My Windlass and Thruster Battery Only Charge on Shorepower - Is This Wrong?
March 7, 2021 · 4 min · 7K views
What this video covers
A boat owner with three separate battery banks—engine, house, and a dedicated bank for the windlass and thruster—reports that the windlass and thruster bank only charges via shore power.0:12 Because the vessel lacks a generator, this bank receives no charge from the alternator while the engine runs.0:51 Jeff Cote of Pacific Yacht Systems identifies this as a significant electrical deficiency, noting that windlasses and thrusters are high-draw inductive loads that suffer premature failure when operated at low voltage.1:50 Since these motors are used primarily while underway or at anchor, the battery bank requires a charging source while the engine is running to prevent chronic depletion.1:19 To resolve this, install a battery combiner, a battery-to-battery charger, or a battery isolator to route alternator output to the thruster and windlass bank.2:17 Maintaining proper voltage levels prevents motor damage and ensures reliable operation of docking and anchoring equipment.3:00
More from Pacific Yacht Systems
From Pacific Yacht Systems — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed 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.