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Re: Amel is going lithium
Hi Scott Really interesting thread, thank you. We are following with interest. After we met you at the Caribbean Amel Rally 2019 we took a late decision to do the Pacific this year, and end our circumnavigation in Nov 2019 instead of 2010. After this, we will probably sell Island Pearl II, but if we do not sell and decide to go around again instead, then adding Lithium batteries will certainly be the last of many upgrade steps to Island Pearl II. Based on this I would also be most interested in getting a copy of your upcoming Lithium report. On Island Pearl II we have 1040w of solar, run through three separate solar controllers, plus two Rutland 1200 wind gens, and we now seldom use the genset. We have the same 100 Duo watermaker as you, plus do all cooking on our induction stove which is so much nicer than gas cooking. Gas is only for oven baking which we seldom do. To improve washing efficiency we recently upgraded the Amel supplied "Thompson" washing machine to a new "Bosch" as that comes with better cleaning and efficiency, and particularly has a dedicated special "cold water" washing cycle for doing our washing from batteries only. As we near the end of our circumnavigation, we are now pretty close to running the boat "off the grid", but I have always thought that the final piece to the puzzle would be Lithium batteries, so look forward to reading your article and learning from your experiences. By the way, in addition, I remain a total convert to the need for at least two good wind generators on any boat in order to reach a total off the grid experience. Litium could become the trup card that proves me wrong on this but I doubt it. These units are so now so quiet, that (other than visually) they go almost unnoticed. When one considers 50% of time is in darkness, and at least another 5% each per early morning and late afternoon low sun angle, leaves only 40% max (and that is on a sunny day!) with good solar production. Yes solar output completely outstrips that of wind power ten times over, but we would never again be without at least two latest models, high-efficiency good quality wind gen units aswell, which, for example, on night crossings on a beam reach, I often watch putting out 6amp each constantly, and then at anchor on cloudy/windy days (27 - 33kts) push out over 10amps each (x24v of course). Watching with interest Colin Streeter SV Island Pearl II, sm #332 Niue, Pacific
On Fri, Aug 9, 2019 at 9:34 AM Scott SV Tengah <sv.tengah@...> wrote: Paul, --
Colin Streeter 0411 016 445
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Re: [EXTERNAL] - Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Insurance carriers
John Clanton <jclanton@...>
Matt,
If you are interested in hearing about our positive experiences, please send me a note at
clanton@... and we can discuss off line.
John
On Aug 8, 2019, at 17:58, Matt Salatino via Groups.Io <helmsmatt@...> wrote:
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Re: [EXTERNAL] - Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Insurance carriers
Thanks!
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
I’ll give a call... ~~~⛵️~~~Matt
On Aug 8, 2019, at 2:19 PM, John Clanton <jclanton@...> wrote:
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Re: [EXTERNAL] - Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Insurance carriers
John Clanton <jclanton@...>
Matt,
I took delivery of my 55 in La Rochelle last year. We took the same route as you are planning and received a very favorable quote from Pantaenius. I have been very happy with Kerry Gonzales, a broker out of Florida, who represents different underwriters. Her contact information is:
Kerry Gonzalez AMG Insurance International (772) 742-2401 Direct Dial (317) 670-2112 Cell
John W. Clanton S/V Devereux Amel 55, No. 65 Currently in Nice, France
From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io [mailto:main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io]
On Behalf Of Matt Salatino via Groups.Io
Sent: Thursday, August 8, 2019 12:39 PM To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io Subject: [EXTERNAL] - Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Insurance carriers
Sorry to jump in on this thread.... We are taking possession of our Amel 50 in Sept. We are searching for insurance now. USA flagged, but cruising the Iberian Peninsula and the Med. Thanks in advance... ~~~⛵️~~~Matt
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Re: Genoa car springs
Thanks very much Gary...good thoughts
Cheers Alan Elyse SM 437
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Re: Amel is going lithium
Scott SV Tengah
Paul,
I can't really predict for you, but I would guess as long as you spend most of your time around 50% and don't let it drop below 30% very often, the 15-20 year lifetime sounds very realistic. Keep in mind that ONE over voltage or ONE under voltage condition can irreversibly damage the cell and likely the battery. That's why the BMS is there but all the charging sources need to be able to cut off charging once the BMS tells them to do so. And if any of the cell voltages drop below the safe level per the BMS, there should be an automatic disconnect of all the loads. Given the way Amels are wired, this last part has been a struggle for me. You ideally should keep it at 40-50% while its wintered. Whatever you do, don't keep it at 100%. The Victron chargers don't have a direct way to specify target SOC, so I had to find a workaround. -- Scott 2007 A54 #69 SV Tengah http://www.svtengah.com
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Re: Insurance carriers
Mark & Debbie Mueller
I recently met a 2001 SM owner who had a near lightning strike that killed most of the electronics on board. His broker is Hanham Insurance Agency. Not sure of the brokers name but the mobile number is 843.276.1608; I think the underwriter is Yacht Insurers. He has been pleased with the service he has received including the funding of the repairs which are ongoing currently. hanhaminsurance.com
-- Mark Mueller Brass Ring A54
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Re: Insurance carriers
Sorry to jump in on this thread....
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
We are taking possession of our Amel 50 in Sept. We are searching for insurance now. USA flagged, but cruising the Iberian Peninsula and the Med. Thanks in advance... ~~~⛵️~~~Matt
On Aug 8, 2019, at 12:21 PM, Mark Erdos <mcerdos@...> wrote:
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Re: Insurance carriers
Mike,
I am assuming you are USA flagged?
I spent a lot of time on insurance after Pantaenius USA changed their Caribbean policy requirements to a point where it was just about impossible to comply.
If you are not planning on being anywhere near the Caribe during the season, try talking to Scott:
Scott Stusek | Vice President
PANTAENIUS America Ltd. 500 Mamaroneck Avenue |Harrison, NY 10528 | United States of America Tel. 443-569-7995 | Fax. 443-569-7996 | Cell 914-217-7991 sstusek@pantaenius.com | www.pantaenius.us
Another option that may work for you is an awesome company called Novamar. It is an A-Rated insurance company with a really easy to understand policy. The contact is Chris. He is an independent agency who writes a lot of policies for Novamar.
Chris Boome Insurance Agency LIC# 0A99058 751 Laurel Street #216 San Carlos, CA 94070 O: 650-517-3160 C: 650-464-0728 E-mail: chris@...
Both of the companies above will offer a stated value / declared value policies.
With best regards,
Mark
Skipper Sailing Vessel - Cream Puff www.creampuff.us
From:
main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io [mailto:main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io] On
Behalf Of Mike Ondra via Groups.Io
Having been dropped by Travelers we are receiving quotes for coverage for East Coast US and Caribbean (not hurricane season). Age is apparently a factor in rates and Aletes is a 1998 hull. Received quote from IRSUS Inc./Aspen American Insurance Company for $4797 on hull value of $225,000 with 5% deductible. Does anyone have experience with this company? Geico quote was $5808 with 4% deductible. Thoughts? Mike Ondra Aletes SM#240 Chesapeake Bay
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Insurance carriers
Having been dropped by Travelers we are receiving quotes for coverage for East Coast US and Caribbean (not hurricane season). Age is apparently a factor in rates and Aletes is a 1998 hull. Received quote from IRSUS Inc./Aspen American Insurance Company for $4797 on hull value of $225,000 with 5% deductible. Does anyone have experience with this company? Geico quote was $5808 with 4% deductible. Thoughts? Mike Ondra Aletes SM#240 Chesapeake Bay
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Re: Genoa car springs
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Re: Did you catch 4 errors on the Delos series 205?
We are fans of Delos.
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
Have been watching them for a couple of years now. The Amel was not really a relevant part of why we watched, though it is more interesting since we became Amelians.... ~~~⛵️~~~Matt
On Aug 8, 2019, at 10:00 AM, Gary Wells <gary@...> wrote:
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Re: Deleware Bay --> Cape May anchorages
Wolfgang,
Good to be hanging out with another Amel last night in Cape May. Quite a.little squall last evening! The smaller boat next to us drug back and the young couple were fighting the whole time; they must've been near hypothermic by the time.it was all over. At any rate, wishing you a good sail and we'll wave when you pass us (again)!! Cheers, Gary and Robin SM 209, Adagio underway @ Atlantic City
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Re: Amel is going lithium
Hi Scott
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I do like your thinking and see you have muchbmore understanding than I. I generally run my 720ah lithium MV down to around 30% before I top them up with the generator and usually only to about 50 or 60 %, maybe every 2 weeks I will charge to 100% when I’m making water or washing machine or aircon or all, otherwise I’m relaxed at anchor and keep them around 50%, the 550w 24v solar contributes to 75% of my general 24v/220 inverter power consumption How many cycles do you think I’ll get and how many years of life seeing the boat is wintered 6 months a year? The MV technician said he would think 15 to 20 years total life, as they are relatively new technology they don’t really have those statistics but at a guess. Regards Paul-Fortuna II 55#17
On 8 Aug 2019, at 2:31 pm, Scott SV Tengah <sv.tengah@...> wrote:
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Re: Genoa car springs
Gary Silver
Hi Alan:
A couple of thoughts: 1. I highly recommend modifying the track so that you can remove the car easily by simply removing one bolt at the aft end of the track. See my picture below on this, my prior post, and/or as shown in the video link posted above. 2. Once the car is removed (so you don't have penetrating oil dousing your gelcoat etc) and you can remove the PVC runners, patiently apply penetrating oil (PB Blaster, Kroil, Mouse Milk or similar) to the recess / counter-bore into which the shaft seats. Do this for a period of days or even weeks. You also might try heating the entire car (with the plastic parts removed) in an oven. I probably wouldn't exceed 200 degrees F. Periodically grip the shaft with the padded jaws of Vice-Grip pliers and rotate, even if you don't perceive any movement this will assist the penetrating oil. Sooner or later, with patience, the shaft should loosen and be removable. If those measures don't work and you have access to dry ice, do the oven treatment then apply dry ice to the shaft only (thereby shrinking it dimensionally). 3. If you haven't already sourced the springs and/or runners, they are available from Euro Marine Trading (the USA Antal Dealer) USA Phone # 401 849-0060 , 62 Halsey Street, Unit M, Newport, RI 02840 USA 1. Runner Inserts are G30, 40A PVC Inserts 160 ml long (US $ 18.45 per set of two in 2017) 2. Stainless Steel Stand-Up Bracket Spring part number Y-X1041 (US $ 7.86 each in 2019) I wish you luck, Gary S. Silver s/v Liahona Amel SM 2000 Hull # 335 On the hard in Puerto Del Rey Marina, Puerto Rico 
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Re: Did you catch 4 errors on the Delos series 205?
I, for.one, have learned a few things from their videos. Yes, I've spotted a few things along the way that made me say "oh, I could've helped you with (or prevent) that!" but by in large thwy handle the boat right.
I agree with Bill that Delos is a great marketing tool but .. they are in business as a video production company first and as an Amelian second. The benefits and spinoff srom their work can't be denied though! I do look forward to their episodes :) Gary W. SM 299, Adagio Cape May, NJ (underway).
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Re: Amel is going lithium
Scott SV Tengah
Nick,
When I run the WM, the Dessalator gauge reads well over 100 liters per hour but it appears a bit optimistic. I assume you're checking the dipstick prior to running it for one hour and then checking again after 1 hour of runtime? I am aware of the effect of salinity and temperature but I'm loathe to try to put it higher into the red in order to try to squeeze out some more output. I'd rather just keep it in the recommended green and run it a bit longer. In any event, with respect to the battery charging routine, it's really just a math problem. I average a bit over 200 AH a day from my solar panels. I run two fridges and a freezer. I cook with induction. I use the electric kettle to make coffee. I use my laptop. Those uses are more or less fixed. With that usage and decent sun, the battery bank doesn't drop below 35% for days. The recommended/acceptable practice is to run it down to 20% SOC, but I get nervous at 30%. So I have 450*.7 = 315AH of usable capacity. Add in 200AH of solar output and I have 515AH per day to work with. We don't use that much per day so it lasts a few days. Lately I've been trying to keep between 40-80% state of charge, if possible. That's the least stressful for the batteries and extends their life. I won't run the genset early in the day if I think solar will push the bank above 80% that day and I don't run high draw appliances if I'm near 40% without running the genset. I'll charge to 100% if I know it won't be staying there long - eg I may run the genset to charge to 100% before a full night of air conditioning on battery. Keeping a lithium bank at 100%, especially in high ambient temps, is not good for them. I treat my batteries very well due to the initial cost. Most would simply take it to 20% and fire up the genset to take it to 100% without any other adjustments. Even with that "abuse", they'll get 2000 cycles out of them. It's certainly simpler and I may be overthinking it, but I don't mind a bit of extra thinking to make them last a few thousand extra cycles. -- Scott 2007 A54 #69 SV Tengah http://www.svtengah.com
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Re: Wintering in potentially freezing conditions, watermaker?
Thomas Peacock
Pretty sure the Starbrite is good. Main ingredient should be propylene glycol.
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
For engine and gen, we would close the engine room through-hull, then run engine while pouring pink stuff through the sea chest until you could see it coming out the exhaust. Same for gen. I would not want to guarantee, but the engine room does stay a little warmer as it is lower, and derives “heat” from the cold Scottish water. Some people augment this with a 100 watt incandescent bulb (if you can find one). As I recall, to totally antifreeze the engines, watermaker, and fresh water system, you might go through ten gallons. Not sure about the water maker tube, we never did it, watermaker was already asleep with metabi and glycerine. Our manual says to use 10 liters chlorine free water, 100 grams metabi, and 2 liters glycerine ( which provides the antifreeze property). I don’t know if the glycerine can pass through the membrane, it is a very small molecule, kind of like water by structure (OH-OH-OH). If so, that would also protect the tube. Pretty sure propylene glycol will not pass through. Tom Peacock SM #240 Aletes Chesapeake Bay US
On Aug 8, 2019, at 6:49 AM, SY STELLA <stella@...> wrote:
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Re: Update Timezero 4.0 for Furuno Navnet 3Duser
Gregory Dmitriev
Sheet happens :(
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Re: AmelYachtOwners] ----Peter please take a look at the attached link--Storm tactics
Brian Riggs
Eric,
An excellent article. Thank you for sharing. The more I research and read, the more I'm inclined to reach for a JSD over a sea anchor. Fair winds and following seas! Brian Riggs Future Amel Owner
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