Technical

• North Sails J/120 Quick Reference Tuning Guide

• Electrical System Modifications - Rick von Heydenreich (Quetzalcoatl)

  At our Winter Owner's Meeting, the subject of Gel batteries came up as an issue. I am in the process of redoing my battery and charging systems in order to maintain the appropriate amperage onboard to run the toys I have. I will create an article on what I have done and why. When my boat was delivered, it came with a glass mat (AGM) starter battery and 2 Gel house batteries. After changing the Gel batteries out twice in the 8 years that I have owed the boat, I have decided to replace them with AGM's in an effort to standardize the system. The short life of the Gel can be attributed to having a mix of batteries on board and the regulator set to maximize charging ability. The maximum charging voltage for the Gel is 14.2 volts vs. the 14.8 volts of the AGM. Charging a Gel at 14.8 boils the battery and shortens the life. I have included 3 articles from West Marine's West Advisor on Batteries and Charging:

  • Battery Chemistry

  • Smart Battery Charging

  • Selecting Alternators

• Maintaining a Dry Bilge - Doug Jorgensen (Hot Tamale)