What is service?

I woke Wednesday morning to find the icebox defrosting without me initiating it. The power was on but nothing was happening. I switched it off and on again and noticed arcing sound followed by an electrical burning smell. After accessing the power supply (under the drawer in the dinette seat) I saw nothing untoward but on smelling the case it was clear something was not right inside.

As it was still under warranty I called Freezetec (where I bought the system) and explained what had happened. No problems, we have one in stock and will replace it immediately. 'Would you like me to bring in proof of purchase for the warranty?'  No - we have your details on record and have already verified that the power supply is still under warranty.  Three hours later the icebox was up and running.

True service is not what a company does in the good times but what they do when things go wrong

Thanks guys, I appreciate what you have done. If your in South East Queensland and need refrigeration service or a new system give Freezetec a call - see links on home page

Electrical system overhaul - Pt 1 Battery charger

Being an American built boat Crosswind has both a 110VAC and 12VDC electrical system. In Australia we use 240V as the AC power source. Since I moved aboard in December 2011 charging the batteries has been a pain.  The solar panels don't quite keep up with my power usage and running the engine to charge the batteries is a pain. I decided to bite the bullet and buy a 240V battery charger. 

On the reccommendation of other liveaboards and after talking with their service department I purchased a 25 amp Durst SMARTcharger which is both a battery charger and 12V power supply (while berthed). Durst battery chargers are micro processor controlled to vary the charge rate in three stages from what is known as the Bulk Rate (about 60 – 70% charged) down to the Absorption Rate (almost fully charged) then finally the Float Mode (minimal charge rate) that will maintain the battery in a full state of charge and maximise battery life. Should the level of charge decrease, the charge rate automatically increase to compensate thereby maintaining full battery charge. Set and forget - works for me.

Charger installed

:) fully charged batteries

Before I start any further work on the electrical system I need to know how much power I need and what 12V storage I need to meet those needs. In Part 2 I'll post my initial analysis.

Anyone want to buy a 110V charger?

Head update - Exemplary service

Received the following email from 'A Better Way to Go'

Hi Jeff,

We have just read your blog! Looks good.
After looking at your photos, would you like a right angle vent cowling instead of the straight through one you have used?
See photos attached.
It will allow the hose to run off in the correct angle for your installation.

Carol.


It was just what was needed.  I wrote back to ask how much - no cost, we will send it to you. Just send back the straight one when you have the right angle one installed. Three days later I had the new vent installed.

Thanks guys - a testament to your customer service principals - not expected but very much appreciated

For a full view of the head refit see the photos page

Straight

Right angle

Must have liveaboard accessory

Can't survive without my coffee

Air Head install

When I purchased my Air Head I also had to decide how it should be vented. I had read where some installations had vented through the hull using a loop to prevent water ingestion when the rail was buried. The advantages were that it uses an existing hole in the hull and most of the vent hose is hidden within cabinets. The disadvantages are that it requires installation of a continuous extraction fan which although efficient draws power from the battery and requires extra wiring. The alternative is a day/night solar vent in the cabin ceiling. This requires a hole in the cabin top and an exposed vent hose in the head compartment. On the bright side, no extra wiring (inbuilt battery that charges during the day and runs the fan all night) and unlikely it will be immersed. I chose the solar vent and after measuring its position three times (and getting a fellow liveaboard to check it twice) cut the hole in the deck. I would like to say it fitted perfectly the first time but I cut it a little under size and had to enlarge the hole - easier to take extra out than to put it back.  Note the thickness on the deck core.

Base preparation

Base installed

The layout of my head compartment was always going to present a challenge to fitting an Air Head. The existing platform was wide enough for the solids tank but did not provide any support for the liquids tank. Adrian from 'A Better Way to Go' said that the tank needed at least 90mm (3 1/2") of support under the back edge so I cut out a base from 12mm marine ply to fit under the solids tank and 90mm to support the liquids tank and screwed it in place.

A quick check for fitment confirmed what the initial measurements hinted - the head with the standard handle was too wide. I had purchased the ratchet attachment for this purpose but for now I have trimmed 12mm (1/2") from the standard handle and I'll see how that works.

A special thanks to Adrian and Carol from A Better Way to Go for their support and patience in answering all my questions both before and after buying the Air Head.

Vent installed