Power generation and storage

Increase battery capacity

Are you noticing that you need to charge your yacht’s batteries more often? Perhaps your batteries are no longer accepting the charge they used to, or your onboard power consumption has increased – by adding more instruments, a larger fridge or freezer, or charging smartphones or tablets. You might want extra power to operate 240V equipment like coffee machines or TVs, or you could be planning to cruise further and seek the freedom a larger house battery bank provides. Whatever your power needs, we’ll help you meet them.

One of the best upgrades to enhance your cruising experience is expanding your battery bank along with a modern charging system to optimise its performance. Not only does a larger battery bank mean you can go longer between charges, but it also grants you the flexibility to use power more liberally while sailing.

Inverters, chargers and battery monitors

You could have a battery bank with a vast capacity, but unless you have the means to charge it, and know its charged state, it will be of little use. We can fit 240V battery charging systems, power management and monitoring systems, and a variety of power generation solutions (see below) to efficiently charge your batteries. Depending on the make-up of your batteries (lead acid, AGM, gel or lithium), we’ll advise on the correct type of battery charger and provide you with a robust charging and monitoring system.

We can work with you to design a system that suits your needs. From adding a VSR (Voltage Sensitive Relay) so your house and engine battery bank are charged together but separate automatically when no longer charging – so your engine battery is charged first while removing the need to remember where to set a one-two-both battery switches, to adding a galvanic isolator to protect your propeller, shaft and anode from excessive galvanic corrosion, we’ll ensure you get what you need for your boat.

Switch to lithium-ion batteries

If you’re considering switching to Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, please contact us. Lithium-ion batteries are significantly more expensive than lead-acid types; however, they last longer, charge more quickly, are more compact and lighter (for a given capacity), and allow you to utilise the entire battery capacity. In contrast, to preserve the lifespan of lead-acid batteries, the charge level shouldn’t fall below 50%.

Lithium-ion batteries have a negative reputation because of the technology used in electric vehicles, early adopters in the marine industry, and poor, sometimes DIY, installations that led to thermal runaway; they are not the same technology we use today.

We use Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), which, although it falls under the Li-ion battery group, is less volatile and can be just as safe, if not safer, than traditional lead-acid alternatives when professionally installed. If you have any concerns about LiFePO4 battery technology, we are happy to discuss the options available.

Shore power

Adding shore power or a 240V system on board adds power sockets to yachts, allowing you to use equipment we take for granted at home on board. Whether you want shore power to make marina life more comfortable, and use appliances like a kettle, toaster, heater, TV or hairdryer or equipment or to serve a more practical purpose to charge or use computers or tools needed to work from your yacht, shore power gives you more freedom without having to invest in a diesel generator (see below).

Shore power can save or delay having to spend money on dedicated systems like heating or charging solutions. It can also be used to power a dehumidifier to reduce condensation, or greenhouse heaters to keep your yacht fresh and dry all year round if you keep your yacht in a marina.

We’ll fit plug sockets where you need them on your yacht, protect the 240V system with an RCD and install a galvanic isolator, and (if required) install a battery charger to make sure you have a robust and reliable system, after all, there’s little point installing a system that trips when you’re watching a film and put the kettle on.

Alternator upgrade

Adding a high-output alternator is a straightforward way to upgrade your onboard power generation. We can not only install the new alternator but also ensure your system can handle the increased charging load. We’ll advise you on suitable charging and power management systems to optimise performance.

If you already have a high-output alternator or wish to add a second one to your engine, we can fabricate the brackets, fit the additional pulleys, and enhance cooling and airflow through the engine compartment to keep both the engine and alternators running efficiently.

One more option is to add a shaft-mounted alternator. If you have a fixed-bladed propeller, an alternator connected to the propeller shaft can produce extra power. When sailing or motoring, the propeller shaft spins, driving the alternator.

Diesel generator

If you’re seeking a reliable power generation system, a diesel generator is the best choice. It isn’t affected by weather conditions, and it’s more fuel-efficient than your yacht’s diesel engine.

A diesel genset not only charges batteries but can also provide 240V AC power. This can be used to operate or charge power tools or household appliances you might have on board, such as a microwave, washing machine, dishwasher, and kitchen devices like a kettle, toaster, bread maker, and coffee machine. Those on board will also be able to use hair dryers, hair straighteners, and charge laptops.

Given the genset’s physical size and weight, a diesel generator isn’t suitable for every yacht. We’ll work within the constraints of your yacht to select an appropriate generator model and determine the best location for the generator and all auxiliary equipment.

Solar panels

Whether you’re considering rigid or flexible solar panels for battery charging, we’re here to assist you throughout your decision-making process, from selecting panels that meet your power requirements to exploring manufacturers, types, and technologies available.

We’ll work with you to optimise your yacht’s deck ’real estate’ to ensure a system that truly functions. We can install flexible solutions on deck or utilise the more efficient rigid panels on cockpit arches. If you don’t have a cockpit arch, we can fabricate one for you.

Wind generators

Compared to a diesel generator, a wind generator for battery charging is easier to install and suitable for most yacht sizes. Whether you prefer the wind generator to be mounted on a pole aft of the cockpit or on a purpose-built arch above it, we can fabricate your chosen mounting option and install the appropriate charge controller and wiring to ensure the wind generator operates safely and efficiently.

Hydrogenerators

Hydrogenerators only work when the yacht is sailing, but if you’re thinking of doing an Atlantic Tradewind passage on your boat, they are worth considering. While the steady Tradewinds seem perfect for wind generators, it’s often forgotten that the apparent wind speed going downwind is the true windspeed minus your boat’s speed; therefore, while a 15-18 knot Tradewinds seems to hit the sweet spot for the wind generator, the actual wind speed on deck could be 6-10 knots.

Also, while solar panels seem to be the obvious choice when heading to the Caribbean, a SW course will shade them with the shadow from the mainsail or spinnaker, reducing their output considerably.

There are many types of hydrogenerators available – some wind generators can be converted into hydrogenerators to make them more productive when crossing oceans, and some can be permanently fitted beneath the waterline or attached to the transom. Contact us to discuss which system will work best for you.