Sailing Big Lost · video

What this video covers

Connor, owner of the catamaran Big Lost, has struggled with persistent electrical charging failures since purchasing the vessel.0:07 The issues began when the original 70-amp alternators were replaced with 90-amp Balmar XT90 units.0:31 An incorrect fuse size initially fried a new alternator, leading to a series of repairs in St. Martin, Grenada, and Panama.2:09 Despite replacing regulators, wiring harnesses, and rectifiers, the alternators continued to charge intermittently.4:05 The crew eventually installed a generator to provide a reliable, independent power source and reduce engine hours on the propulsion engines.5:18 While in Fakarava, they sought external help to troubleshoot the system, eventually taking the units to a professional shop in Tahiti for bench testing.6:43 The shop identified broken lug connectors on the starboard alternator and a faulty rectifier on the port unit.9:28 Professional bench testing remains the most effective way to isolate charging system faults from wiring or regulator issues.

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