Distant Shores Live Q&A November 2020

Sheryl and Paul Shard answer your questions about the sailing lifestyle. They have been cruising and living aboard since 1989. Their variable-draft Southerly 480 is their 4th boat. This month’s Q&A is live from Panama where they just returned to S/Y Distant Shores III after a 7-month lockdown. Main topic of discussion is upgrading to lithium batteries.

00:00 – Introductions by Paul and Sheryl and info about their Southerly 480, Distant Shores III
02:14 – Explanation of why the need to upgrade to lithium batteries. Description of their Integrel Generator Replacement System.
04:01 – Upgrading to double battery power and new form of battery management is essential.
05:05 – Chemical composition of the 2 MG Energy Systems LFP 24 volt batteries..
07:22 – Explanation of a BMS – Battery Management System. Victron app.
08:40 – MG Energy Systems batteries are compatible with Victron. Integrel Solutions recommended.
09:05 – They need batteries to fit a 48 volt bank of batteries in series for the Integrel Generator Replacement System.
11:00 – The Shards discuss the solar panels and power on Distant Shores III.
11:40 – Description of the Integrel Solutions Generator Replacement System.
15:12 – Battery balancing is important and why.
15:43 – Reason the Shards didn’t go with lithium to start with and why they want to go with it now.
17:10 – Advantages of the extra power of lithium batteries – electric cooking vs propane.
21:48 – Challenges of a completely electric boat. Discussion on the Shards’ new e-boat.
27:24 – 2 rudders so we would have 2 electric engines for more manoeuvrability at slow speeds.
29:13 – Discussion on fire prevention and thermal runaway potential. Lithium ion vs lithium iron phosphate batteries.
30:20 – Who is the builder of Distant Shores IV? Update on the new boat, Distant Shores IV
33:26 – How Distant Shores III is heated in cold climates.
34:24 – Suggested cruising guides for a world cruise.
37:35 – Dealing with fuel and water in foreign countries – finding, filtering, treating, laundry, watermakers.
52:59 – Best time of year to head south down the Erie Canal and Intracoastal Waterway.
57:27 – Thanks for watching and for your continued support.

References made:
Distant Shores III is for sale – https://distantshores.ca/about-us/the-boats/distant-shores-3/
Integrel Solutions Generator Replacement System – https://integrelsolutions.com/
MG Energy Systems – https://www.mgenergysystems.eu/
GN Espace Ocean Chef Induction Oven/Stove – https://gn-espace.com/product/oceanchef-3-induction-cooker/
SV Delos – https://www.youtube.com/c/svdelos/videos
Sailing Uma – https://www.youtube.com/c/SailingUma/videos
Ocean Volt – https://oceanvolt.com/
Distant Shores Cruising Club – https://www.patreon.com/distantshorestv