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velero kira-kira · video

🔋 GOODBYE AGM! We installed LITHIUM BATTERIES... and the engine started giving us trouble again 😬

1 August 2026 · 24 min · 402 views · Océano Atlántico

What this video covers

The crew of the 36-ft steel sailboat *Kira Kira* replaces an aging AGM battery bank with a new lithium-based system while addressing recurring engine maintenance issues. After a plastic bag obstructed the engine cooling intake during a passage to Paraty, Brazil, the resulting heat damaged the impeller, requiring a replacement.Watch The electrical upgrade involves installing three independent lithium battery banks: a primary 400-Ah bank, a 270-Ah secondary bank, and a dedicated 270-Ah Battle Born battery paired with a 150-watt solar panel to power the refrigerator exclusively.12:51 To manage charging, the owner installs a 60-amp DC-DC charger fed by a secondary 110-amp alternator, which acts as a buffer to protect the lithium cells.20:47 The installation includes custom wooden battery supports and selector switches to prevent dangerous cross-connection between banks.20:06 Following the electrical work, the engine’s freshwater pump begins leaking due to worn seals after 7,000 hours of operation.24:04 The crew awaits replacement parts while managing the vessel's power and propulsion systems.

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⛵️After several months, we went out to test the boat and because of a simple bag we practiced towing #22Jul 2026⛵️ A new TRAIL leads us to a DESERTED beach and we enjoy the white sands of LOPES MENDESJan 2026We're starting the year🎉 and there are new CHALLENGES coming up on the KIRA-KIRA! #20 PARTIES in ILHA GRANDE 🥂Jan 2026#19 This last week went by very fast // first part of a summary and NEW PROJECTS are comingDec 2025

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