Electrical Redesign is Complete

Wow. I did not intend to do a total overhaul to the Boat's Electrical. It was OK in that it worked. Until that last lobster Hoop netting trip where I broke the parallel switch. Oops. Then I learned that my house batteries were in need of replacement. (Not a surprise) But when the electrical equipment under the decks needed an evaluation. A switch and a solenoid needed to be removed and I got into improving the system. Then it got a life of it's own. Luckily Advanced Batteries turned me onto an electrical guru of sorts. Shang Wong of 3D Marine.

We now have a new bigger sized main house bank of three 4D AGM batteries (bank #1) and a new addition of a starting battery dedicated to the generator (bank #3).

And changed the Starting (bank #2 a 2 year old 4D) so that it starts both the Starboard and Port sides. Not a small matter for the boat.

And Added 2 Combiners and removed a Battery Isolator.

As the Combiners are able to take the charge of both Alternators and ramp them up so that the House Bank gets all the Juice it needs I have increased the systems ability to recover from drain. Increasing efficiency and decreasing charge times.

And this may increase the life of the batteries. It was also very nice to set up a new set of Switches in a convenient and yet dry place to work. Just inside the cabin. Safely under the sole of the salon is a new bank of switches and breakers. Very nice.

This was a very big upgrade and required the professional help of 3D Marine to rewire and properly balance the load and wire and switches and test and complete the job in time for the Halibut Derby. My start of the fishing season.

Sweet. I now have power for longer Fishing Trips. And longer family vacations on a Mooring or anchorage in ______. (pick a place within 100 miles of LA)

Ready for Fishing. Ready for boating season.

Fish Wish Granted.

Keith <"><

Electrical - Load and service. Amps etc.

My head has been filled, as of late, with electrical systems and diagrams and 4D batteries and starting bank and house bank and isolator switches and space and weight concerns and Amp hours of service and draw of electronic components and recharging times to 80% or full charge...

And of course the repairs have had a life of their own and a costs that blossom like a spring time weed. Dang those dandelions.

I broke one switch. Needed two batteries. And found an Oops.

To repair and reinstall will involve some below deck wood repair. New Battery boxes and redesigning my electric service to power the starting of one engine and the generator and May involve new selector switches. And where was that solenoid switch?

But in the End... Ramblin' will be ready for a long 3 to 5 day weekend of Marlin Fishing. House Bank 1 will now have a 600 hour rating instead of 400 hours and I learned that you Never want to take your house bank below 50%. So therefore I just went from 200 to 300 usable. 124 just for my bait systems and then house lights and refrigeration will use up the rest. A very good upgrade.

And similarly the new setup for the Starting Batteries will give lots of peace of mind. Adding a small one for the Genny and redesigning the main engine starting system is not light work.

Keep your fingers crossed that I do not cross a wire. LOL

Keith

Ramblin around looking for Halibut hang outs

Hi All,

A little Fish Report from Ramblin'. On Saturday I was out with 1/2 of my Halibut Derby Team to look for new Halibut Hang Outs in my favorite areas of SM Bay.

Marked some interesting places in my GPS. But not that easy to find fish that were biting. Talked to a friend (Top Dog) out on the water and they only got some bites at Short Banks. We stayed in the areas that we wanted to search for a Halibut the target.

No Fish. Nice water. Calm day. Did get some tan.

Keith <"><

Preperation for the Halibut Derby

Goin' Fishin'

Went out for a little test run on Sunday at 8 AM. With me was 3/4 of my Halibut Derby team. Getting into the mindset and the boat and the gear dialed in for the April 4th & 5th MDR Halibut Derby.

So we went out to test out Ramblin' as a boat to do some of that "Bounce Balling" from. It was Not working for us. In Sundays mellow morning weather I could not go slow enough. Tried a 60 inch drag chute and still could not easily go slow enough. One engine in and out of gear. Just too much torque.

So we finally gave up on that and started using a bit of bait. Tim S. got one really nice sand bass in 63 feet of water off of Venice pier. So we were not blanked for a 1/4 day of fishing.

Tight Lines,

Keith <"><


see you in the www.HalibutDerby.com

Good Father Son Time

Together we Rebuilt a nice cruiser bike for Ryan. Here he is with his new Ride...
Blue Electric Glide