More prepping for passage

Running a bit behind in my log entries, so best put on the kettle as this could be a lengthy read...

Thurs. June 26, 2025

After my previous discussions with Derryck about challenges when on passage, there were a couple of things that needed checking off on the TODO list. The first is the AIS situation discussed in a previous posting.

James came through and gave me the full low down, over whatsapp, from sunny Bermuda. One thing that Derryck brought to my attention, though, was that they may be Apple Apps he is using; so more on that later after some deeper research.

AIS Setup Instructions

The second thing was having paper charts at the ready to keep track of our passage in case, heaven forbid, that we get fogged in. Derryck walked me through the steps to get the old brain muscle memory kick started.

As it turned out the Club was trying to get rid of a number of charts that were donated to them. The ones that really caught my eye were the ones covering the rest of my passage to Digby. They were in fine shape and we were even able to use them during Derryck's navigation refresher.

chart-from shyc.jpg

Chart of Bay of Fundy and Southern Nova Scotia

The general procedure will be to record the latitude and longitude every 30 minutes to an hour. This can be found on any device that has GPS or straight from the VHF set. You should also know your compass course from that position as well as your estimated speed. Then, should the power or cell service go down, you will be able to easily work out your present position on the chart and go old school from there.

It will just be another level of preparedness with the special crew expected to be onboard.

In late afternoon there was some dingy racing and sausage dogs and drinks afterwards. Saw Derryck back out to his boat at the end of the evening. Between beers and 10mg THC capsules from me he was in a pretty good mood.

Fri. June 27, 2025

Not sure how detailed my electric issues had been explained. Probably not in great depth as they were a bit of a mystery to me. Bottom line was that today the engine battery was soo low powered that the engine would not start.

On the Admiral's advice started by logging the voltages of the different batteries. It turned out the AGMs as well as the engine battery were about the same at 10.25V. The system gives an error when the voltage falls below 10.5V so that explained the engine's reluctance to start.

Headed into town for shower and breakfast at the Emerald Light. With a full belly my next stop was NAPA Autoo Parts to pick up a battery charger. It was then back to Makina to remove the engine battery and bring it to shore for a recharge.

The Club was pretty busy as there was a real supper planned of lovely Quiche and tasty salad. Joined Derryck for the sit down. Liv was at the large turn out and gave me the green light to join her crew on the upcoming visit to Lockeport's Canada Day celebration. Very excited to have a look below the decks of her fine vessel.

Once the crowd thinned out a bit my battery recharge project was set up at an unused outside plug. The crowd got thinner and thinner yet it kept charging.

Recharging Engine Battery

Derryck headed out to his boat and it kept on charging. Finally at about 22:00 it was me who made my way out to Makina allowing the charger to do its thing for the rest of the night.

Sat. June 27, 2025

Had the alarm set for 6:30 this morning so as to be able to get to shore and clean up my battery recharging project prior to the staff arriving. On the way in to shore it was noted that Derryck had left, probably, at 5:00 as he had planned the night before. He was a great guy. We had exchanged contacts. Hope our paths shall cross again sometime.

The battery had fully charged through the night, so everything was dis-assembled and hauled back to Makina. Once installed again the engine started right up and left to charge... and charge... and charge...

It seems like we are doing things right at least. It has been charging since 7:30 and now at 13:30 it is up to 72% capacity! It is beginning to become clear what may have happened. There are three important switches controlling the electrical onboard.

Three Important Electrical Switches

One is for the engine's electrical, one the 'house' and one labeled "Emergency". It is now my thinking that when not charging the engine the engine switch should be turned off so that it is not used in the cabin's electrical consumption. From recent tests it appears that the "Emergency" switch should be turned off for the same reason as having it on has shown the engine battery to drain.

The incorrect usage of these switches had resulted for the 2 main AGM Batteries used for cabin use had been drained to the point of the SOC percentages were out of whack. With the engine battery up to snuff all alternator charge seems to be going to the main AGM bank of batteries (2). Once charged this can be verified with the switches being properly set and then a monitor of the SOC to see if and when an alternator charge is required.

As that looks to be well over an hour a way, allow me to get this long winded post off and we can continue with the re-charging results on the next log entry.