Happy (belated) new year everyone! Earlier this week I was talking with a colleague about one of the yachts in Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race which lost power mid-race. Here are some thoughts what to do when your batteries are dead at sea.

blog.arribasail.com/2016/01/tech-emergency-power.html




PS Tow generators and super capacitors have also been suggested but I haven't investigated those yet.

I am thinking the portable jump start packs might be the most simple and economic solution.

Murphy's Law says that you will have a power failure when you can least afford it.

Having a "spare" battery seems illogical as it will need to be wired in like the other batteries and cycled with load and charging like the rest of them.

The jump start pack will need that too but if used regularly for other purposes (can't think of any at the moment) it would be a handy thing.

A power failure is usually caused by one of two things, they being poor management of battery loads or an electrical fault. The main thing is to be able to get the engine started. The jump pack should be able to do that.

Select to expand quote

cisco said..

I am thinking the portable jump start packs might be the most simple and economic solution.

Murphy's Law says that you will have a power failure when you can least afford it.

Having a "spare" battery seems illogical as it will need to be wired in like the other batteries and cycled with load and charging like the rest of them.

The jump start pack will need that too but if used regularly for other purposes (can't think of any at the moment) it would be a handy thing.

A power failure is usually caused by one of two things, they being poor management of battery loads or an electrical fault. The main thing is to be able to get the engine started. The jump pack should be able to do that.

I keep my spare battery charged from my starter battery via a VSR, so it's effectively isolated from the other batteries - at least as long as the VSR doesn't become a point of failure

Select to expand quote

Ramona said..
Lithium power pack or just start the engine by hand, easy.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/331584944665?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I definitely agree that the jump starter power pack is a good way to go, and getting lighter and cheaper all the time. Hand starting is not an option for many modern diesel engines though.

Select to expand quote

scruzin said..

Ramona said..
Lithium power pack or just start the engine by hand, easy.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/331584944665?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I definitely agree that the jump starter power pack is a good way to go, and getting lighter and cheaper all the time. Hand starting is not an option for many modern diesel engines though.

get the big amp ones as the small ones wont do the job on the diesels

I guess you all know never place your thumb on over the crank handle try to keep it on the same side as your other fingers . if it kicks back your hands safe

Plenty of Youtube videos on using lithium power packs to start diesels. Just ensure you buy one large enough. Power packs are better for Phone and tablet recharging.

One of the advantages of using a marine diesel versus a cement mixer motor is their relative ease in hand starting.

I am currently out at anchor at remote islands and have lost starter motor have ordered a new one($850)! And tomorrow I will attempt to sail back to town with no main engine. We take way to much for granted!

Select to expand quote

southace said..
I am currently out at anchor at remote islands and have lost starter motor have ordered a new one($850)! And tomorrow I will attempt to sail back to town with no main engine. We take way to much for granted!

Is Trimm able to keep watch to help you out?

Trim is really only good for cleaning up Whitting scraps and sleeping! Do you have a spare Perkins starter motor you could bring out to me now and zen?

Select to expand quote

southace said..
Trim is really only good for cleaning up Whitting scraps and sleeping! Do you have a spare Perkins starter motor you could bring out to me now and zen?

Love to be able to assist, but I'm at work about 3000kms away.
100% sure it's the starter motor - not the solenoid?

100% ! Solenoid is engaging fine, the gear is spinning on the shaft when engaged with flywheel basically it's a blown gear box inside the starter. 1987 lucus marine starter and the replacement will be around $850 according to ebay prices

Select to expand quote

southace said..
100% ! Solenoid is engaging fine, the gear is spinning on the shaft when engaged with flywheel basically it's a blown gear box inside the starter. 1987 lucus marine starter and the replacement will be around $850 according to ebay prices

Bugger!
I suppose you have enquired about a rebuild?
I think on some starter motors, the bendix drive can be replaced.....

Select to expand quote

NowandZen said..

southace said..
100% ! Solenoid is engaging fine, the gear is spinning on the shaft when engaged with flywheel basically it's a blown gear box inside the starter. 1987 lucus marine starter and the replacement will be around $850 according to ebay prices

Bugger!
I suppose you have enquired about a rebuild?
I think on some starter motors, the bendix drive can be replaced.....

Have you tried giving the clutch and drive end a good whack with a decent size hammer?
I have got stubborn starter motors to engage in the past doing that.

Yes and yes you can turn the engaged gear and hear the gears grinding inside the box! I need more than a good hammer to get me out of this one!

Select to expand quote

southace said..
Yes and yes you can turn the engaged gear and hear the gears grinding inside the box! I need more than a good hammer to get me out of this one!

Double bugger!!
Better teach Trim to throw a mooring line for tomorrow.........

I will anchor out the front of town and my crew will look after Icon while I work on Monday and hopeful get new starter on Wednesday and head back to the berth before a northerly arrives! You should seriously think about coming to these islands before you take your Adams to Sydney.

Select to expand quote

southace said..
I will anchor out the front of town and my crew will look after Icon while I work on Monday and hopeful get new starter on Wednesday and head back to the berth before a northerly arrives! You should seriously think about coming to these islands before you take your Adams to Sydney.

southace said..
I will anchor out the front of town and my crew will look after Icon while I work on Monday and hopeful get new starter on Wednesday and head back to the berth before a northerly arrives! You should seriously think about coming to these islands before you take your Adams to Sydney.

We will be able to have a look around that neck of the woods for the last two weeks of February before tackling Bass Strait. Looking forward to it!

Good stuff be sure to contact me I can help with advise on anchorages and local info? What anchor do you hold? One peanut last night tried anchoring his admiralty anchor 10 times in 25 knots dragging every time until I went over and suggest he come lay it in the sand next to me. He still had his headsail half furled out which didn't help the process!

Select to expand quote

southace said..
Good stuff be sure to contact me I can help with advise on anchorages and local info? What anchor do you hold? One peanut last night tried anchoring his admiralty anchor 10 times in 25 knots dragging every time until I went over and suggest he come lay it in the sand next to me. He still had his headsail half furled out which didn't help the process!

That would be great SA.
I have a CQR anchor - previous owner assured me it holds no problem - will find out when I finally get to use my new yacht properly!

Select to expand quote

southace said..
100% ! Solenoid is engaging fine, the gear is spinning on the shaft when engaged with flywheel basically it's a blown gear box inside the starter. 1987 lucus marine starter and the replacement will be around $850 according to ebay prices

Lucus Prince of darkness in my trade its called
Never wash a early model Land rover engine Unless you don't need to go any where for a few hours

Select to expand quote

southace said...
Yes and yes you can turn the engaged gear and hear the gears grinding inside the box! I need more than a good hammer to get me out of this one!

Bugger that's a pain but then again I guess you could say it's all part of the adventure. Someone sitting in their Jason recliner would never have these problems

The good thing is the crew cleaned her bum so we are sitting on 7 knots to windward in 12 knots of southerly should only need a tack or two in the bay and to the entrance of the marina then will use the tender and the 6hp to push her in! Can't wait to be tied up in the berth!

Select to expand quote

HG02 said...

southace said..
100% ! Solenoid is engaging fine, the gear is spinning on the shaft when engaged with flywheel basically it's a blown gear box inside the starter. 1987 lucus marine starter and the replacement will be around $850 according to ebay prices

Lucus Prince of darkness in my trade its called
Never wash a early model Land rover engine Unless you don't need to go any where for a few hours

Do u know Ho2 if I can rebuild this Lucas starter and if I can get parts?

Select to expand quote

southace said..

HG02 said...

southace said..
100% ! Solenoid is engaging fine, the gear is spinning on the shaft when engaged with flywheel basically it's a blown gear box inside the starter. 1987 lucus marine starter and the replacement will be around $850 according to ebay prices

Lucus Prince of darkness in my trade its called
Never wash a early model Land rover engine Unless you don't need to go any where for a few hours

Do u know Ho2 if I can rebuild this Lucas starter and if I can get parts?

so you should South Ace

There starters are solid
Just when they built wiring looms and added distributors to the mix that when they became prince of darkness on Land rovers never wash there engine bay unless you have several hours to spare waiting to dry out

It appears the internal gearing is stripped! I will get it bench tested tomorrow before ordering a new one. Not in a rush if I can get in the berth this arvo.

An update! Made it into the marina on the opposite side of the marina not in my berth! So close yet so 12 tonnes far!

new larger starter motor ($450) arrived today but didn't fit due to a oil transfer pipe running from the sump.
new original copy motor ($1100) arrives tomorrow and hopefuly back into my berth by 1200 hrs!

Select to expand quote

southace said..
An update! Made it into the marina on the opposite side of the marina not in my berth! So close yet so 12 tonnes far!

new larger starter motor ($450) arrived today but didn't fit due to a oil transfer pipe running from the sump.
new original copy motor ($1100) arrives tomorrow and hopefuly back into my berth by 1200 hrs!

HI SA , whats the go is the 1100 dollar one going to replace the 450 $ one ?

Select to expand quote

SandS said..

southace said..
An update! Made it into the marina on the opposite side of the marina not in my berth! So close yet so 12 tonnes far!

new larger starter motor ($450) arrived today but didn't fit due to a oil transfer pipe running from the sump.
new original copy motor ($1100) arrives tomorrow and hopefuly back into my berth by 1200 hrs!

HI SA , whats the go is the 1100 dollar one going to replace the 450 $ one ?

Sands the $450 starter was to long or to wide so its a going back Thats how I read it
#t=0

nicely interpreted HG .................and drummers should just shut up and bash their drums !!!!

Yeah a oil transfer pipe didint allow the starter to go in flush for mounting. When the mechanic said it's much larger I thought it would be same dimensions inline with the engine.