Captain’s log
Dateline: 07.09.2022

FCC license

Got a sweet email from FCC today, said that my electronic license is ready.

Took them only a few days, very nice!

FCC Call Sign Station Identity/MMSI Expiration Date
WDN3903 368276130 09-07-2032

Looks like that one-time fee is really more like once-in-a-decade fee. But I’m honestly not too sure FCC is still going to be around in ten years from now, so maybe won’t have to pay it again.

Now I need to install my AIS hardware and input that MMSI in it. Also, update the beacon department (or whatever their name is) and give them my FCC call sign and MMSI — didn’t have those yet when I filled out and mailed them the form. Oh, how I wish it was PURR or MEOW, but WDN3903 is also very catchy. Not.

Solar rechargeable batteries

I forgot to take my AAA batteries and charger from Hawaii. Not that I really need AAA here, but my multimeter and one or two other devices use those. Buying new batteries is not always an option when you’re out at sea, so need something rechargeable. Having a pack of Duracell or Energizer batteries takes space and adds weight, and also in theory recharging them is better for the planet.

Of course there are solar chargers for standard rechargeable batteries, I know, but that would require extra work of taking the batteries out every time they discharge. I rather 3D print transparent covers for my devices that eat 10–20% of light than take batteries out every time. Or simply taking the cover off before charging is still better than taking them out. There are rechargeable batteries with USB ports in them, but sticking cables is a hassle, while the sun is always there, just flipping and laying my devices next to one of my cabin windows is way less time-consuming. And yes, going that route it may be worth putting a Li-Ion inside and building custom covers with exposed PV cells, but that’s way too much work.

I almost started building a DIY prototype of my AAA batteries with PV cells, even found triple junction CPV solar cells on eBay. Combining that with 1/3 AAA or 2/3 AAA Ni-Mh or some meaty ultracapacitor could do it.

Before starting to work on something as enthusiastic as that, decided to look if it already exists. Amazon didn’t have such innovative and breakthrough technologies in stock, but Google search landed me on Solar Rechargeable Battery. Now, these are out of stock everywhere else and used to be under $10 for a pack of two AAA batteries, and I’m not 100% sure how well these work, but that’s exactly what I need.

The manufacturer seems to be Headwind consumer products. Means they’re likely made in the US, which is good. Reached out to them, hope they shed some light on how they work and if they really do charge from exposure to sunlight, and tell me if they know who could sell those to me not at 3x the price.

Captain’s log
Dateline: 09.09.2022

Little research on battery types

I have two 48V electric motors to install, and also happen to need to do something about heating and powering outlets throughout the boat.

Currently my one and only battery circuit is 12V. Since I have plans getting 230VAC inverter, and powerful ones (over 5KW) usually require at least 48V, it looks like I’ll have to get something like Victron Multi RS Solar. That one will let me charge from the shore, act as my new MPPT, and also power 230VAC devices if needed. Having 48VDC, 12VDC, and 230VAC all at once is really useful — providing power for good 48V heater/AC, 230VAC washer/dryer and welder, 12V electronics, and 24V 3D printer via additional DC-DC converter if needed. What more can the heart of a man desire?

A mechanical or solid-state switch of sorts will have to be installed to direct the charge towards: port motor bank, starboard motor bank, central ship bank, or all at once. Or maybe I’ll get two additional 48V MPPT chargers and direct three zones of my PV system to either of them, depending on what I need to charge first. Directing 100% of my PV system to e.g. port bank and going on one motor could allow me to travel on solar alone, depending on how many watts of solar I’ll have in total.

Victron has more powerful inverters, but they weigh over 40kg (vs. Multi RS’ 11kg), and just look like something superyachts or multihulls over 65’ usually have. It’s important to watch the weight.

If I do go with 48V battery setup, a DC-DC converter from 48V to 12V will have to be hooked up to the main battery bank. Orion-Tr 48/12-30 (360W) should do it. Only about 400W maximum output, but should be enough for marine electronics and 12VDC outlets (laptops, phone chargers, etc). Curious Cat is big, but she’s not a cruise ship. Plus it’s only 2kg, much lighter than having a dedicated battery for my 12VDC needs. And the efficiency of that converter seems to be around 87%, not too bad.

Types of batteries

Since I’m going to have three separate 48V battery banks, I now need to figure out what kind of chemistry to target. I won’t buy anything battery-wise until at least one of my electric motors is installed, or until I get my inverter and that DC-DC converter.

Battery Stats Count Weight Total bank capacity Total bank cost
LiFePo4 Super-B 12V@210Ah 4 23x4=92kg 10.08KWh 3171 € x 4 = 12684 €
LTO Zenaji 48V@40Ah 5 36x5=180kg 9.65KWh 2808 € x 5 = 14040 €
LTO Echandia ? ? ? ?
SC Maxwell 48V@1Ah 10 13.8kgx10=138kg 0.53KWh ?
SC Skeleton 48V@1.28Ah 10 16x10=160kg 0.64KWh ?

This is all there is right now on the market. Even if Echandia gets back to me, the energy density of lithium-titanate (LTO) batteries is about half of what LFP offers. Maybe LTO is the best there is on land, but once again, gotta watch the weight. Supercapacitors are still at about 1/20th of what batteries can offer today, but it’s a cool technology.

Super-B’s Nomia or upcoming 12V@320Ah is what I’m likely going to go with. I really want to go with LTE at least or my main bank, but the weight is just always twice as bad when compared to LFP, no matter how small or big the battery is. Sad.

Captain’s log
Dateline: 23.09.2022

Update on USCG documentation

Reached out to Tami from Back Water Marine today. She’s Micky’s wife, the guy who sold me my beautiful boat.

What we’ve found out is that the USCG is taking its time. The forms were submitted on Jul 11th, and she gave them a call today to find out what’s up. They’re thinking it will take another month. All recreational paperwork gets pushed to the back of the line... the fee was something like $400. So I paid $400 to constantly get pushed to the back of the line. Bravo USCG, feels quite fair!

Without those papers I can’t go to many international ports, and it’s a real pity it’s taking this long.

For nearby territories like Puerto Rico and US mainland ports I should be good with just getting an updated bill of sale.

The storm is coming

Fiona has only caused trouble to Bermuda so far, but for folks in St James City, including yours truly, there’s Ian coming fom the south. It’s predicted to hit the gulf coast of Florida Wednesday afternoon.

I’ve MacGyvered a triple fender out of 3 embarrassingly thin Taylor Made fenders that came with the boat. They’re only like 12" in diameter, thinner than piling on docks here, hence they don’t provide any protection for the boat on their own, it’s been my poor rub rail all this time.

This storm could be a big one, Donna from Bob & Annie’s boatyard has told me today that the path is very similar to Charlie that hit this area in 2004 and destroyed a lot of roofs and mailboxes.

I wish I had real nice big meaty fenders. But I don’t.

This boat has been in this canal since 2001, hence should do okay, she’s seen many storms. Plus all my sails are in storage compartments.