Starter Battery

I was hoping that I could eliminate the use of a charger - in my case, a Victron DCDC unit. Given the Multiplus' limitations, I will install their 50 A device to maintain an AGM start battery. I previously added Balmar's alternator protection device in anticipation of a LFP system.

When I bought the boat, it came with 4 - 6 volt FLA house batteries totaling 460 Ahrs. Two were installed under the seat aft of the chart table, and an inverter was placed under the seating forward of the chart table. My 430e has 2 compartments under cushions in this area, and the 2nd set was in the compartment forward of the inverter. Hope that makes sense. In addition to the 2 house batteries in the aft most compartment, there was a 12 V start and also a 12 V winch/windlass battery. So a total of 6 batteries

The batteries were starting to fail, so in a moment of weakness, I decided to R & R the entire DC charging system. I upgraded the stock 80 A Hitachi alternator to a Balmar XT170 c/w their serpentine belt kit and tensioner, regulated by an Arco Zeus external regulator. That in turn will charge 2 - Epoch 460 Ahr LFP house batteries located under the aft seat - they fill the compartment. They will power both the winch and windlass. While I understand that they can also start my 4JH Yanmar, I have opted to keep a start battery for redundancy and relocated it to a small storage area in front of the engine and under the companionway stairs. It is a bit warm in the space, but significantly less than the engine compartment so it should be OK. My previous Beneteau 373 had the start battery in the engine compartment and it wasn't too hot. 

The Magnum 2012 inverter wasn't really capable of charging LFP batteries so that will be replaced with a Victron Multiplus 12/3000. It will live in the same spot. Some cutting of the storage compartment to make it fit but otherwise should be ok.

Since the Magnum remote left a hole in the panel when I removed it, I opted to also add the Ekrano to provide a display of the system status in lieu of just viewing it on my phone via bluetooth. It will also help with coordinating the charging from the 2 - 200 watt portable solar panels I use when cruising. They are controlled with Victron's 100/30/12 MPPT controller. I am planning on adding 2 - 300 watt panels on top of my bimini that is coming in the next several weeks. And another solar controller. Finally some rain protection to keep me dry(er).

You might be wondering how I as a mere mortal Captain sold this to the all powerful Admiral? Well since the wallet was cracked when I replaced the alternator to insure a "good supply of power.....", I then realized that with a larger house bank, I probably could power an electric blanket on the wet and cold winter nights we get in the Pacific NW. No sooner were those words out my mouth when the Admiral's command was issued - "DO IT"!