Our batteries are reaching a stage where replacement will be needed shortly. Consequently we are thinking about LiFePO4 batteries which are lighter, smaller, don't require same capacity, can be discharged further and last longer but are a bit more costly.  Does anyone have any experience or advice re these batteries?

+x

 

dcaukill - 14 Nov 2021

A couple of observations.

I have 4x200Ahr LiPO4 batteries fitted as the house bank: charged by 2x100Amp chargers, or the engine alternator, or solar panels. The AGM bowthruster batteries are charged by a DC charger off the house bank as are the engine and generator AGMs by trickle chargers. Everything: batteries, controllers, chargers etc is branded Mastervolt and  installled by thier reps. It all works well.

Fire exinguisher by Nueruppin.Their WD range is specifically directed at Lithium batteries.

Hi dcaukill,
Thanks for your report. Sounds like a well thought through set-up. That is interesting about the fire extinguisher being designed for lithium.
Does your insurance co. know that you have lithium batteries and did they have any reaction? Did they suggest the fire extinguisher?
MV seems to have done a good job at putting together packages.
My best, Dick

+x

 

Dick - 14 Nov 2021

+x[quote]

 

dcaukill - 14 Nov 2021

A couple of observations.

I have 4x200Ahr LiPO4 batteries fitted as the house bank: charged by 2x100Amp chargers, or the engine alternator, or solar panels. The AGM bowthruster batteries are charged by a DC charger off the house bank as are the engine and generator AGMs by trickle chargers. Everything: batteries, controllers, chargers etc is branded Mastervolt and  installled by thier reps. It all works well.

Fire exinguisher by Nueruppin.Their WD range is specifically directed at Lithium batteries.

Hi dcaukill,
Thanks for your report. Sounds like a well thought through set-up. That is interesting about the fire extinguisher being designed for lithium.
Does your insurance co. know that you have lithium batteries and did they have any reaction? Did they suggest the fire extinguisher?
MV seems to have done a good job at putting together packages.
My best, Dick

+x

 

dcaukill - 31 Mar 2022

+x

 

Dick - 14 Nov 2021

+x[quote]

 

dcaukill - 14 Nov 2021

A couple of observations.

I have 4x200Ahr LiPO4 batteries fitted as the house bank: charged by 2x100Amp chargers, or the engine alternator, or solar panels. The AGM bowthruster batteries are charged by a DC charger off the house bank as are the engine and generator AGMs by trickle chargers. Everything: batteries, controllers, chargers etc is branded Mastervolt and  installled by thier reps. It all works well.

Fire exinguisher by Nueruppin.Their WD range is specifically directed at Lithium batteries.

Hi dcaukill,
Thanks for your report. Sounds like a well thought through set-up. That is interesting about the fire extinguisher being designed for lithium.
Does your insurance co. know that you have lithium batteries and did they have any reaction? Did they suggest the fire extinguisher?
MV seems to have done a good job at putting together packages.
My best, Dick

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The boat having been refitted fairly extensively over the last couple of years, i have now talked my insurers through the work that has been done. Specifically as regards the LiFePO4 batteries, beause they are Mastervolt, fitted to a Mastervolt set up by a Mastervolt dealer they are unconcerned. Because i was aware of your concern i mentioned it to be told that insurers generally do not like DIY lithium conversions and often wont cover them - at least not without an 'expert' assessment.
Thats the good news - the bad news is that they have withdrawn cover for named storms in the Caribbean :-(.   It's hard to find a European insurer who will cover it now.