Generator is dead. Anyone converted to batteries only?

[Maogwaicat]

Hello all,
We have owned our '05 CB35, for about a year, it was very neglected when we took the vessel and we have spent the past year changing;
*Seat Cushions inside and out
*Eisenglass and Command Bridge Enclosure
*Shower Sump and pump box
*Forward, mid and Shaft Pocket Bilge Pumps
*Holding Tank pump
*Cockpit Shade
*Two 120W Solar Panels on hardtop
*Rebuilt Bowthruster (That was $350 bucks WELL SPENT!)
*Reworked Airconditioning control system
*Reworked Engine Access hatch hinges and installed gas support Strut.

We cruised from Palatka to Marathon and returned in 16 days, staying in yacht club marinas everynight plugged into shore power.. We learned much about the boat and the reasons for having a working generator, which we do NOT have. The current Northern Lights 6kW with 599 hours appears to be locked up and so far unable to rotate. No one in the business seems to have time to troubleshoot and make repairs unless we remove and replace. Replacement has been quoted as above $15K... I would have been willing to spend that previously, but the $Plus-$Plus after purchase that the dealer wants is making me a bit unwilling to embark on putting some Northern Lights Distributer's kid through college in order to enjoy A/C on the odd night when anchored. (Yes, I know that everyone has the right to make a legitimate profit.)

Big question for anyone interested in answering; Has any Albin Owner installed a large capacity Lithium Battery system which replaces a generator? I'm thinking of two 650Amp Hour batteries with any support systems needed. It looks like Dakota Lithiumhttps://dakotalithium.com/product/dl-12 ... h-can-bus/ or Battle Born Batterieshttps://battlebornbatteries.com/product ... d-battery/ have products that can literally replace the noisy and heat generating Northern Lights generator that currently acts as a paper weight in our engine compartment, for less than the Northern Lights $15K.

I would like to hear of some of the other actions Albin Owners have performed in improving our already great boats! Thanks! Darryl C, Cypress Moon. Palatka, Fl.

[Nancy]

Hi Darryl --

You've made some great repair$ on your boat and have also had some good adventures. I agree that it's time to research whether a generator is worth having vs. changing to lithium batteries. I have no expertise to offer, though. Our Northern Lights genset is working well...knock on wood. Think of all the space you'll gain if you ditch the generator!

[Maogwaicat]

Thanks, Nancy.
It certainly makes sense to use batteries to replace a generator. Even if I only save a couple BOAT spending units to make this happen it would be well worth the trouble. Dakota Lithium and Battle Born have long warranties on their battery systems, up to something like eleven years. I don't imagine owning this vessel past 2035... Imagine the silence of no diesel genny while anchored! This project will be studied and grokked upon over the summer.

[Nancy]

Looking forward to hearing what you figure out.

[REBMystic]

When my house AGM dies I plan to go lithium and will add some solar. I have learned some great stuff from this guy on Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/@WillProwse Definitely look at his reviews of 12V batteries before purchasing.

[Maogwaicat]

Thanks for the link, Rob!