Electrical Work:
Ohana was completely rewired to run exclusively off a 1,200Ah lithium battery bank, even when connected to shore power. The batteries provide all onboard power while the shore connection functions solely to recharge them. Due to the lithium batteries’ lighter weight and deeper usable capacity (down to 10%), air conditioning can now be operated at anchor without running the generator.
The charging system includes smart settings that prioritize solar power when connected to shore, only using shore power to recharge batteries once they drop below a preset level—minimizing shore power consumption except on cloudy days or at night.
A multi-voltage smart charger supports both US 120V/60Hz and European 220V/50Hz power, facilitating potential Mediterranean cruising.
Solar capacity was increased to 2,800 watts with the addition of four more solar controllers, arranged to avoid shading from sails or booms and maximize output.
An isolation transformer was installed to meet updated dock safety standards and reduce galvanic corrosion risks.
The system was upgraded from one inverter to three 3,000-watt inverters, supported by an under-seat cooling system, enabling up to 9,000 watts of 120V power from the house batteries.
A new color GX Touch screen and Cerbo controller serve as the system’s central hub, providing detailed monitoring and remote access via smartphone.
A soft-start device was added to the main cabin air conditioner, allowing efficient A/C operation at anchor powered by solar and batteries sufficient to last overnight.
Zeus alternator controllers were installed to rapidly charge house batteries from the engine, reducing recharge time from 10% to full in six hours.
The onboard generator now charges house batteries in three hours (down from longer previously) by utilizing 50-amp charging, along with corrections to factory wiring as part of the upgrade.
DC/DC chargers were added to maintain charge on the engine batteries, bow thruster battery, and generator battery from the house battery bank.
A chain counter was installed to precisely measure anchor rode deployment from the cockpit, replacing the previous manual system of painted chain marks. This significantly improves ease of single-handed anchoring.
To fill the navigation station gap, a chart plotter was installed. After initially purchasing a limited-function B&G Vulcan model, it was upgraded to a more capable Zeus plotter, reflecting the increased functionality needed.
