Lifeline Batteries

Case Study: Grand Banks 36 Yacht Installation of a 24VDC Side-Power Bow Thruster with Minimum Impact and Cost

Overview

The project undertaken by Dickerson Harbor Boatyard involved a Grand Banks 36 yacht that required a high-powered 24 VDC Side-Power bow thruster. The challenge was that the boat’s DC distribution system was 12 VDC, making it incompatible with the required Side-Power 24 VDC bow thruster the owner wanted for maneuverability. The objective was to find a solution that would enable the charging of the thruster batteries from the existing 12VDC engine alternators and distribution system.

Chesapeake Bay Catamaran Center

Challenges Faced

The main challenge faced by Dickerson Harbor Boatyard was the incompatibility between the 12 VDC DC distribution system of the boat and the requirement for a 24 VDC bow thruster Lifeline batteries in series. To power the larger bow thruster, an alternator upgrade and other system changes would have been necessary, which would have incurred significant costs for the owner. The boatyard had to find an alternative solution that would save both time and money for the customer.

Products and Services Utilized

To overcome the challenge, Dickerson Harbor Boatyard decided to install a Victron Orion 12VDC to 24VDC converter. This converter allowed the charging of the Lifeline thruster batteries from the existing 12VDC engine alternators. By utilizing the converter, the two new Group 27 Lifeline Batteries were installed in series to provide the required 24 VDC power for the bow thruster. The Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC charger is a professional DC to DC adaptive 3-stage charger with built-in Bluetooth. It’s for use in dual battery systems, can be monitored and programmed via Bluetooth, and can be remotely controlled via a remote on/off switch and has an engine running sensor.

This setup effectively isolated the Lifeline thruster batteries from the rest of the electrical system, ensuring compatibility without the need for new alternators, batteries, or other system upgrades.

Successful Outcomes Achieved

By installing the Victron Orion 12VDC to 24VDC converter and utilizing the Group 27 Lifeline Batteries in series, Dickerson Harbor Boatyard successfully solved the compatibility issue between the 12 VDC DC distribution system and the 24 VDC bow thruster. The solution provided a cost-effective alternative to upgrading the alternator and making other system changes. This not only saved the owner money but also avoided unnecessary downtime and additional complexities. The project was completed successfully, and the Grand Banks 36 yacht now benefits from a high-powered 24 VDC bow thruster, enhancing the vessel’s maneuverability and functionality.

Dickerson Harbor Boatyard and Oxford Yacht Agency are your Lifeline AGM battery installation and integration experts in Annapolis, Baltimore, and the Chesapeake Bay. Located in Trappe MD on the Eastern Shore, we are easy access from any Bay location.

Call at (410) 822-8556.