Sailing SV Delos · video

What this video covers

After four months of wiring an aluminum catamaran build, the crew of Delos powers up the boat's 48-volt electrical system for the first time and successfully spins one of the electric motors.0:11 The test sequence begins with continuity checks across the positive and negative bus bars, resistance measurements between positive and negative, and isolation checks between both poles and the hull.9:24 A patron specializing in high-current busbar applications recommends follow-up testing with a high-voltage megger and a 10-amp ductor under load; that equipment is ordered but not yet used.12:00 The crew fabricates temporary 70mm² jumper cables to feed the bus bars from test batteries, briefly wires a 12-volt battery into a 48-volt circuit by mistake, then corrects it.19:41 A Victron Smart Shunt comes online showing 53 volts and zero amps at rest.20:13 The 48-volt system requires specially rated contactors, windlasses, and inverters; 12-volt components — navigation systems, water pumps — run on a separate circuit controlled through contactors.14:05 Once the motor controller's control cable is seated correctly, the propeller shaft spins under no load at roughly 100 watts.26:44 Secondary wins include progress on the air conditioning system and welding work.27:18 Further bus bar testing under load remains pending before full commissioning.

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