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Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Re: Battery Compartment Explosion
Hi Alan,
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Re: Battery Compartment Explosion
greatketch@...
Mark,
Sorry to hear about your excitement, but glad the only damage was to the boat. I assume you have standard flooded lead acid batteries--if not--then things are strange... Just from normal charging, hydrogen is being generated by the batteries. It would be a bad assumption that a passive vent is sufficient to ALWAYS keep the battery box hydrogen concentration below the level that will ignite--given a spark. The problem is that hydrogen has such a very low flammable limit in air, between 2% and 6% depending on how you define it. Certainly local concentrations of H2 in the box could get that high in normal operation. And a loose battery cable certainly can create the needed spark... Moral of the story... battery cables need to be kept tight, and any kind of equipment added inside the battery box need to be ignition protected--or better yet mounted outside the box. Bill Kinney SM160, Harmonie Annapolis, MD, USA
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New ultrasonic DST sesnor from AIRMAR
SV Perigee
UDST800 Ultrasonic Smart Sensor http://www.airmar.com/productdescription.html?id=208 UDST800 Ultrasonic Smart™ SensorUDST800 Ultrasonic Smart™ Sensor
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Clothes dryer on a A54
For those who are interested.
I just removed the dryer from the forward head. This was because it tripped the RCD breaker because of some grounding fault. Removing is quite the puzzle. The shelf that sits on top is screwed down with two screws in the back and is velcro-ed to the top of the dryer. However loosening this does not mean you will be able to remove it. The nice piece of wood that decorates the shelve prevents it from getting out. By feeling the vinyl at the back you can spot two screws that are underneath the vinyl. These hold the wood. By pushing a screwdriver (Pozidriv) though the vinyl you can unscrew them. Then the wood is only retained by some double sided sticky tape. Now also remove the small shelf in the back. It's held in place with two (visible) screws. Next you need to go under the sink. There is a access hatch held in place with two screws. You can just move this to the back to gain access. Now you will see (when you dive deep enough) the airhose and the two knurled knobs that hold the thing in place. Remove the knobs and the hoseclamp. Now put a thick blanket over the sink to protect it. You can just tilt the dryer foreward to have it lean on the sink. It helps to remove the tap first. Now you can access the innards from the back and top by removing a lot of screws. Do not remove the back panel itself, only the smaller cover that sits on the back cover. You cannot remove the dryer from the heads altogether unless you take it completely apart. Both the hatch and the door opening are too narrow. Amel actually cut the lower back corner off the dryer-housing to make it fit the space available. They also re-routed the hose from the back to the bottom. Quite the creativity there. I found the heating element to be busted, it had a short circuit between the poles and the housing. I think the dryer brand Minea is no longer sold but it is also sold as "White Knight" model C39AW. This is still for sale in the UK. On Ebay you can find loads of heating element replacements for this thing. I'm going to order two of them just to be sure the first one does not break down anymore. Regards, Arno Luna A54-121
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Re: Generator exhaust
greatketch@...
Michael,
I can not give you an authoritative insight into Amel's reasons for reducing the size of the hose, but... The total volume of the exhaust hose is a design criteria for the water lock. The box needs to be able to catch and hold at least one hose full of water without overflowing back to the engine. If the hose run is long, then they might have needed to neck it down a bit to keep the volumes matched. If the horsepower of your new genset is equal or less than the original installation, then I would match the exhaust system as originally designed. If your new genset engine has higher horsepower rating than the original, I'd have an expert on engine installations look it over to be sure the exhaust system is sufficient. Bill Kinney SM160, Harmonie Annapolis, MD, USA ---In amelyachtowners@..., <mfw642000@...> wrote : Hi, I am installing a new genset into a super maramu 2000. The engine is a kubota with a 50mm hose going to the vetas water lock. On the outlet of the water lock the hose reduces to 40mm. This is how the original is installed. It has a reducer 50 to 40mm glued into the water lock. Can anyone help with the reasons why the hose is reduced in diameter? The generator supplier advised to have a 50mm hose going on the water lock outlet. Thanks
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Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Re: Sunbrella
In our part of the world, ordinary domestic bleach now contains not only sodium hypochlorite but also sodium hydroxide...this is the same formulation as another product called Exit Mould that sells for something like 5 times the price of "bleach"
This product has to be the ultimate mildew killer...we use it for cleaning the cabin top, acrylic fabrics, the "blue floors"....wonderful... Cheers Alan Elyse SM437 Port Havannah, Vanuatu
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Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Anchoring in deep water in the S Pacific.
Mike Johnson
Hi, Agree with Bill’s comments. We have anchored out in steady 30 kts plus with gusts over 40 kts without difficulty. Our only addition is a long nylon snubber of 10 to 15 m to ensure maximum benefit of chain on the sea bed. Mike & Peta Solitude SM 2K 461
On 11 Aug 2018, at 22:32, Bill Rouse brouse@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:
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Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Re: Sunbrella
Mike Johnson
Hi, We use a common UK domestic called Dettol on all our interior surfaces around the galley and heads. We also use at home and have never had a mildew problem. Mike & Peta Solitude SM 2K 461
On 12 Aug 2018, at 08:25, rossidesigngroup@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:
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Re: Battery Compartment Explosion
Well that will be the case because if you have a bank of series connected batteries each battery will discharge into the other and eventually they will equalise and all will read the same.
You probably have 6 parallel banks of 2 x 12v batteries in series ? (standard Amel setup) However if you charge the whole system and then immediately disconnect each battery you may well find that they are not all the same. We have 6v batteries..4 in series and three of those banks in parallel. We had serious issues with battery failures 12 months after the new batteries were installed, probably caused by the slightly different internal resistance of each battery in the series chain. Some batteries were being more charged than others. We replaced the failing batteries (under warranty..hard to believe, but it happened) and installed battery balancers on each bank....they make sure that each battery in the series chain receives the same voltage Since then ... 2 years..we have had no battery failures and our 660Ah house bank is still 100% capacity. We monitor and log voltages vs capacity on the Link 10 compared to actual discharge...we never go below 80% and so far all the measured parameters are consistent. BTW our batteries are AGM .. so limited gassing issues and almost no possibility of explosions ! We have 600W of solar with a Victron MPPT controller A D400 wind generator that seems useful in gale force winds, but o'wise...PITW 100A Victron charger 30A Pro Mariner charger 175A Leece Neville engine alternator coupled to a Next Step II regulator AND they are all set for the same (batt Manfr rec.) voltages, absorption times etc And so far ...it all seems to work ! Hope that helps Cheers Alan Elyse SM437 Port Havannah, Vanuatu
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Ebersprecher. Heater
Arthur Sundqvist
We want to install an heater in our SM2000. Does anyone have done this? Is the installation documented in some way or form. Please you who know could you share you insights.
Fair winds Arthur Sundqvist Vista , SM435 Skickat från min iPhone
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Re: Sunbrella
rossirossix4
We use the 303 products as well having made our first application to the exterior (only) when the bimini was 2 years old. Note that they make a multi cleaner as well as a fabric guard (keep the Fabric Guard off any clear vinyl or wipe it off immediately).
Regarding the prevention of mildew we regulary and thoroughly rinse BOTH the exterior and interior with fresh water on a regular basis. We don't scrub it, just use a moderate fresh water spray. Frequently it is the organic material in salt water spray that supports mildew growth while the salt keeps things moist. Looks kind of unusual spraying the inside of bimini (and enclosure) but this gets salty as well. If you have a canvas dash/wheel cover and helm seat cover it makes this process a bit easier. Bob, KAIMI SM 429
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Re: Battery Compartment Explosion
rossirossix4
We have that Sola battery checker and it is very good. I am curious though. There have been suggestions that each battery needs to be disconnected when checking but it seems that if no charging or load from the bank is happening that each individual battery could be checked without disconnecting. When I do this it gives me the same reading as it does when disconnected. Does anyone have insight into this?
Bob and Suzanne, KAIMI SM 429 Monaco
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Generator exhaust
Hi, I am installing a new genset into a super maramu 2000.
The engine is a kubota with a 50mm hose going to the vetas water lock. On the outlet of the water lock the hose reduces to 40mm. This is how the original is installed. It has a reducer 50 to 40mm glued into the water lock. Can anyone help with the reasons why the hose is reduced in diameter? The generator supplier advised to have a 50mm hose going on the water lock outlet. Thanks
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Re: Anchoring in deep water in the S Pacific.
Hi Kent
In French Polynesia its often hard to find anywhere to anchor less than 30m deep. We have never had a problem with our 30kg WASI anchor and 100m of Aqua Maggi 4 10mm chain. 3:1 was our general rule. In other island groups anchoring can be less challenging. The bottom can be anything from mud, sand, broken coral. The up side is that generally the wind comes constantly from the SE so as long as you're lined up into wind and have a good hold on something, you should stay there. You really need all chain in the Pacific. Rope will chafe on coral and eventually let go. Chain will occasionally wrap itself round coral heads, which is a real PITA but it doesn't break. We have a second anchor in the forward starboard locker but have never used it. We have a Fortress anchor in the lazarette for a stern anchor which we have used a few times to keep the boat lined up in difficult anchorages. The idea of putting two anchors on the same rode one behind the other doesn't get much support from the reading I've done...I've never tried it. Cheers Alan Elyse SM437 Port Havannah, Vanuatu
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Re: South Pacific Cruising Navigation
Hi Kent,
We have found Navionics to be very variable in the South Pacific. I recently installed a B&G Vulcan with Forward Scan and part of the deal was a chart card. We have C-Map in our Furuno system and also in Maxsea, as well as GE2KAP satellite photo charts for OpenCPN. So I opted for Navionics for the B&G and in the last 3 months I've been able to compare. C-Map I have found to be generally pretty reliable in depicting to locations of reefs etc. Navionics nowhere near as good. In some places Navionics has been as good as C-Map.eg. in ports with marks etc, and in some remote places, but that is not the norm. In the Yasawa islands of Fiji for example Navionics would be downright dangerous. It shows reefs where there are none, doesn't show channels that are well marked and have been in use for years. yet a mile away it is perfect. When it does show reefs they are some strange star shaped representation that doesn't reflect the actual physical shape of the reef, and often puts two reefs into one blob. One thing to be aware of in the South Pacific is that all the charts pretty much are out by around 1/4 to 1/2 mile, sometimes more...this is often stated on the paper charts, but doesn't appear on the electronic charts which are generally copies of the paper ones. So we sometime find ourselves anchored on the beach or on a hill according to the electronic chart. Why are they out? Because there have been few recent surveys done and often on the paper chart you will see that the majority of the area you are sailing in was surveyed by leadline in 1876 or similar. This is because the majority of the island nations have been independent for some years now and economically they struggle, so one can understand why cartographic surveys are not high on their to do list. Good luck with your preparations and hope to see you down here sometime. Cheers Alan Elyse SM437 Port Havannah, Vanuatu
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Battery Compartment Explosion
Mark Isaac
Hello All, After a week on the hard for a bottom job, bow thruster service, c drive service, salt and fresh water coolant flush to both engines, we launched Friday afternoon. Fifty feet from the dock, there was a loud noise (loud enough to cause the prairie dog effect on the dock) and a faint but unmistakable smell of something burning. I won't bore with the details between the event and the diagnosis, but the three hinges on the battery compartment were blown off and there were 9 inch or so cracks in the plywood at each of the points where the cover is screwed down. I checked each of the cells with a battery tester and found no shorts. The vent hose was not obstructed when I checked it with a dinghy inflator. It is possible it was obstructed before the event and the force of the explosion blew it clear, but I doubt that based on the absence of detritus on deck under the vent. The next day, I ran both the 30 and 100 amp chargers and didn't see anything unusual on the Xantrex. The temperature of each of the batteries when charging were all within a couple tenths of a degree of one another (73F). The batteries are about 10 months old. The water level was checked and each cell topped off about 4 months ago. I checked all of the connections an found one that was loose and likely served as the source of ignition. I can't explain why the concentration of hydrogen in the locker built up enough to allow combustion given the venting system. I will install lock washers on the battery terminals to minimize the risk of loose connections. I am considering changing the venting system from passive to active by adding a small fan on one end or the other of the vent hose, but can't see why this should be necessary with the batteries and chargers working as they should. Any thoughts or insight would be appreciated. Mark Isaac Lulu, SM 391 South Freeport, ME
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South Pacific Cruising Navigation
Thanks Bill and Bob. I’m really looking forward to the SPac journey, it’s been a dream for 30+ years.
I’m using B&G nav equipment with Navionics charts in the US and Caribbean waters, and am very happy with them...especially with the sonar chart option. What charts do you recommend for sailing the Pacific? Thanks again for any advice. Kent SM 243 Kristy
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Re: Used Anchor for sale in St. Thomas
Bob Hodgins <bobh@...>
Kent,
The spare Rocna for sale is an extra that I left at my son's home in St. Thomas. I have the 45 kg stainless steel Rocna style on Gallivant and felt I did not need two. I am spending some time with him and trying to clean out my stuff. I have really enjoyed my time in the South Pacific and looking forward to going back and continuing the journey. We try to split our time between the boat and our other life, family, etc. Our 7 month cruise this year to French Polynesia was way more that we ever hoped for, and can't wait to get back there. I have not yet had to anchor in too deep water, maybe 60' but I have plenty of chain and rode if needed. I have had to anchor bow and stern in crowded spots where everyone else does that. That is the most work to get the second anchor down and get the rode to the stern. I don't enjoy that work, especially retrieving it, but it makes you sleep well at night. Cheers, Bob
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Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Shaft Brake-ATF Leak
Drew Another owner had to rebuild the hydraulic cylinder on the shaft brake twice. I think it is unusual, but has happened. Have you eliminated the hose? Maud at SAV at Amel.fr is where you can order a kit. Best, CW Bill Rouse Admiral, Texas Navy Commander Emeritus Amel School www.amelschool.com 720 Winnie St Galveston Island, TX 77550 +1(832) 380-4970
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Shaft Brake-ATF Leak
Drew Gaffney
+ Recently noticed Automatic Transmission Fluid under and on the aft end of the shaft brake after motoring. The fluid seems to be coming from the around the adjustment bolt on the brake. I've tightened the 4 hex bolts on the aft end-cap of the brake cylinder, but it still leaks. The fluid collects on the support rail that holds the brake. The transmission filter cover, seal with the engine, etc.are dry. I recently cleaned the ATF heat exchanger and the transmission runs "cool". It looks like there are seals in the brake cylinder. I've not opened it. Has anyone had this problem? Any suggestions? Thanks, Drew Gaffney
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