Energy Management

Hi Alain,

Quite agree - but please do not assume the issues we've had with 461 # 7 are not now sorted for all new 461's.  They may well be. 

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but I don't think the needs of the 461 with it's 30 + halogen lamps plus easy ability to add lots of toys, fridges, windlass, winches etc is perhaps something Hanse themselves did not give enough consideration to when we took delivery a year ago.

In our case, when we ordered 80 ah gel batteries we were only doing so as they were maintenance free.  No one from Hanse possibly had the experience with boat over longer cruises to suggest we go for the 120 ah wet ones!  Had we done so - we might not only have saved money - we'd have had 50% more capacity.  I'm sure they now advise customers in advance.

Also in our time period the early 75 hp Yanmars came with 60 ah alternators.  Again today they come with 80 ah.

We also had some wiring and diode issues - but again believe these were not factory issues - but rather due to some 'creative rewiring' to allow our boat to be lit on shore at the 2004 Paris Show. 

So as one 'experienced 461' owner more than happy to debate / discuss any electrical issue we've had - but just maybe they will not exist on your boat?

Cheers

JOHN

"And at last I assume that all the issues encountered by the previous owners of the 50,60..... H461 already sailing now, are sorted out...
Cheers
Alain"

Hi Alain,

I'm afraid I can't answer this last question on the 461 electrics, as I'm not in a postion to know for sure that all the 'problems' we had are solved on new boats.  

I do however have great faith in Hanse internationally to modify anything that they see reported as faulty.  

As an example, we also has an issue of sea water getting into our fuel via the fuel vent.  For us, it was a real problem which led to us having to call in an engineer in a strange port.  Once we knew what caused it - a stupid location for the vent in the spot where deck water runs off the boat - we did wonder why none of the previous 6 owners (we had #7) had not had the same issues.

I can only guess none of them had encountered the same sea conditions which allowed us to experience the problem.....

In that same instance once Hanse UK were aware of our issues and realised the error, they did the right thing and relocated the vent on all new builds to ensure it would not occur on future models - plus they issued a dealer notice and provided a retrofitting vent cover to all existing 461 owners.

So I'm pretty sure if the electrical issues we experienced were a common 'fault', then Hanse would have done exactly the same............

However, I do agree we need to continue to share experiences and in that way ensure we all remain aware of possible issues with the specification we agree on ordering a new boat.

I'm start it off by reminding all 461 owners to be sure to draw up a consumption table before they specify batteries / alternators / regulators etc - and to also consider if they really do want gel 80 ah battereis which whilst maybe maintenance free, simply can't be fast charged.  Or for same price would they be better suited to go with 100 / 120 ah wet batteries that can be charged quicker - but at the 'expense' of one having to check water levels?

I also believe with the 'toys' we've added onto the battery service bank (a 2nd fridge, sterio, iPod etc) - one does need to really reconsider what power one consumes - and ensure it is possible out of the 3 batteries installed as standard.  If not, maybe a 4th / 5th / 6th service battery can be fitted before one departed on a long cruise?

Cheers

JOHN

Hi Marc,

Like I've said before, I think your addition of a independent generator is a good idea.  I've no doubts in 2007 when I believe we'll be considering longer term cruising with Swagman and Sue will want her washing machine - we'll add one ourselves.

So once you've got the boat and can take pictures of how / where they've sited it - we look forward to you sharing those with us.

Cheers

JOHN