Electrical

The boat came with a single very dead D6 battery installed under the starboard countertop. I upgraded to two banks, a primary bank of 4 new T-105 Trojan 6-volt batteries (480AH) installed in previously almost-inaccessible space under the galley counter, and a secondary bank of a single ca. 90AH Group 27 cheapy "marine" 12V battery, installed in the original battery box (which is now mostly tool storage) and used only in the event of primary bank depletion. A new BLUE SEA Automatic Charging Relay keeps the secondary battery charged and isolated. All new Ancor Marine Grade Tinned Copper Battery Cable ties everything together through a new Perko 8501DP Marine Battery Selector Switch, and a new LinkLITE Battery Monitor keeps track of capacities and voltage.

The primary mode of operation is to simply turn the Perko switch to (1), which engages the main battery bank. The deep-cycle batteries are more than sufficient for engine starting. In the event of main bank depletion, turning the Perko switch to (2) isolates the dead primary bank and puts all electrical load on the backup. The (both) position has no useful function in this system is generally unused, but remains available and could be used to combine two partially-dead banks in an emergency (Thanks N8Kraft!).

Original battery box, now containing a secondary battery and tool storage. We still need to somehow insulate and isolate the battery posts - rough weather could cause a short.

An aside on tool storage: Commonly used items are now in roll-up pouches created by my very talented wife. They take minimal space and make everything easy to find and very portable.

Screwdrivers rolled and tied

Galley sink cabinet cutout removed to show batteries. The batteries rest on a wood and epoxy shelf and are restrained with nylon tiedowns.

Batteries and tiedowns. I had the cables made. I measured what I needed, and they cut the cables according to my measurements - then installed the ends. The result is that everything is about 2 inches too long. I try to pretend it's more "upgradable" that way.