BoatHowTovideo
Maximum COMFORT ON BOARD - Which way to go? ⛵️ | Ask The Expert with NIGEL CALDER
12 July 2025 · 4 min · 10K views
What this video covers
Nigel Calder and Jan Attenstedt evaluate the feasibility of removing a diesel generator from a 1988 43-foot sailboat to rely instead on a high-output DC electrical system.▶ 0:26 Replacing a generator with a high-capacity lithium-ion battery bank and high-output alternators allows for air conditioning operation without the noise, maintenance, and engine run-hours associated with traditional gensets.▶ 0:59 This transition requires a comprehensive load analysis to determine total daily energy consumption before selecting hardware.▶ 0:00 While the initial capital investment for lithium batteries and high-output charging systems is significant, the long-term costs may be lower than replacing a generator that suffers from premature wear due to light-load operation.▶ 2:13 The decision depends heavily on usage patterns, as extended cruisers benefit more from the lifestyle gains of a silent, efficient DC system than seasonal sailors.▶ 2:57 The Boat Electrics 101 course at boathow2.com provides an energy system planner tool to assist with these calculations.▶ 3:56
More from BoatHowTo
From BoatHowTo — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.