Seven batteries? Complex answer: I'm pulling the Atomic4 (although it's in outstanding condition) in favor of an ethanol-powered 6.5KW generator and a 6.5KW electric high-torque permanent magnet motor that will virtually duplicate the thrust. I also have a 110-watt solar panel for maintenance, and a regenerative charge controller for the motor that will let me feed 3.5KW back to the batteries when I'm sailing, if I'm willing to give up a knot of cruise speed (and usually that will be the case) by using the prop as a water generator. I've got five 125AH 12V deep cycle batteries in a house bank, and two car batteries as the starter bank/emergency drive bank. I will use the house bank mainly for driving the motor (so I can pull into the slip next to you silently when I arrive at 2 AM--I'm thoughtful that way) and will only tap the generator when I'm facing a long haul under power or if I'm away from port for days at a time and my 2000 watt inverter has spent too much time powering the microwave and coffeepot. By the way, that inverter has 100 amp three-stage charge capability--a little light for the house bank, but I'll live with it. This is all a test bed, anyway...
David Shaddock
1977 C27 traditional (well, kind of traditional) Pixie
Rockford, IL
----- Original Message -----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Date: Monday, July 17, 2006 9:53
Subject: Re: catalina27-talk: Lightning
To: [email protected]
> David,
>
> You mentioned you carry 7 batteries onboard Pixie?
> Just curious about the
> reason for seven and how you keep them charged. I
> have trouble keeping the
> two I have charged and couldn't even begin to think about
> maintaining seven.
>
> Dave Tierney
> Celtic Pride, 5282
> 1983 C-27, Traditional
> Middle River, Maryland
>
----- Original Message -----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Date: Monday, July 17, 2006 9:53
Subject: Re: catalina27-talk: Lightning
To: [email protected]
> David,
>
> You mentioned you carry 7 batteries onboard Pixie?
> Just curious about the
> reason for seven and how you keep them charged. I
> have trouble keeping the
> two I have charged and couldn't even begin to think about
> maintaining seven.
>
> Dave Tierney
> Celtic Pride, 5282
> 1983 C-27, Traditional
> Middle River, Maryland
>
