Distant Shores Live Q&A November 2020

Sheryl and Paul Shard answer your questions about the sailing lifestyle. They have been cruising and living aboard since 1989. Their variable-draft Southerly 480 is their 4th boat. This month’s Q&A is live from Panama where they just returned to S/Y Distant Shores III after a 7-month lockdown. Main topic of discussion is upgrading to lithium batteries. 00:00 - Introductions by Paul and Sheryl and info about their Southerly 480, Distant Shores III 02:14 - Explanation of why the need to upgrade to lithium batteries. Description of their Integrel Generator Replacement System. 04:01 - Upgrading to double battery power and new form of battery management is essential. 05:05 - Chemical composition of the 2 MG Energy Systems LFP 24 volt batteries.. 07:22 - Explanation of a BMS - Battery Management System. Victron app. 08:40 - MG Energy Systems batteries are compatible with Victron. Integrel Solutions recommended. 09:05 - They need batteries to fit a 48 volt bank of batteries in series for the Integrel Generator Replacement System. 11:00 - The Shards discuss the solar panels and power on Distant Shores III. 11:40 - Description of the Integrel Solutions Generator Replacement System. 15:12 - Battery balancing is important and why. 15:43 - Reason the Shards didn't go with lithium to start with and why they want to go with it now. 17:10 - Advantages of the extra power of lithium batteries - electric cooking vs propane. 21:48 - Challenges of a completely electric boat. Discussion on the Shards' new e-boat. 27:24 - 2 rudders so we would have 2 electric engines for more manoeuvrability at slow speeds. 29:13 - Discussion on fire prevention and thermal runaway potential. Lithium ion vs lithium iron phosphate batteries. 30:20 - Who is the builder of Distant Shores IV? Update on the new boat, Distant Shores IV 33:26 - How Distant Shores III is heated in cold climates. 34:24 - Suggested cruising guides for a world cruise. 37:35 - Dealing with fuel and water in foreign countries - finding, filtering, treating, laundry, watermakers. 52:59 - Best time of year to head south down the Erie Canal and Intracoastal Waterway. 57:27 - Thanks for watching and for your continued support. References made: Distant Shores III is for sale - https://distantshores.ca/about-us/the-boats/distant-shores-3/ Integrel Solutions Generator Replacement System - https://integrelsolutions.com/ MG Energy Systems - https://www.mgenergysystems.eu/ GN Espace Ocean Chef Induction Oven/Stove - https://gn-espace.com/product/oceanchef-3-induction-cooker/ SV Delos - https://www.youtube.com/c/svdelos/videos Sailing Uma - https://www.youtube.com/c/SailingUma/videos Ocean Volt - https://oceanvolt.com/ Distant Shores Cruising Club - https://www.patreon.com/distantshorestv