XTRIP SAILING · video

What this video covers

The host of the 38-ft sailboat currently based in Iceland evaluates the necessity of upgrading from a 10-year-old 3x120Ah lead-gel battery bank to LiFePO4 technology.8:50 Despite the age of the existing Exide lead-gel batteries, recent testing confirms they retain 96 to 98 per cent capacity.9:04 The host maintains autonomy for months without shore power by utilising solar, wind, and engine charging, alongside an Anker Solix F2000 power station for electric cooking and baking.15:28 A previous failure of the starter battery and one charging circuit on the shore power charger resulted from a faulty charging loop involving a battery-to-battery charger left active during shore power connection.13:39 While acknowledging the benefits of modern lithium systems—specifically "Arctic" series batteries designed for cold-weather charging—the host argues that functional lead-gel systems remain viable for many sailors.14:09 The decision to test new lithium batteries stems from a desire to increase capacity for electric appliances rather than a failure of the current lead-gel bank.16:31

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