Benefits Of Lithium Batteries For The Off Grid Sailing Lifestyle
In addition to canyoneering, white water rafting, and four-wheeling, Kate and Cryrus decided to take on the ultimate adventure three years ago: living and travelling completely off the grid aboard their catamaran. Soon after finishing the Bob Marshall Wilderness Open, a 100-mile footrace through woods plagued with Grizzly Bears in Montana, the pair was resolved to find a method to continue their outdoor activities without always having to go back to the nine-to-five workweek.
Both Kate, a former graphic designer, and Cyrus, a former industrial engineer, are licenced U.S. Coastguard captains via the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). Cyrus grew up sailing and deep sea fishing with his father off the coast of Cape May, New Jersey, while Kate started sailing with her father in the Caribbean when she was only four years old. Given their shared passion for travel and the ocean, it seemed only natural that the pair would start their company, CruiseNautic, which organises and conducts private charter voyages all over the world. When it comes to creating amazing experiences for its visitors, CruiseNautic has it all, from diving and dive tuition to paddle boarding to entertaining with their musical and culinary abilities as well as their devoted first mate, Cocoa Salty Paws.
The only thing preventing Kate and Cryus from providing their visitors with the most hassle-free excursions was their energy system. On their Lagoon 42 catamaran, they used expensive maintenance gel lead acid batteries that would often run out of juice. We recently had a conversation with Kate and Cyrus to find out how their switch to lithium marine batteries has gone, what they like most about being on the water all the time, and some of the best places to sail.
Was Changing to Lithium Batteries Worthwhile?
BENWEI lithium batteries have been completely worth the investment, given that our ability to navigate and get fresh water when at sea depends on our energy system. We now have half as many batteries, but they are twice as powerful and weigh half as much. Additionally, as employees in the hospitality industry, we can relax knowing that our BENWEI batteries can cope with any situation and continue to function under the most trying circumstances. We could not possibly recommend BENWEI batteries more highly since there is just no comparison to the lead acid batteries we previously used.
A 1600 watt solar energy system, two dependable RB300-LT 12V lithium deep cycle batteries, one Magnum 3000 watt inverter, and three Morningstar Tristar MPPT solar charge controllers are currently powering Cyrus and Kate's Lagoon 42 yacht. Their navigational equipment, lighting, three refrigerators, one freezer, a fresh water maker, a washer/dryer, a smart TV, a lot of kitchen appliances like a rice maker, mixer, and blender, an espresso maker, a coffee grinder, computers, and camera equipment are all powered by this powerful lithium battery solar system.
What has been your favourite aspect of living completely off the grid on a catamaran?
"Our rotating backyard, with its ever shifting vistas and experiences. We often travel around the Caribbean, have crossed the Atlantic to France, Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands, and it never gets boring. When we were sailing between Samana and Crooked Island off the coast of the Bahamas, for instance, one of our favourite memories was seeing a huge pod of Minke whales dive down and pass close to the boat while riding some of the worst waves we had ever seen.
What are your top suggestions for sailing locations?
"We would have to mention Guadeloupe, the Saintes, and Gijon, Spain. Gijon is surrounded by a magnificent scenery and is the epitome of old world, European ports. The cordial greeting from the residents did not let us down considering that we were located at a marina hidden into the middle of the cobblestoned town. We appreciated having quick access to the area's vibrant pubs and eateries, which served delicious tapas, wine, and of course, their distinctive cider with cider-pouring showmanship. We also suggest Guadeloupe because it has the ideal mix of on-land and underwater thrills, including the Caribbean's tallest volcano, one of its tallest waterfalls, and one of French explorer Jacques Cousteau's favourite diving locations. When in Guadeloupe, a sail to the Saintes is a must, as this quaint island getaway offers hidden gems like a five-star restaurant serving up French cuisine with a twist that you won't soon forget.
Do you have any tips for those who want to sail full-time?
"It is well worth the money for those who have not converted to a totally off grid existence. The finest investment we have ever made is in an off-grid house because of the experiences and independence you obtain from it.
