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Shutting the engine down
On a sailboat, we use our engine to navigate in and out of the harbors that we visit, and on calm days when we can’t raise the sails. So, when we shut the engine off in the open water, the big question is will we be able to start it back up at the end of the day?!?
We need more power
On SV Zeke E Boy, we have an old set of batteries. This winter I plan to update them, and I’ll share how and what I’m doing to update that system. But for now, we have a new starting battery, four (4) old house batteries, and one newer windlass battery in the anchor locker.
We have five (5) battery chargers configured on SV Zeke E Boy. The house battery charger takes care of the house batteries when connected to shore 120v power and the starter battery and the windlass battery each have their own “echo” charger, which pulls from the house bank when they sense charging to keep those two batteries separate and topped off.
The next charger is the solar panels which charge the house bank when off shore power – just like the main charger does when turned on. The last charger is the alternator on the engine which charges the house bank when the engine is running.
It’s ALIVE!
Why so much talk about batteries? We need a powerful charged battery to start our 50 HP Yanmar diesel.
Let’s Go Sailing
After leaving the dock, raising the sails and beginning a day’s journey sailing on the Great Lakes, it is time to shut the engine off. I’m always gentle on the throttle of the engine. Typically, there is no need to rush to anything. SV Zeke E Boy is heavy and takes time to speed up or slow down.
After the sails go up and we’re on course, I take the engine out of gear and place it in neutral position idling. One last check of things, and off goes the diesel as I shut the engine down and stop fuel flow.
Immediate SILENCE … except the gentle lapping of water against the boat!
Keep the batteries charging
I turn on the solar panel charger to keep the batteries charged, and check to make sure they come on and are producing power. At last, the sail’s are up and the engine is off. It’s a beautiful, powerful lake to enjoy … but do we make it back home?
Tell us what you think
Let us know what you think of our sailing adventures by sharing your feedback in the comments below. Do you have advice for me on how you feel confident to turn off the engine in the open water? How do you configure your battery systems? We’d love to hear from you!
– Kyle from Zeke Life
Live like Zeke
You’re such a good boy!
Sounds complicated. Could you carry a couple of jumper cables to connect to “house” batteries for more starting power if ever needed as a backup for your starter battery?
Great point, and yes, we carry a lithium ion jump starter, https://amzn.to/3wrVgt6, for a worst-case scenario. I probably should’ve mentioned that in the article, so thanks for asking!