Sailing Zephyr · video

What this video covers

The crew of the sailboat Zephyr upgrades several key systems to improve long-term cruising capabilities. They replace a 440 amp-hour AGM battery bank with three 277 amp-hour Dakota Lithium batteries, increasing total capacity to 831 amp-hours.7:34 To support the higher power demand, they install two 410-watt SunPower Maxion Gen 5 fixed-frame solar panels on the existing arch, replacing two 250-watt poly panels.10:26 Maintenance routines for the Spectra Ventura 150 watermaker include changing 20 and 5-micron filters and cleaning the charcoal filter.0:56 The crew also adds a 75-liter Setpower TC 75 dual-zone freezer, which draws approximately 70 watts.12:57 For shore access, they upgrade to a larger tender with higher-diameter tubes and a bow step.5:07 Finally, the crew deploys a Precision Sails asymmetrical cruising spinnaker for the first time, using a sock system to manage the sail in 11 knots of true wind.14:32 Upgrading to lithium batteries and high-efficiency solar panels eliminates the need to run the engine for power generation during cloudy conditions.8:55

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