At Smartmarine, they have a real talent for supporting adventurous customers, and I am fortunately one of them! My name is Jeanine, and together with my partner Hans I am preparing for a sailing trip with no end date. We have our eyes set on the Mediterranean, but we don't yet know exactly when we will arrive there. The adventure has yet to begin but we are almost ready.
With the sea as our future home, there are a few things that are indispensable to me. Comfort, reliability, and of course enough power and water to keep everything running. When we decided to make this trip, we immediately knew we had to be well prepared. The limited space on my Feeling 32 and the need for a powerful, efficient power supply made choosing the right equipment essential. Thanks to Smartmarine's expertise, we knew exactly what we needed, and together we found a solution that suited our needs perfectly.
Smart energy solutions
Since we have limited space on board, it was important for me to choose a system that was both compact and efficient. I therefore chose a Victron-network, with the Lynx system at the heart of the installation. The Lynx system makes everything clear, and because it communicates with the Cerbo GX via the Lynx Shunt, everything is well coordinated. This gives me full control over my energy consumption.
The Multiplus 3000 inverter ensures that I can use 220V, which is essential for the luxury of a nice cup of Nespresso in the morning, or even for using an Airfryer. Because even at sea, you need to be able to enjoy your little indulgent moments! I was surprised by the effectiveness of the system; I did not expect everything to run so smoothly. It not only provides the power I need, but also does so in a way that keeps my energy consumption efficient.
Victron Lynx Distributor
Prijsklasse: € 195,00 tot € 219,00Lynx Shunt VE.Can
Oorspronkelijke prijs was: € 429,00.€ 349,00Huidige prijs is: € 349,00.Victron MultiPlus-II 24/3000/70-32
Oorspronkelijke prijs was: € 1.199,00.€ 989,00Huidige prijs is: € 989,00.
Sustainable water
Besides power, water was also an important consideration for us. With a water tank of only 200 litres, it was important to have a system that would not take up much space but could produce enough water. That's why we chose the Electromaax Compact watermaker. This water maker is not only energy-efficient and quiet, but also fits perfectly into the limited space on board. The nice thing is that now I no longer have to worry about the water supply; it ensures that we always have enough water for our daily needs. This greatly increases freedom, especially when we anchor somewhere in remote areas.
SOLARMAAX 200 Tropic Compact 12v Watermaker
Oorspronkelijke prijs was: € 6.295,00.€ 5.295,00Huidige prijs is: € 5.295,00.
Sustainable electricity
Furthermore, I wanted to expand my energy supply with solar panels, but space is limited on our boat. So I decided to install the Lightleaf SeaLeaf solar panels. These solar panels are lightweight, stylish and made of carbon, which makes them perfect for rough conditions at sea. They are easily adjustable and can be easily positioned to make maximum use of the sunlight. Both panels have their own Victron MPPT, so that the energy yield is maximised.
Always enough power, even when cloudy
Having little space for solar panels, I decided to buy an Electromaax Cruiser 160A high-output alternator adding. This alternator already delivers a lot of charging current at low speeds, which means I can generate power while sailing, even at low speed. What I find especially useful is that the alternator can even recharge the batteries quickly while the boiler heats up behind the anchor. This gives me peace of mind, especially when the sun is not shining or the wind is out. The alternator is fully readable via an app, and everything is additionally protected by a System Surge Protector. To keep the alternator running optimally, I have a serpentine pulley kit upgrade added. This ensures the straps do not slip, there is no dust, and it also looks cool!
Cruiser FM-12-160a alternator + E-Maax Pro X Smart charge controller
Oorspronkelijke prijs was: € 1.659,00.€ 1.399,00Huidige prijs is: € 1.399,00.
Reliable storage capacity
All generated power is stored in two 280Ah lithium batteries from Solar Mobile. These batteries are truly powerhouses. They can be deeply discharged, handle high charge currents and are easy to monitor via the app or the Cerbo GX. This means we can stay off-grid for longer without having to worry about power. Thanks to the efficient storage capacity, I am able to rely completely on my own power supply, even during long periods of boating or when we are in a remote area.
Solar Mobile Lithium battery 12.8v 280Ah Duo set
Oorspronkelijke prijs was: € 3.090,00.€ 1.999,00Huidige prijs is: € 1.999,00.
A perfectly functioning system
After a season of sailing, I am extremely happy with how everything works. Of course, there were some minor hick-ups in the beginning, like learning to work with the new system and tuning everything to the way we sailed. But now everything is running like clockwork. I am so glad I engaged Smartmarine's expertise, because their comprehensive advice ensured we made the right choices. The cooperation with my own installer was very good. Everything was installed quite quickly and we didn't have to worry about anything. All we have to do now is enjoy the trip!
My experiences have taught me how important it is to be well prepared and have a well-thought-out system on board for long voyages at sea. From reliable power supply to smart water management - every part of the system contributes to a worry-free and enjoyable voyage.
Explore the world self-sufficiently?
Do you want to travel self-sufficiently like me? At Smartmarine, they are happy to help you with expert advice and the best products for your boating adventure. Take contact with them and discover the options available for your trip!
