This is a detailed electrical upgrades design diagram for a vessel, showcasing various components and connections, issued for review by FirstRATE Marine.
Service Group 2: DC Charging & Engine - Image 2
Service Group 2: DC Charging & Engine - Image 3
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Service Group 2: DC Charging & Engine

If you want to go off-grid with your sailing or powerboat for long periods, your DC charging sources must be optimized.  Most boats are ill-equipped to handle the deep discharges and power demands of living at anchor. We will evaluate your current configuration and offer guidance on maximizing your boat’s primary charging source… the engine! If you are doing a complete electrical refit, this is the next logical step in the design process.

Please select the level of service you require for your project.

Price range: $300.00 through $900.00

Pay a deposit of 50% per item

The connections between your engine, starting battery, and the main battery bank can be a great mystery, especially if your boat is older. We can help you demystify your engine charging circuit and recommend upgrades to extend the life of your batteries and the alternator.

Choose this service group if you would like to:

    • Troubleshoot your existing DC charging and starting circuit.
    • Reconfigure how your starting batteries or house bank are connected and receive charge from your main engine.
    • Upgrade or add a high-output alternator.
    • Convert to lithium batteries.
    • Bring an older electrical system up to ABYC Standards.
    • Add a DC generator.

 

Several considerations addressed in this service group are:

    • The need to isolate the house and start batteries, but also provide a way for them to be combined in an emergency to start the engine.
    • Charge two battery banks via one source (the alternators).
    • Choose and properly size a high-output alternator.
    • Protect the alternator from voltage spikes that might be caused by lithium BMS disconnects.

 

The main design components in this service group include:

    • The starting batteries and their connections to the house batteries, including isolators and combine switches.
    • DC to DC chargers and DC generators.
    • High output alternators, external regulators, alternator protection devices, voltage, and temperature sensors.
    • Our design will include equipment recommendations, wire run lengths and sizes, overcurrent protection, disconnect switches, mountings, and enclosures per the ABYC guidelines.

 

How to choose a service level:

    • If you would like help troubleshooting or understanding your current DC charging and starting circuit, we recommend starting with Service Level 1: Design Consultation. We will review your situation and offer guidance on the best way to utilize our services during the proposal review meeting.
    • If you want to make significant changes to your current setup and would like professional recommendations, a custom wiring diagram, and an equipment list for the new system design, choose Service Level 2: Design and Diagrams.
    • If you want us to complete a custom design, wiring diagram, equipment list, and a detailed bill of materials listing exact quantities of equipment and new components, select Level 3: Design Build Installation.