At Blue Water Electrical Ltd, we're excited to share the successful completion of a unique project—the electrical repowering of the H28 sailboat 'Santa Cruz'. This initiative was spearheaded in partnership with Auckland Marine Systems, reflecting our deep commitment to enhancing maritime experiences through advanced engineering solutions.

The owners of 'Santa Cruz', both of whom are esteemed members of the Navy, have a passion for sailing. They wanted to share this love with their autistic son, who was sensitive to the noise produced by the boat’s original single-cylinder Bukh Diesel engine. To accommodate his needs and ensure that he could enjoy the sailing experience just as much as his parents, they decided to invest in a quieter, more suitable propulsion option.

To achieve this, 'Santa Cruz' was fitted with a 5KW electric engine from Combi Smartline, manufactured in the Netherlands. This engine is notably quieter than traditional diesel engines, making it perfect for creating a more enjoyable and serene environment on the water.

As a Battery Town Marine supplier, Blue Water Electrical was able to source top-of-the-range Discover LiFePO4 48V batteries from Canada. These batteries are at the forefront of Marine Lithium technology, and our project with 'Santa Cruz' has been an excellent opportunity to establish this brand as a leader in the New Zealand market.

The newly installed battery bank on 'Santa Cruz' includes 13 batteries, generating 390ah at 48V. During sea trials, the boat demonstrated an average speed of 5.5 knots and used only 10% battery per hour on a partially cloudy day. This performance translates to an impressive 10 hours of motoring time between charges.

Charging the batteries is efficiently managed through two primary sources: solar power and shore power. This system is regulated by a closed-loop charging system that integrates Discover batteries' inbuilt battery management system with our Victron equipment. All charging voltages are meticulously controlled by the battery management system of each individual battery, ensuring optimal maintenance and extending their service life.

Furthermore, the Victron installation offers advanced features such as touch screen battery management, cooling fan activation (both manual and automatic), and a real-time display of the battery's state of health.

To support the solar charging capability, a large stainless steel frame was custom-made to accommodate 900W of solar panels. These panels can generate a peak of 20 amps DC at 48V on a clear day, which is more than sufficient for safe cruising around the Hauraki Gulf during the summer season.

This project not only highlights our technical capabilities but also underscores our dedication to providing tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of our clients and their families. We are proud of this repowering project and eager to undertake similar challenges in the future.

Stay tuned for more updates from Blue Water Electrical Ltd, and feel free to reach out to us if you're considering an electrical repowering for your vessel!