The guide to lithium batteries on a sailboat (VS lead acid) // Ryan’s tech corner #1

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Hope this info us useful to you! We are installing those batteries in a month, and we'll make a complete installation video. Are there any particular aspect of the installation process you guys would like us to show/describe? Let us know!

[@deibertmichael]

Well done Ryan! You could sell and Eskimo pie to an Eskimo! Like Sophie able to talk the paint off the walls!

[@JohnMiller-ub8dy]

Looks like a little short term pain for long term gain. Nice job capt.

[@CraigOverend]

I'd like to know what type of batteries Sophie runs on, also if you have a carbon monoxide detector for the batteries should they fail and outgas when you're asleep.

[@48William]

Excellent presentation

[@mtotof85]

Show it all!! Love all the detail!

[@mikestephan2568]

This is a great explanation of the different battery types. I spent yesterday learning less than I just learned in your video. As a sailor on Lake Superior, I just found Dakota Lithium online before viewing this video. Dakota Lithium has numerous "packaged bundles" for different van life or weekend sailing applications. This is EXACTLY what I needed to better understand what to buy and install this upcoming Spring. Thank you!

[@markphillipps5785]

I love the high tech "post it" graphics. Keep the videos coming. Thank you.

[@Gobucky63]

Hi guys, I just started binge watching your channel a few days ago, your very entertaining and fun, love you’re channel, well done. Ryan, just wanted to say this specific episode was fantastic, really well done , easy to follow and great information. I’m not a sailor but just installed a solar system and had never had lithium batteries explained better. Well done! Can wait to continue watching your adventures.

[@mikes2294]

Excellent demo !

[@stevenuk]

best lithium boat video I have seen. This is what is so good about Ryan & Sophie.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

(ryan) Thanks for the great comment Steven

[@briangroner8050]

I rarely comment on anyone's videos. Been following and enjoying yours for over a year. I have seen several videos no batteries that lelf me confused. The way you explained and broke everything was excellent.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks Brian! Glad you appreciated it :) next week, we will publish the video about the installation!

[@friarfox]

I spent quite a few years in the forklift industry explaining batteries to customers and I wish we had lithium back then. Your presentation is perfect, concise, clear and animated . Bravo!! I am fascinated to find out how that marries up with the solar panel power generation process . Clearly a lot of people are solar panel ignorant, myself for example, and the ins and outs of the set up with the new batteries on Polar Seal. Meantime it's 20 below zero here and I have to start the old car while the lead battery is still alive at 4am. Fair Winds

[@RyanSophieSailing]

(friarfox) are you still in the forklift industry? Thanks for the comments and feedback.

[@friarfox]

@@RyanSophieSailing Sorry no, that was back in the 90s in Quebec. I am retired in Indiana now. The business hasn't changed though.Shoot me an email if you have questions, or ask away here. Look forward to your installation . Thanks for sharing.

[@d3w4yn3]

After getting this far into these videos (watching every single one in order), it was rather apparent that Ryan is a genius, but this... this puts him into the category of mad genius!!!

[@RyanSophieSailing]

d3w4n3...Your comment is much appropriated! Though i can assure you i am not a Genius. - Ryan

[@davidncw4613]

Incredible timing!! I just got off the phone discussing a 7000$ conversion including 3 solar panels and a wind turbine. I will compare Dakota. Outstanding presentation, TY!

[@JCAJCA3]

Ryan you gave an Excellent informative presentation that even an old 64 year old can understand! Well done. GOD bless. JC

[@sailingrubyrose]

Excellent explanation! Loved the post-it notes 🙂Thankyou Ryan! -Terysa

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks guys! Glad you liked it!

[@persona2grata]

Very interesting and well presented.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Many thanks! Ryan

[@FX5067]

I appreciate your simple thorough explanations which are easily understood by any layman. Thank you.

[@robertlee8042]

Another issue with lead acid batteries is that it takes a great deal of energy to charge them from 80% to 100% Dash in addition to the fact that you can’t Push or pull as many amps as you can with lithium. When I was cruising I had 800 amp hours of 12 V AGM batteries and I had a 3 1/2 kVA genset and I never ever bothered to charge the batteries up to 100%. So I really had 800 amp hours and I could only use 80% down to 50% so we’re talking about a useful 240 amp hours. If you’re selling with an auto pilot in difficult weather you can need to charge every day.

[@QuoteMinute]

WOW - This was by far THE best explanation on lithium vs lead acid batteries I've ever seen!

[@GaryBickley]

The best vlogg on explaining the difference in batteries I have seen. Thanks Ryan - looking forward to the installation video

[@LamiglowyTV]

Ryan thank You. You explained everything very clear way. Thanks for that!

[@stanleysteamcar]

Brilliant, well presented video. Thank you Ryan

[@Greenhouse444]

Ryans tech corners are awesome!!!!

[@bakinavanglica1282]

This is a great video, great explanation Ryan...

[@jeromefridmann6108]

Well done Ryan.....U are obviously in Ur own element....

[@briansharwood2984]

Brilliant presentation . Even I can understand now . Thank you

[@SailBeforeSunset]

I've watched quite of few of these vids on replacing lead acid with lithium. We will have to do this before we leave for the South Pacific, so we're like a sponge when it comes to information on this. Thanks for this vid!

[@barrysummers1622]

Thanks for sharing that information Ryan, very interesting.

[@danielhoyle3546]

Very interesting. The best information on the batteries. Thank You.

[@sl1pg8r]

Another GREAT tech video! Thanks so much for posting this content!

[@marcoquiros1393]

The best explanation I've heard on this matter. Thanks for the clarification.

[@onthebeaches]

Ryan....FINALLY a comprehensive video explaining all the aspects of lead acid verses Lithium. I have seen a handful of vids on this subject but most of them were really weak with their analysis. KUDOS! Job well done! I'm very much looking froward to your install vid. PEACE OUT! Ü ps, If I was there, I'd lift that bad boy for you! HA!

[@RyanSophieSailing]

(ryan) thanks for the great support!

[@barryrizzo2944]

Great video I'm an heavy industrial electrician and I enjoyed your explanation thanks

[@mozismobile]

nice explanation of the "price per usable watt-hour" :) Now I can link to this instead of grinding through it every time. Thanks!

[@maibster]

Dude these videos are so informative and understandable!! Thanks alot

[@terrybaker8349]

Agree for full time live aboard Lithium is the way to go. Several of my sailing colleagues have installed Lithium but made the mistake of not having a BMS not having compatible battery regulators for their battery chargers, alternator and solar panels, as well as using the lithium across the full 95% range. Destroyed the batteries and were a costly exercise. After retrofitting these items they now take a more conservative approach and run no lower than 20% and no higher than 90%. Great outcome and the benefits of Lithium are amazing. We get 4 to 6 years from our lead acid batteries which equates to about $200/ year, which is consistent with the numbers you state. Looking forward to the cost of Lithium dropping to the point where we can justify the change over. If we moved aboard fulltime away from shore power the numbers would stack up quicker.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

(ryan) I think everyone is looking forward to the cost coming down and it will happen, in a few more years I think you will see massive reductions.

[@dianeswift]

Another stellar ryanandsophie video production. Absolutely clear exposition in the benefits of lithium batteries, which, if I ever win the lottery, I will install when I buy my next yacht. Promise.

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Best lithium battery video on the internet!!

[@edwardwerthner7717]

Thx for an intelligent info on bats

[@kauevideomaker811]

The videos are getting much better each week! Really good the idea of the using the color notes, it was really clear!

[@TheBlackRuffles]

this was an excellent episode. I am sure many followers enjoyed the information you provided in it......cheers to you guys! Stay safe everyone.

[@FrankHRitz]

Very well explained. Thank you.

[@michaelvanvleet998]

Looking forward to the install!

[@christiandohrn3076]

very well explained... Nice graphics and editing - thanks for that!

[@philkelsey1483]

Very clear and concise. Thanks Ryan ... looking forward to the next video. 👍🏻

[@chiefcliff]

Nicely done.

[@EastLondonKiwi]

Ryan and Sophie nicely done. A very clear and well put together presentation. Can I ask that once you have had the batteries in place for a while. That you follow up with a video on charging systems ( for example does your solar cope with all of the boats charging needs, or do you top-up from shore-power or engine power if yes how often is that necessary), average charging times to get back to 100% full during different times of year, and any maintenance you've had to do to keep this new system in tip top shape including any component failures with your new setup. Thanks and travel safe, Duncan

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Hello! Absolutely... this is in our planning! - Ryan

[@svsalacia6495]

I am looking forward to the full installation video. Thanks

[@markfromwestcoastwoodcraft7633]

Excellent explanation, looking forward to the install video 👍

[@boazjoe1]

Best explanation I’ve heard. Enjoyed meeting you in Des Moines.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks Joe! It was so nice meeting you :) thanks for coming all the way! /Sophie

[@alphasails2]

Great explanation on these types of batteries. I’ve been enlightened. 😊. You definitely made it easy to understand. Thanks.

[@ElkoBarbell]

I'm a nerd and I loved the knowledge drop in this video!

[@Robert-cg2bj]

Great explanation, you speak with conviction and present a solid background. Most importantly to me I learned a lot about several types of batteries.

[@findus11111]

Great video Ryan, thanks for the info,

[@johncano2594]

Seriously sir, your should do more videos. You are and excellent presenter, teacher. Meat and potatoes, is what I'm looking for, thankyou!

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks! your words are kind. There will be more technical videos and others as the year goes on as well as a book... if i can ever finish it. -Ryan

[@robertaeos6147]

Really great video. Well done Ryan. Thanks for that to both 😊

[@berniecross5396]

Awesome info! Thanks!

[@AgentRafa]

Very informative and interesting video. Ryan you would've been an excellent teacher. Thanks for sharing:-)

[@AndalusianDuke]

Great explanation and video!

[@wayneneilson844]

Great job of explaining everything Ryan!!

[@richardofoz2167]

Great vid, well presented. But your post-it labels need to be AH (AmpHour), not AR.

[@howardwhite9773]

I am planning an uninterruptable power supply replacement in the house. Your timing is excellent.

[@RVLifeNOW]

Thanks for this video. Very educational...we will probably get Lithium batteries next time we have to get new batteries. Loved the price comparison...very convincing...especially if the prices come down more by the time we have to replace ours! Looking forwards to the next video...-Rebecca On SV Brick House

[@jackfletcher4175]

Great job. Looking forward to seeing the next phase. Also, really like seeing the dynamic differences between the Sophie Show, the Ryan Show, and the Sophie & Ryan Show. The mix is Grrreat. Sorry, I use references that no one remembers. But, Tony the Tiger still has a cherished place in my heart, as do both of you.

[@cojoloco2002]

Thanks a lot for this excellent episode!

[@danasmith7171]

Great video on the subject!

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks Dana. Ryan

[@mikecrockett3669]

Great job, Ryan. Thanks.

[@laurentfroggy6631]

Super bien fait Ryan 👍👍👍 very well explained and very informative. Looking forward to your installation. From being camera shy to being a real pro. Bravo m’sieur. Thanks and best from HKG 🇭🇰

[@joelw2023]

Excellent video. Very informative and educational without TMI. Well presented. Thanks Ryan, exactly what I was looking for.

[@claasriese1036]

Ryan, thank you very much. I have always had a hunch that Lithium batteries are more cost effective than lead batteries. Congratulations on your explanations which even me as an amateur could understand very clearly. Awesome.

[@jeandoucet3177]

This was very educational thank you

[@TERRIBLYBRITISH]

Nice job!

[@briceleroy]

This is super informative, thank you so much Ryan (& Sophie), I'm jumping straight into the lithium battery installation!

[@Sciolist]

I'll be waiting eagerly for next video

[@philippedaudi1056]

Super excellent vid , very informative and clever!

[@jonbwalker]

I'm thinking about upgrading to Dakota Lithium batteries from AGM on my Catalina 25 sail boat. I've been reading about the benefits on the Dakota Lithium website and the prospects of lithium over traditional look amazing. Awesome video! Thanks for the great explanation!

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thats awesome. Ryan

[@flybird141]

Great Video!!!! I have watched a ton for both RV's and Boats and you made things I already understood, so much easier to those just beginning their research(awesome price comparison). It was the best presentation and understandable one I've seen:) Enjoy Hawaii, we go every year. What Island? I have been fortunate enough to have been on every beach on every island that you can drive to. I had the pleasure of photographing them all for a website:) Can't wait for the installation video.

[@richardnwilson]

Great video thank you! That was by far the best explanation on the subject that I have ever heard!

[@randalljames1]

wow.. I think you found your sea legs... I think you need to do more of these on systems... well done sir, well done...

[@danielols1]

Very well done, tons of great info.

[@christophecubier8326]

Thanks a lot Ryan for this tuto even if i discoverd it vert late 😀

[@jasonargonaut9112]

Really good video about battery basics on a sail boat 👍🏻 And nice video trick on correcting led -> lead 😃

[@RyanSophieSailing]

(ryan) good eyes! and thanks!

[@thegoodwood.71]

Thanks for the video

[@richglenn3729]

Well done.

[@mattj7743]

Great video.Ryan !

[@SailingMalie]

Excellent explanation Ryan, your good at it and you obviously know yur stuff. Thank you.

[@OGmolton1]

Cool video, thanks for going into detail about the battery chemistry, I never heard a lot of that stuff before.

[@markmateljan260]

Excellent !!!

[@ianqv]

Great Video

[@paulystp]

Could you include the price of bms ,changing the solar controller ,alternator charger and 240v or 110v chargers ,possibly moving the batteries and a lithium battery monitor .

[@cyclomaniac9086]

Excellent... great info

[@danf3607]

Good clear and personable presentation. I understand your unwillingness to be on camera (I hate it too) but you appear surprisingly comfortable.

[@paulcailliet9942]

What about the diff btw Gel Batteries (AGM?), which are in the middle price range and safer th lead/acid batteries yes? Also if not planning on live aboard full time w/out all the power required for you with your work from home and channel, and only planning day sailing and short passages, is Lithium still the better cost option? Thanks - and BTW not only are you guys the most entertaining sail channel I’ve found, but now find most informative

[@silkyjones2626]

Thanks Ryan. Wish we had lithium back when I did marine electronics. And lead acid batteries off gas hydrogen so ventillation was an issue too.

[@ecliptix5436]

Nice :). I did solar power systems engineering about 10 years ago. Seems like it's really getting streamlined these days. Thanx for the vids and try to keep warm out there this week!!

[@peterinthegong9437]

Outstanding video. Thank you . ( Sophie will be so jealous of your new video skills)

[@culinary8ew]

Nice team work on the video, well thought out and executed. Thanks. If you could expand this topic into series such as building large systems for washer (clothes or dishes), induction cooktop(s), freezer and air conditioning...etc., tag it for off grid living, you'll get a LOT more views and able to help not only sailors. The devil is in the details, becomes challenging when the videos are 15 minutes long.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

Thanks for the tips

[@markphillipps5785]

Thanks!

[@markcole9589]

Great information, The Work Out Battery 😂😂😂 Thank you Ryan for all the information 👍

[@lyfandeth]

LiFePO4 is also the only type that uses a water-based electrolyte instead of a flammable petrochemical. Another nice safety factor on a boat. Nice to hear some battery facts from someone instead of the usual misperceptions!

[@flyingdutchman6984]

I didn't realize ethylene carbonate-dimethyl carbonate (EC-DMC) 1-1 lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) 1M was water based. :) It may not be flammable but it still sounds nasty.

[@randythorne4401]

The best video I have seen on the battery's, very useful information in layman's terms. I feel I know you a little more Ryan, thanks, very good presentation.

[@RyanSophieSailing]

(ryan) thanks Randy!

[@AthelstanEngland]

Excellent presentation. Seems like on a cost basis Lithium makes sense if you keep the boat a good few years and have enough spare cash initially. I guess too that if there is a problem once out of warranty it is more of problem when the battery costs so much. But the biggest concern for me is the environmental impact of lithium batteries - seems to be very conflicting reports on that.

[@mikeferguson2828]

On my list of to do’s on my Leopard before full time cruising next year . I currently run 660 amp hours of gels and 600 amps hours of lithium will be a good swap