Send us Q&A's + HURRICANE Update!
Added 2022-09-08 17:50:24 +0000 UTCHey hey Patron fam, it's Jordan here :) I spoke with Brian and Kazza last night and they are all prepared for the incoming weather and feeling good about their choice to anchor in San Carlos. I just took this screen shot of the conditions now (Thursday afternoon) and it looks like the worst should be passing now. It looks like they should be seeing about 30 knots sustained, probably with some gusts up into the 40's. They said they probably won't have much reception today since the satellite doesn't really work when it's raining, so I haven't heard from them yet today but looks like they should be handling things just fine based on what I'm seeing on Windy :) If I get any messages from them today I will post an update here!
UPDATE: Brian JUST messaged me. They are seeing gusts up to 44, but the holding is good and everyone is safe, sound and comfy :)
BUT I wanted to get this post out today because I wanted to pass along a message to you all, which is that Brian is going to film a Q&A specifically related to electrical systems, lithium batteries, solar, and all things power. So please send us all your questions by Sunday September 11th! You can write your questions in the comments section below, or feel free to send them via direct message if prefer. We are going to start doing more Q&A's since you all expressed a lot of interest in some more educational content, and we thought it would be good to choose a topic for each Q&A so that we can really dive into some of the specific topics you all are interested in. If you don't have any questions about this particular topic, feel free to also comment about general topics you'd like to see addressed in upcoming Q&A's.
Lots of love and Pura Vida from the surf shack in Costa Rica,
Jordan 🐷✌️🥰
Comments
We fly the Mavic Pro 2 Zoom, it has been very reliable for us. We had some of the smaller ones but felt that they really struggled in wind over 10 knots.
Sailing SV Delos
2022-09-13 16:51:29 +0000 UTCHurricanes suck. Just like tornadoes . Lol. I don't like either. Lol and I been through alot of tornadoes in my life. Lol
CHRISTOPHER DOFF-SOTTA
2022-09-12 20:33:28 +0000 UTCDO YOU GUYS HAVE A SPECIFIC DRONE YOUR LOOKING FOR ??
CHRISTOPHER DOFF-SOTTA
2022-09-12 14:46:05 +0000 UTCQuestion: How do you manage your footage? Do you have a NAS? Are spinning harddrives okay on a boat, or do you have to use only solid state(SSD)?
Silly Dilly
2022-09-11 01:43:58 +0000 UTCWe're on the cusp of fitting out a Lagoon 380 with lithium and solar. She will also be without a diesel generator of any sort. We need significantly less power than you (propane cooking, low draw DC aircon and watermaking), but in this use case what secondary charging method would you add to the system? Currently we have 2x 125A engine mounted alternators with internal regulators.
Andrew Duhaime
2022-09-10 12:26:32 +0000 UTCThanks Dan, will add this our list of questions to discuss :)
Sailing SV Delos
2022-09-09 20:30:03 +0000 UTCThanks Matthew, will add this one to the list!
Sailing SV Delos
2022-09-09 20:30:03 +0000 UTCThanks Dan, will add this our list of questions to discuss :)
Sailing SV Delos
2022-09-09 20:29:36 +0000 UTCThanks, will add it to our discussion list :)
Sailing SV Delos
2022-09-09 20:29:16 +0000 UTCAwesome question, lots of people are really interested in this! Will add it to our discussion list!
Sailing SV Delos
2022-09-09 20:29:02 +0000 UTCGreat question we will add it to our list :)
Sailing SV Delos
2022-09-09 20:28:28 +0000 UTCThanks for the question Alex, will add it to the list :)
Sailing SV Delos
2022-09-09 20:27:53 +0000 UTCGreat questions Jamie, will add them to the list, thanks!
Sailing SV Delos
2022-09-09 20:27:26 +0000 UTCThanks for the question Joe we will add this to the list :)
Sailing SV Delos
2022-09-09 20:26:59 +0000 UTCHey Scott, we made it through the night safe and sound, all is well onboard :)
Sailing SV Delos
2022-09-09 20:26:10 +0000 UTCJordan, you will always be part of the Delos tribe. It is like family.
Shaniko Jack
2022-09-09 15:13:07 +0000 UTCMy q&a question: I have both a lithium house bank as well as a high cca lithium starter battery. In most systems with lithium the starter is lead acid and that protects the alternator when the house bank bms shuts off.... The voltage spike goes to the starter and the alternator doesn't burn out. How does Brian think I should be making sure that my alternator is protected in this situation?
Matthew Korwel
2022-09-09 14:14:03 +0000 UTCHow important is it to have the same exact impedance to every battery? It’s my understanding with batteries that deliver such high amperage, that you need to try to make sure that the bus bars are of equal length and the load is distributed across the bus bars. Is any of this true in practicality? Thanks again for the inspiration and all the technical knowledge that you pass on to future sailors!
Dan Meier
2022-09-09 14:13:33 +0000 UTCJordan, I would love to see the process of organization and runs of electrical system.
M. Scott Owitz
2022-09-09 12:18:40 +0000 UTCLove more technical content! Are you considering of switching over to StarLink? Do you have information regarding the cost and benefits of your current satellite data system versus some other systems like StarLink? I am using StarLink for coastal cruising and it is inexpensive and reliable so far.
Chris Riolo
2022-09-09 04:53:55 +0000 UTCGlad to know they are holding. Hopefully Bill coughed up that extra tackle and snubber 😂 My Q&A question is generally when/where does it make sense to have a large electrical system on a boat? And does he ever miss the simple days of small systems and the basics.
HappyRock616
2022-09-08 23:39:47 +0000 UTCProvisioning is directly connected with human Power. : - )
Scott C. Wise
2022-09-08 23:39:18 +0000 UTCI know Brian's experience is based on water, but as someone who would love solar on land, wondering what advice he has and/or crossover he feels comfortable weighing in on! Much love -Alex
Alex Gorman
2022-09-08 23:29:49 +0000 UTC1. did switching to lithium batteries have a knock on effect (different regulators, etc) with your engine, wind and solar charging setup? 2. how do today's (your) wind and solar generators compare from a reliability, energy and cost perspective? 3. is the inductive stove top a big benefit over the gas one now that you have lots of experience (reliability and energy)? 4. with your experience, is wifi/bluetooth and laptops the way to go with alot of the navigation instruments (rather than installed instrument gages) now as far as maintainability, or not? 5. have the lithium batteries lived up to your hopes as far as cycle life and capacity?
Jamie Hogan
2022-09-08 21:44:38 +0000 UTCBattery in no.1, not Barrett… doh
Mark Hubbard
2022-09-08 21:00:54 +0000 UTCGreat question thanks Dennis will add this to the list
Sailing SV Delos
2022-09-08 20:50:49 +0000 UTCYeah I was just reading about the rainfall and possible flooding expected, I saw something like that they might get a years worth of rain in two days. YIKES California is hectic from heat waves to flooding to fires...hope you guys are all alright up there
Sailing SV Delos
2022-09-08 20:50:34 +0000 UTCPower Questions: 1. Are you able to make water on the lithium batteries or still need to run the generator to do that? 2. How much more solar would you need to go 100% electric - no generator, no engine for propulsion?
Joe Rollinson
2022-09-08 20:49:10 +0000 UTCOooo this is a great question, will add this to the list to discuss!
Sailing SV Delos
2022-09-08 20:48:40 +0000 UTCSweet thanks Mark these are all great questions, will add these to the list!
Sailing SV Delos
2022-09-08 20:48:04 +0000 UTCAwesome question, will add it to the list :)
Sailing SV Delos
2022-09-08 20:47:06 +0000 UTCThanks Michael, we will put provisioning on our list of future Q&A topics to discuss :)
Sailing SV Delos
2022-09-08 20:46:26 +0000 UTCThanks for the great question John, we will add it to the list!
Sailing SV Delos
2022-09-08 20:45:35 +0000 UTCThanks Jean we will add this to our question list :)
Sailing SV Delos
2022-09-08 20:45:08 +0000 UTCGreat question David, will add it to the list!
Sailing SV Delos
2022-09-08 20:44:47 +0000 UTCGlad to see Ms Jordan is still part of the Delos “Tribe”
Mike TopCat
2022-09-08 20:19:23 +0000 UTCJordan. You are missed. We are safe in La Paz, Baja Sur.
Jerry Barker
2022-09-08 19:26:37 +0000 UTCDoes Brian have a way to track how much energy they generate over time for each capture method? Solar/Wind/Regen?
Dennis Barnes
2022-09-08 19:17:06 +0000 UTCWe’re getting grazed by Kay in Southern Cali this weekend. Stay safe down there!
Stephen Bates
2022-09-08 19:11:41 +0000 UTCPrayers for safety!
Jeffrey Haupert
2022-09-08 19:08:54 +0000 UTCThanks for the timely update Jordan!! RE: Solar - We are looking to "upgrade out boat (Beneteau 28) next year to be able to do some more extended cruising. Hopefully the new boat will come ready equipped with solar (we'll be buying used) - but as a near total newbie to marine solar - where does one start to learn the basics? Basic componenets? System sizing/capacity evaluation? ... and a zillion questions I don't know to ask yet! ;) Is there a particular information source (or 2, or 3...) you recommend to get started?
Bob Caverly
2022-09-08 19:04:15 +0000 UTCDelos tech questions 1. How do you manage/ take precautions round the higher currents with such a strong Barrett set up? 2. Do you seek out lower use/ more efficient appliances? ( fridge is my usual worry..) 3. Is a power audit worth doing? 4. What do you carey in the way of spares? You always seem to have them! 5. Do you run standard provisioning lists? What’s in them? 6. How’s the satellite system 7. Do you do much in the way of plotting positions, or are you mainly electric charts now? 8. Steering/ autopilot seems to have been stable for a while : have you a different maintenance regime? 9. Money no object: would you get another Amel?
Mark Hubbard
2022-09-08 19:04:12 +0000 UTCThanks for keeping us in the loop, Jordan!
Colleen Balch
2022-09-08 19:04:01 +0000 UTCHi guys. Regarding all things power - what size alternator do you currently have on your engine, and have you thought about going to a super high output on? I am just finishing my Lithium upgrade project, don't have a generator, and decided to put a 250A alternator on. I have to make hot water that way anyway, but curious on your thoughts. Thanks.
Tim S
2022-09-08 18:59:50 +0000 UTCGood update, thanks!
Mark Hubbard
2022-09-08 18:56:44 +0000 UTCLooks like NOAA is showing winds & rain dropping, TS Warning dropping now. This is good! Glad all are safe. It highlights how all good sailors do storm prep or run the risk of a really bad day. My question is about provisioning. When we deployed on subs, everyone would mow through the fresh: milk, eggs, fruit. Is it the same for the cruising life? Or do you go through other items equally as fast? (PS. I am a big fan at the way you live life fully and show off your spirits to all of us. It's inspiring and highlights your inner awesomeness! Jordan too)
Michael Williams
2022-09-08 18:54:37 +0000 UTCAppreciate the update Jordon !!!
Bev
2022-09-08 18:43:13 +0000 UTCBrian, good call going to San Carlos. Question for you on lithium batteries: When a boat that is already set up as a pretty serious cruising boat makes the jump to Lithium batteries, what needs to be changed with regards to the charging system. In my case I carry 4 8D gell cells and have a smart regulator and 200 amp alternator circa 2000 built by Ample Power. Would the voltage regulator need to be replaced, and if so, what do you recommend ?
John Fradkin
2022-09-08 18:39:19 +0000 UTCWell with all the crazy weather that Delos and krew has seen seen, especially on Brian’s watch, she is in good hands. I think everyone is happier together anyway. Hope this passes quickly and brings some rain!! Hold fast anchor and lines hold fast!!
Emily
2022-09-08 18:33:28 +0000 UTCWhen do you start worrying about battery charge level, and what immediate steps do you take to conserve energy?
Jean Friedberg
2022-09-08 18:24:39 +0000 UTCThanks for the question Bill, we will add it to the list!
Sailing SV Delos
2022-09-08 18:18:15 +0000 UTCThanks sara, just got a message from Brian actually, gusts up to 44 but holding is good and everyone is comfy, safe, and sound! Thanks for your question we will add it to the list!
Sailing SV Delos
2022-09-08 18:17:34 +0000 UTCThanks Emily :) The whole fam is onboard, actually Brian JUST messaged me and they are doing well, seeing gusts up to 44 but the holding is good and everything is comfy.
Sailing SV Delos
2022-09-08 18:15:32 +0000 UTCIt is good to know that they are riding this one out at a safe distance... Regarding batteries and solar, Based on the flex panels and the wind turbine, how do they keep the batteries loaded? Is the wind turbine an effective source? The batteries charge during the day but how far do they get depleted of power at night or during a 3 day cloud cover period? Obviously they are working... what would you do different? Do you have the inverter turned on all of the time or only when you need 110 power? Can you run your A/C regularly?
Bill Parker
2022-09-08 18:14:50 +0000 UTCHi Team, Thank you for the update Jordan.
Bill Parker
2022-09-08 18:09:17 +0000 UTCThanks for the update Jordan! We will think on it and try to come up with an amazing question for the gang!👍😎💪
Sailing SV Freedom
2022-09-08 18:08:09 +0000 UTCQuestion for Brian: What's the fire risk with the lithium batteries? Is there some kind of alarm to monitor battery temperature or alert you to problems?
David Seabrook
2022-09-08 18:04:39 +0000 UTCHi Jordan ❤️ always love the episodes you are in. Thanks for holding down the fort. Will all of them be aboard or just Brian?
Emily
2022-09-08 18:03:05 +0000 UTCThat storm does not look nice! Hope all goes well. Now, to think of one or more question, . . . . Question #1 about power - I am wondering how much power do the sails create when Delos is sailing at 6 Knots? Would there be a horse power figure?
Scott C. Wise
2022-09-08 17:59:23 +0000 UTCO thanks so much for the update for everyone you included Jordan.
Robert Scranton
2022-09-08 17:57:42 +0000 UTCSending them steadfast energy and know that all will be well (and calm again). Thanks for the update!
Shelly Ackerman
2022-09-08 17:56:05 +0000 UTCThanks for the update Jordan! Praying that Delos comes out of it unscathed. Q: Do the solar panels alone handle their electrical needs or is the generator needed on a regular basis?
Sara van Eerde
2022-09-08 17:55:01 +0000 UTCThank you for the update Jordan.
Michael Palmer
2022-09-08 17:54:29 +0000 UTCI hope all is well, looks like 40+ knots will be hitting you.
Scott Kirby
2022-09-08 17:53:04 +0000 UTC
