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Don't Explode, Get Electrocuted, Or Call MayDay - Boat Life DIY | EE 135

August 20, 2023 · 43 min · 141K views

What this video covers

Brett Evans upgrades the electrical system on his boat, EVA, by replacing a stock 80-amp alternator with a 250-amp Balmar alternator to better charge the vessel's Battle Born lithium house bank.1:27 The installation requires mounting a new pulley, fabricating custom wiring, and installing a Balmar regulator.2:11 During the initial test, the alternator produces 130 amps at 1,400 RPM, though the drive belt slips and squeals under load, requiring further tensioning.26:40 To manage charging for the engine start battery and bow thruster battery, Evans installs a Balmar digital duo charger and adds a dedicated Victron DC-DC charger to prevent the bow thruster battery from draining the house bank.29:53 The project concludes with the system successfully charging the lithium bank while maintaining separate power paths for the auxiliary batteries.30:07 The upgrade prepares the boat for an upcoming Gulf Stream crossing.30:54

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