UNDERSTANDING YOUR CRUISING BOAT'S BATTERIES
An online class to help aspiring cruisers gain the knowledge and skill they need to care for their boat’s batteries.
This online class is essential for sailors seeking a comprehensive understanding of their boat's energy storage system, focusing on batteries. Discover how to become a self-sufficient sailor by gaining insight into all aspects of a boat's power and battery systems while learning best practices for prolonging battery lifespan.
WHO IS THIS CLASS FOR?
This class will cater to a diverse audience, welcoming novices eager to understand the intricacies of boat batteries within the electrical system, as well as sailors and cruisers aiming to proactively and independently sustain their boat's battery bank. Offering professional insights into batteries and their maintenance, all levels of sailors will appreciate the valuable knowledge and skills taught in this online class.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
Although the curriculum was developed for beginners, this is a perfect class for any sailor wanting to become a competent cruiser (whether heading offshore or to remote anchorages) by understanding their onboard battery power. From learning the differences between AC and DC power and how your batteries play an integral role in both systems, to understanding the different types of batteries available as well as the principles of how they function and their respective advantages and disadvantages on offshore cruising boats. Once you’ve got these basics down, we’ll teach you how to use your multimeter to evaluate the health of your batteries and best practices for maximizing their usable lifespan and, finally, we'll discuss alternative charging sources so you know what options exist for keeping your batteries full and happy to ensure you are cruising comfortably, even when you are far from shore power for extended periods of time.
TOPICS COVERED
- How batteries work as part of your AC and DC system.
- Battery construction and chemistries.
- Battery ratings, cycling, and voltage platforms.
- How to know how much power you use.
- Understanding and measuring battery capacity.
- Battery bank wiring in series and parallel.
- Fuses and overcurrent protection (OCP).
- Battery chargers.
- Battery charge acceptance rates and factors that affect charging rates.
- Alternative battery charging sources.
- Why and how to monitor battery health.
- Installation considerations for maximizing the lifespan of your batteries.
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Battery best practices for your offshore or off-grid adventures.
YOUR HOSTS
GIO AND JULIE CAPPELLI
Pelagic Blue Cruising Services, Owners
Gio & Julie Cappelli are both graduates of Skagit Valley College’s Marine Maintenance Technology Program and are USCG licensed Masters. They have sailed more than 20,000 miles through the Pacific aboard their Malӧ 39 and are both owners of Pelagic Blue Cruising Services, where they help cruisers prepare themselves and their boats for offshore cruising. In addition to running Pelagic Blue, they teach offshore cruising workshops with John Neal of Mahina Offshore Services. When they’re not at sea you can find them planning their next big offshore cruise and helping their clients get ready to set sail for distant shores.
Gio is an ABYC certified Marine Diesel Engines and Marine Systems Technician. He’s been working on cars, boats, and houses for decades and previously worked as a fish biologist and motorboat operator instructor for the Department of Interior. He loves a good mechanical or electrical challenge and is a champion spearfisherman. His life goal is to spearfish in every ocean on the planet. Brrr! Julie used to be terrified of electricity but is now ABYC certified in Marine Electrical and a NMEA certified Electronics and NMEA2000 Installer. She’s been trying to grow a set of gills her entire life, and has worked as a marine biologist, scuba instructor, and expedition leader. She loves a good electrical or cruising logistics challenge and is an absolute genius when it comes to tracking down the gremlins hiding in your boat’s networks. Her life goal is to meet every species of whale in every ocean on the planet. There are about 94 currently recognized species and so far, she's got 16!
