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  1. tpenfield

    LiFePO Batteries ???

    Just going by what I read in the Renogy manual . . . Here are the key features that they list: "The Renogy Dual Input DC-DC On Board Battery Charger w/ MPPT is designed to charge your service battery to 100% from two inputs: solar and alternator. Featuring multi-battery...
  2. tpenfield

    Weight distribution for 14ft modified vhull

    Yes, limited advise, . . but I've always thought having the fuel tank at/near the center of balance is a good practice, since the amount of fuel will have little effect on the balance of the boat.
  3. tpenfield

    LiFePO Batteries ???

    Just reading up on the Renogy Dual Input DC-DC w/ MPPT unit . . . it favors the Service battery (LiFePO4 in this case) until it is charged, then will trickle charge the starter battery when on just solar (engine not running). That may suffice to keep the starter batteries charged while the boat...
  4. tpenfield

    LiFePO Batteries ???

    I also put the design question out on a DIY Solar forum to see what I get for comments.
  5. tpenfield

    LiFePO Batteries ???

    I have the 10 amp Voyager solar controller, but not sure if it should be connected to the solar panel in parallel to the DC/MPPT converter. I think the Voyager is low tech (PWM). (I wonder if it is the source of the 30% power loss that I am seeing with the existing system?)
  6. tpenfield

    LiFePO Batteries ???

    OK after some research, here is what I am thinking (hoping) will work . . . The solar panel charges the LiFePO4s The LiFePO4s charge the AGMs (when engines are not running and solar power is creating enough voltage) Alternators charge AGMs and LiFePO4s via the dual input charger when the...
  7. tpenfield

    LiFePO Batteries ???

    I might have answered my own question . . . it looks like when using both Li and AGM in the same system with solar charging, the preferred method is to solar charge the Li and use a DC-DC converter to charge the AGM from the Li. The reason being that the resting voltage of the Li is about 1.0...
  8. tpenfield

    LiFePO Batteries ???

    Ok, so what solar panel & controller configuration would work for this situation? That‘s what I am trying to achieve. Thank you.
  9. tpenfield

    LiFePO Batteries ???

    Leaning towards this configuration . . . Separate MPPT controllers for each battery type to charge from the solar panel. (discard the PWM 10amp controller) Either engine can charge the LiFePO4 bank via the DC/MPPT converter. The AGM batteries charge directly from the engines. Budget is in...
  10. tpenfield

    Bought my first boat to cut, gut and rebuild from bow to stern, including engine. Killed my back and suffered the wrath of the fiberglass demons

    I think that you are on the track for a complete 'cut & gut', because if you do more of a partial approach, you may have to do it over in a few years.
  11. tpenfield

    LiFePO Batteries ???

    @bruceb58 and any others . . . Here are a couple of approaches to the solar and alternator charging. Option 1 . . . parallel controller paths for AGM and LFP . Option # 2 Single MPPT converter to charge all batteries through the 3-bank isolator . . Or perhaps a third option parallel MPPT...
  12. tpenfield

    LiFePO Batteries ???

    Thank you for the continued comments. Very helpful. I won't tell you that I am feeding the MPPT through the Voyager controller . . . since it has not happened yet. :ROFLMAO: I am trying to re-use as much of the OEM components and wiring, since it may open a can of worms, if I change too many...
  13. tpenfield

    LiFePO Batteries ???

    Got it. I’m thinking with all the isolators and converters that the net voltage from the alternators might not be quite high enough for the 100% charging level. Time will tell. . .
  14. tpenfield

    LiFePO Batteries ???

    I think I may have answered my own question. It looks like wiring things up as per 'Option #2' is the preferred way of using an alternator to charge the LFP batteries. Here is my yet again modified design . . . . . I just got to think about the best way to run the wiring, based on my recent...
  15. tpenfield

    2004 Angler 204 FX Gas Tank Replacement

    By Googling, several places that do marine fuel tanks come up. I assume you have reached out to them. Be patient/persistent if you have already made inquiries.
  16. tpenfield

    LiFePO Batteries ???

    Thanks, @bruceb58 . . . Another question for the electrical gurus in the group . . . My current design is to use the 3rd circuit from the '2 alternator/3 battery Isolator' to go directly to the DC-DC converter. (Design Option #1 below) My thinking is that it may be better to go from the...
  17. tpenfield

    LiFePO Batteries ???

    Another issue that I'm thinking about as I research LFP batteries . . . . . . it looks like 140˚F is the maximum temperature to keep/run the batteries. My current battery installation is in the engine bay (like most boats). I am thinking that I'll need/want to mount the LFP batteries in the...
  18. tpenfield

    LiFePO Batteries ???

    @bruceb58 . . . any other folks who may know Many of the Epoch brand batteries say Li-Ion on the case . . . . Yet these are marketed as marine trolling motor batteries. A few batteries of different styles clearly say 'LiFePO4' . . So, are they selling Lithium Ion as marine batteries? I...
  19. tpenfield

    Bought my first boat to cut, gut and rebuild from bow to stern, including engine. Killed my back and suffered the wrath of the fiberglass demons

    You should be all set then to D-I-Y the upholstery. There are a few of us on the forum who do boat upholstery work, so advice would be there if you need it. My only advice would be to spend a little more than you could and get decent marine vinyl and use PTFE thread. (Tenara or Solarfix)...
  20. tpenfield

    Bought my first boat to cut, gut and rebuild from bow to stern, including engine. Killed my back and suffered the wrath of the fiberglass demons

    It looks like you will be wanting/needing to re-upholster the seats and side panels. Re-upholstery will be about the same cost as the structural restoration, perhaps more. I count 24 'pieces' of upholstery based on your pictures. A complete upholstery job could run about $7K.
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