NW Explorations
HELE MAI OPERATING MANUAL
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4G2: DC Batteries
The batteries on this boat are not just one, big all-purpose battery. To have redundancy, there are actually several
“banks” of batteries assigned different tasks. This table outlines the batteries on the boat, their locations, their charging
sources, and what they power:
B attery N am e
L
o cation
Ch
arg in g S
o u rce
U se
Stbd Engine &
House Batteries
Engine room outboard of
engine. Starting battery
aft-m ost of the three.
Engine Starting:
Engine alternator and
ship’s battery charger.
H ouse: Engine alternator
and inverter.
O perate engine
starter and provide
house voltage.
G enerator Battery
Engine room aft to
starboard of generator
G enerator’s own alternator
and ship’s battery charger
Start generator’s engine
Port Engine &
House Batteries
Engine room outboard of
engine. Starting battery
aft-m ost of the three.
Engine Starting:
Engine alternator and
ship’s battery charger.
H ouse: Engine alternator
and inverter.
O perate engine
starter and provide
house voltage.
Thruster Battery
Under forw ard berth
Ship’s battery charger
O perate bow thruster
A “starting bank” consisting of a 12-volt battery is used for starting each
main engine only. That way, we won’t run it down playing the stereo, for
instance, and then be unable to start an engine. This battery is charged by the
main engine’s “stock” alternator when running, or by the battery charger if it
is on when there is shore power or the generator is running.
In the event of a low engine-starting battery, the operator can start the other
engine or the generator to recharge it.
Note: If it takes more than two attempts to start an engine, turn off its sea
water valve
to avoid water-locking the engine until it starts; then be sure to turn
it back on!
Another 12-volt battery (in the engine room starboard aft alongside the Genset)
provides 12 volts for starting the generator, charged by the generator’s own
alternator if it is running, or by the battery charger if it is not and there is shore power.
A “house bank” consisting of parallel-wired 12-volt batteries provides power for
all the pumps, interior and exterior lights, horns, navigation and radio gear, etc.,
the boat’s “house”. They are charged by the alternators on each main engine
and, when there is shore power or the generator is running, by the inverter if it
is on.
Engine starting/house battery
bank engine room stbd.
The generator starting battery outboard
of the generator’s aft end.