Solar Power and Battery Checkup
Batteries and solar panels can be a black box. We can’t see or hear or feel what is going on inside. They’re not complicated...
Estimating Total Capacity in an Old Battery
Volt meters, ammeters, and bank monitors can all give you part of the story, but only a draw-down test, performed over 6-24 hours will...
Do-it-yourself Electrical System Survey and Inspection
So, you’ve finally purchased that new (or new-to-you) boat of your dreams. As with any budding relationship, put this honeymoon period to good use...
What’s Involved in Setting Up a Lithium Battery System?
Our 2004 Privilege 435 Confianza (Connie for short) came equipped with traditional lead-acid batteries—5 100ah for the house bank and 2 starter batteries. We...
Leaping Into Lithium
Your dock neighbor just switched out her old 12-volt lead-acid batteries for lithium-ion batteries. Should you? The lithium solution will be more expensive, but...
DIY survey of boat solar and wind turbine systems
Many used cruising sailboats on the market will have a couple of solar panels, a wind turbine, or possibly both. But are they working?...
Taking Care of Your 12-Volt Lead-Acid Battery Bank
Marine boat batteries can fail due to various reasons, and understanding these potential failure modes is crucial for ensuring their reliability. Here are some...
Tayana 37: What You Should Know | Boat Review
Looking to buy a 35-40 foot sailboat? Considering a Tayana 37? See a Tayana 37 for sale? What are the pros and cons of...
