (less losses) to allow it to be transmitted long distances (power stations to your homes) and is easier to convert between high and low voltage. AC is also considered more dangerous as it is more likely to disrupt human electrical systems (electrocution). For some history, there was a famous competition between Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison involving an elephant back in the 1880s which led to why we now have AC as our mains electricity.

[@Dtk-1ofakind]

I agree it was a very well done and entertaining video. I too thought the AC/DC meaning was a little too over simplified, but bang on for the purposes of the video. But in regards to AC vs DC, I believe DC is more efficient. I think originally it was easier to step down/up voltage levels using AC. High voltage DC is used for long distance power transmission lines.

[@leilamorgan8008]

My favorite sailing channel is you guys I’m glad you put out a video today because I was thinking hey we haven’t heard from you guys in a hot minute🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤

[@mike.monaco]

Oh yeah baby. Time to power up and rip the seas. Great vid

[@rhett4027]

I love the cloney Pirates of the Caribbean music you use once in a while like when you left on the 297th day setting sail for open water from fart Lauderdale and the paintball pussers!

[@markallen4123]

Great explanation on how your off-grid system works! It look fabulous!

[@tonythorpe8599]

Calculations on the chalk board didn't quite add up but we knew what you ment. Loving the vids and progess

[@SpearItAnimal]

Just had to make sure you guys were paying attention 😆

[@tonythorpe8599]

@@SpearItAnimal atleast one of us was haha

[@stevemoor3461]

That was the best well explained solar/battery bank set up that I've seen! Great job!

[@SpearItAnimal]

Thank you!

[@chaumartin]

Best physics video I've seen in a very, VERY ... long time ! Kudos to both of you!

[@ke2delight]

Why not passive solar water heater? We got one and it works like a charm! Using solar electricity to heat water? Very very…. veryveryveryvery inefficient! Did I mention how inefficient? VERY!

[@ke2delight]

And your electric water heater should only be a backup option.

[@mjsorl]

Absolutely a work of art. Having watched you two since the beginning of your u- tube video career, I am simply amazed at the work, the skillsets, the positive attitude you project. Wish the two of you great adventures. A fellow rebuilding sailor.

[@shawnengstrom2246]

Good to see you're using Victron. On a side note, you guys are doing an outstanding job! I'm enjoying every episode.

[@timwoods603]

You guys have made it look easy and I know it wasn't. Shout out to @battlebornbatteries for getting on board. Outstanding video you two.

[@gramos9115]

Thank you U2 , this is the best example of how not to be scared of building a system for your boat , good simple breakdown , well done .

[@adamkiecke2059]

Quite possibly the best episode I have ever seen.... and I have seen EVERY Doodles, Vagabonde, Delos, UMA and Meriwether... and Far Side;)

[@daveflowers3070]

Ive installed several medium to large car audio systems. This job is very clean and something to be proud of....

[@stevecrombie5357]

I think I should tell you I don't watch your videos just for the intro or just so I can see Sascha. That has to be the sexiest battery bank set up I've seen on any of the sailing channels I watch. I did wonder how many takes some of these clips took. Sascha looked like she wanted to laugh most of the time. Great lesson delivered with great visuals. Thanks.

[@ship_wreck_d3349]

Ok, that was cool. Not quite how I was taught electrical basics, but I like it. Now we need the draft beer analogy for teaching the power triangle!

[@Tomc8030]

I’ve worked around a lot of electricians and controls engineers and I’m telling you straight up that job you guys did was excellent and lol you guys even cleaned up behind your selfs! All BS aside the job looks amazing. Tip of the hat to you both!

[@Stillrosey]

Not only is you guy’s work phenomenal, but this tutorial, your research in that project and video editing should win an award and be game changer for diy boaters and you-tubers Period. You deserve a million subscribers ❤🎉 #SPEAR IT ANIMAL #1 Sailing Show

[@SpearItAnimal]

😂 “#SPEAR it Animal”…..and thank you!!!

[@arottie4097]

This edit friggin Rocked. Big ups to the editor or editors! This episode really should come with an Advisory "This is NOT an install for the faint of heart!" Job well done guys. That's an awesome set up!

[@SpearItAnimal]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@roydenvickers]

Raf you're killing it BRO.

[@JW-jl8iq]

Absolutely beautiful. I understand batteries. I am a RC guy and electric is all i fly.

[@mlqvist]

Thanks. Watched this video and am now a certified electrician, working aviation

[@JBSCHAFFNER]

Nice job, two things to save on cables,space and money. Instead of connecting each battery to the bus bar you can use short cables to connect the batteries to each other in series… then just two cables to bus bar. Second battle born is great but rack batteries like EG4 cost less, take up less room and are higher quality.

[@ronaldwilliams9606]

That was beautiful, you guys are great, I cant wait to see more videos of you traveling the world

[@stephen-collins]

Leave it to Raff to take a normally boring electrical install and make it hilarious. This is why I watch. Epic stuff!

[@Sjostromlinus]

Hello guys! A galvanic isolator could be good from the shore power to the multiplus on the AC side, it depends if you lay in port with shore power connected alot or not. It blocks all the stray current between other boats connected to the shore (Common ground). This does not apply to camper vans, because they are not grounded in the water togheter with other vehicles (like our boats). 😄Just a tip! Great video, keep it up! 😃

[@deanhanel562]

As a cocky Jack of all trades I thought I might have to skip through the electrical stuff, nope learned something about one of my favorite bands.

[@jbird73]

Shooooweeee! I dunno why I have such a mental blockage when it comes to this shit. I'll still gonna have to watch this 5-10 more times. Awesome work, yall! Yeeeew!!!

[@ballomni]

Bravo Zulu! On the install put a bilge pump and water alarm on the floor of the bilge of that compartment, maybe even two of them, hate too see any sea water back there at all. Someone can hit you in the rear, open up a leak you never know. Again Great job, I like lead for the alternator, no BMS still will work after a lightning strike.

[@bojangles8837]

Load dumps are pretty much universally getting ignored or glossed over by Lithium battery manufactures. The problem with Li batteries is that, since the BMS is inside the battery, it has no way to communicate its intentions before load dumping.Typically, the time between BMS warnings and load dump is short. For example, Al, chief designer at Wakespeed, is a happy camper if the BMS gives his software two seconds to do the right thing. So, clearly, you want to build a system around a smart BMS and charging gear that can automatically shut down safely and quickly, before the lights go out. An internal BMS like Lithionics, that can send a signal, typically to a relay (solenoid, contactor), is not going to help us much if said relay disconnects the battery from the loads, even when it doesn’t need to. So it’s a fundamentally good practice when designing a lithium battery system to separate the charge and load busses with a BMS-controlled relay on each one. That way, in an overcharge scenario (likely more common than undercharge), the BMS can just disconnect all the charging sources but leave those vital loads supplied-fewer lights-out-related disasters. Of course, this means you need a BMS that’s smart enough to decide whether or not it needs to disconnect everything, or just the charging sources. Great to see that one of the largest vendors (Battle Born)of lithium batteries has finally got wise to the fact that when used on boats, lithium batteries with an external BMS must be able to communicate with external devices and the user to be safe and compliant.

[@micheljansen85]

normally a garden hose is used to explain VxA.. but i approve 😅

[@smercer5]

Dudes, I have a basic understanding of these systems and how they work, but this explanation demystified the whole big picture. I can see this video allowing anyone to have a new level of confidence in working with their system. It can be very intimidating, so thank you!! BTW, my only complaint is the time that has lapsed between episodes! I love you guys. Please keep 'em coming!!

[@SteveZ1]

Very Well done. This is the best solar install I have ever seen.

[@timgore1487]

Awesome guys !! Love it as usual

[@dasburke]

raff is a genius... this woman, total 10.

[@JH-ij6jw]

Excellent video explaining this! Well done, battle born was smart to sponsor you.

[@terryr6774]

Guys, check out SV Dauntless, they just did an excellent multi-part Victron install series which includes some details you may have missed (specifically with galvanic isolation) ... also ... WATTS does NOT equate to WATT HOURS ... you need to include TIME to determine WATT HOURS ... not all devices will tell you their use over time, rather, they give you a MAX rating (instantaneous rating) in either WATTS or AMPS ... fridges cycle on and off depending on how much food is in the fridge, how well the temperature can be maintained due to insulation, or how often you grab a beer, outside temperature, etc. Let's say a 12V fridge has a max current rating of 5 amps ... to calculate the MAX power it might consume in one day, you need to know how long it is going to be on during the day ... if it averages 10% per day then it will be on for 2.4hrs * 5A * 12V = 144 Watt-Hrs per day ... NOT 24 * 5 * 12 or 1440 WATT-HRS (the fridge shouldn't be running full time) ... an induction cooking device you might only use for 15 minutes a day at 1500 Watts that would only consume 375 Watt Hours ... measuring a device's ACTUAL current can also provide more accuracy to your POWER calculations. The bottom line is you have installed a large battery bank, the key will be whether your Solar panels can keep the bank charged. Delos say they have to use their genset to keep up with the demands from Water maker, AC, Washing Machine, etc. Sophisticated-Lady has panels outboard and foredecks to help keep up with their power needs ... their boat looks like a floating solar panel from the air ... they added HIGH current Alternators to their engine which they use in lieu of GenSets.

[@beverleyc]

You guys this was amazing and so helpful. You make us laugh. Also you explained electricity so much better than all of Google.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

This has to be the best explanation of a marine solar charging system I've seen. Excellent work.

[@obieandlaurie]

Thank you for one of the easiest to understand and most fun to watch how to electrical videos out there. Cheers you two! ⚡️

[@jimasman550]

I'm just being silly, but it cracks me up when people call the water heater a "hot water heater", why would anyone want to heat hot water....😁 😁

[@SpearItAnimal]

😂 never thought about it like that, just how it comes off the tongue

[@exhstbearing]

That’s a damn good looking setup.

[@calvincook3674]

Had to watch this twice. Once to learn the second time to see that after install. Dude that’s CLEAN!!!

[@michaellabombard9507]

Thought you were going to sink that dinghy bringing all that gear to the boat. Nice job really looks good!!

[@boatrx]

The alcohol/voltage analogy made us smile. 😄

[@tiborkiss9186]

Hi, good work, as always. Just one remark: DC voltage can also be high voltage. take, for instance, a Tesla battery bank with 400v DC. also: anything over 50 volt dc or ac can be lethal. One more tip: if you get an old radar cable from a salvage yard, you can get a lot of marine grade sensing wires for your boat electric system.

[@_TheDudeAbides_]

1:46 prolly best ad picture for battle born so far ;-)

[@thomasbrasse3145]

That's amperage.... a good chuckle. Cannot wait to catch up to see the fruits of your labors.

[@michaelhoran407]

Your off grid power tutorial should be shown to every middle school student worldwide. I’ve lived of grid for 25 years.

[@ryanleepow8346]

WOW nice work guys !

[@dale1h64]

This episode took me back to my childhood. I learned so much watching Romper Room back in the day! I see Raff, I see Sascha, I see BattleBorn, I see diagrams! 😂😂😂🎉 Looks like your dreams are coming true! Unbelievable how much labor y’all have poured into your dreams! Nothing can stop you two!! Congratulations!

[@laurinshaw1795]

Very good job of explaining the power set up!!

[@MajicCarpetRide]

One of the best tutorials on a lithium upgrade. Creative use of alcohol.

[@hobbviously7]

Best educational video since Magic School bus!!!

[@SpearItAnimal]

😂🤘🏼

[@josephteo8549]

The best description ever.. well done and very entertaining

[@bubbleobill267]

Nothing like doing a job the right way the first time!.

[@jasongrinnell1986]

Putting all that weight up at the front of the boat will make it harder to plane out. Just playing. Awesome job on the install. Y’all were on point in the tutorial. I’m shocked at how much I know about AC⚡️DC now.

[@SpearItAnimal]

😂 thank you

[@oursailingstory8410]

One of the best simplified lithium install vids I've seen , thanks for sharing.

[@arthurdentau]

Hey Guys, I started watching your channel while you were still in the yard, Raff your skills are next level & Sascha, your no task is to hard attitude is Awesome. The boat is looking fantastic. I can see why you are friends with Exp Evans, they did a huge rebuild as well. You all have the same work ethics. Hope too see you sailing soon. Cheers, have a nice day

[@monkeypod1]

This was the best explanation of electricity that I have ever seen! Thanks for posting that!

[@SpearItAnimal]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nooneanybodyknows7912]

Please read the comments and do not rely on this video. Many errors.

[@jimgray6864]

Congrats! I,ve been working in the electronics field for over fifty years and this is one of the best tutorials I,ve ever seen! you guys are an impressive team.

[@bradkamelesky1938]

This was by far the best and most easy to follow video regarding boat electronics. Great work guys

[@SpearItAnimal]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rossmain4142]

Bloody awesome guys, you both are clever buggers. And good on Battery Born for getting on board with your channel.

[@SpearItAnimal]

Thanks !

[@dirk3730]

Best lithium install video I have seen. Looking great guys🎉

[@BenMx268]

that was a great video! I really like your analogies with the beer and liqueur for electricity. And your authenticity shines in your videos. Thanks for posting!

[@smokescreen767]

I’m a retired donut maker and this is the best electrical job I have ever seen.

[@Siiello]

Hi guys electrical engineer here, sorry to say it is not correct to reduce the understanding of AC DC to high voltage/ low voltage. Some batteries in electric cars put out hundreds of volts because the power loss equation, power loss due to heat = (resistance of the wire)x(amps^2) whenever you have a system with enough watts if you don't want big losses in heat you need to lower currents and up the voltages. The only reason AC is associated with higher voltages is because transformers that can easily step voltages up and down only work on AC and so for a distribution grid it makes sense to use AC. For super bulk transfer of power however like between countries it is often done in DC at like a million volts. Just wait till you learn about reactive power and figure out the AC appliances with motors in them use up more power than you expect . A concern about using the prop shaft as a ground is electrical currents can accelerate wear through galvanic electrolytic corrosion. I am working on starting an electric jet boat company and may sponsor some episodes in the future.

[@SpearItAnimal]

Awesome, and yes we’re aware the analogies weren’t 100% correct but this electrical video was geared towards recreational boaters who know absolutely nothing so we were just trying to portray the basic concept. If we decide to make a video about transferring power between grids and electric vehicles then we may reach out 😂🤙🏼

[@bertfromnz9069]

bloody great video- commentary is excellant! great job electrics- theres a few dollars worth there!

[@Mark_Lawler]

I've watched more lithium battery explainer videos than I can count and have installed my own system. Your video is the best ever!!! Not only educational but entertaining as hell. Nicely done!

[@svdirectorspecial]

You guys are hands down the best sailing channel on KZbin, love every you guys do, keep it coming

[@leilamorgan8008]

I concur. They are the best sailing channel.🌟

[@SpearItAnimal]

Wow, thank you!

[@philippiche4559]

I used to build prototype and upper end street rods. I closed my shop because I could not find people with the attention to detail and the superb workmanship these 2 have! This is a top self build!

[@danratsnapnames]

welll. you did move the spool off to the side.. FYI you know when you spool cat 5/6 like that, its basically an air gap Transformer! hope you all dont get any real static electricity problems.. if so then expect that cat 5/6 air gap transformer to induce some of that power into your network ports.. just saying..

[@arts2412]

Watched the series out of order and heard people had tried to explain Volts and Amps to you. Thought that was strange until I heard your original explanation. 😅 I have no words, found your explanation VERY interesting? Entertaining? Good luck with your adventure!

[@mikebrezzze]

Excellent work performed by two perfectionist!

[@cruzinZ]

Your electrical diagram & explanation is superior to anything else I’ve seen online. Thanks for the technical explanation!

[@patrickbrennan2346]

SWEET set up & Thanks for making that so freaking easy to understand…………. you two ROCK…..AC/DC !!

[@SpearItAnimal]

Glad to help!

[@JaymanKnows]

Awesome install, super clean & efficient! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@CraigFogus]

First off, we love your videos. You guys are great! I have a background in electronics, and y'all did a great job on this! Only thing I disagree with was your definition of high voltage and low voltage. It has nothing to do with AC or DC. Low voltage is simply 50 volts or less and can be AC or DC. High voltage is above 50 volts AC or DC. Keep up the good work!

[@MicronovaSweden]

AC is Alternating Current, DC is Direct Current, other than that, excellent explanation.

[@chrisprice980]

One of the best videos I've seen explaining lithium battery systems on a boat. Great job! Keep up the great work. I love watching all the details you have put into the boat and cant' wait to watch you enjoy it.

[@bobgilbert8743]

I am to old to ever go to sea again but i do enjoy your programming so very much , Thank You

[@SpearItAnimal]

Thank you!

[@Duderos]

haha, that was an awesome and well thought out explanation! And neither do I care about electrics nor do I own a boat! But you convinced me to have some clue now. Good luck finishing the boat!