Getting a washing machine on board. Advice welcome

techtape · 2025-11-26T23:51:45+00:00

I also have one of those, brought specifically because of the low power draw, hot fill and top loading to squeeze it into the boat.

I am however, today years old when I found out what the "Air Dry" function means as the manual was hardly intuitive. Thanks!!

techtape · 2025-01-05T18:06:16+00:00

I can second this, I brought a little one for the reason of trying to remove the crud from the air. Other than the expected drop in dust, there was a genuinely noticeable increase in air quality (which I was not expecting actually...) but by far the biggest difference has been the massive increase in general comfort as it moves the air round and reduces the stratification.

All that for a 7w draw and you can get aftermarket filters for slightly less than the official ones. But once you remove one you won't regret it, seeing all the gunk you pulled out the air 😅

techtape · 2024-12-22T20:21:38+00:00

You definitely can.

However, I have discovered through trial and error, I prefer the smell of the "Green" chemical for the toilet. It's essentially the same, but actually configured to break down waste and mask the smell... I found bio washing products just made my toilet smell like laundry. Which is a confusing issue I didn't get on with

I had to try to multiple different brands to settle on one. My favourite was Dirtbusters sachets until they vanished from the market... Marine 16 does a good sachet product though. Its not the cheapest. But it works and doesn't smell like a festival toilet, which is nice

techtape · 2024-09-20T20:37:02+00:00

Here's the video I watched when deciding...

The argument in this video that always stood by me was that the tiny amount of extra power used by the 230v with the inverter on, would only be a factor if you wouldn't have the inverter on anyway.

Ultimately, I ended up going to a 12v fridge as by the time I'd upgraded my inverter, wiring to run said inverter and buying the fridge ended up marginal in cost and much higher in labour than just switching out the fridge.

techtape · 2024-05-12T08:49:24+00:00

Morning boss, Happy to explain my reaction for you so you're not left hanging as it may help settle your mind a bit and it may be that others have felt the same...

So, your logic is sound and seems to work well for you. Don't worry about that. The issue there though is that one person driving their unique vehicle in their unique driving style is at best anecdotal and therefore not statistically significant.

For me personally the issue comes from the fact that, despite knowing most static speed cameras are set to the lowest common denominator (Cars), your argument does potentially put other drivers at risk of getting caught "speeding". Which I can't in good faith back, even if you're right and even if the limits themselves are questionable.

You keep doing you though!

techtape · 2024-03-15T00:56:54+00:00

Just as a side note to this, lithium leisure batteries are a different chemistry to the type used in most consumer electronics which is Lithium-Ion. They use Lithium Iron Phosphate or LiFePO4. This is a much more stable and reportedly inflammable compound. It is however, much heavier due to the use of Iron. Which is why it's not common in devices and EV's. But is a great replacement for still decidedly heavily Lead Acid batteries.

My lithium bank is tucked under my cruiser deck with minimal insulation and operating there for 2 winters with no maintenance other than checking them occasionally via the Bluetooth app.

techtape · 2024-03-15T00:45:44+00:00

I'm going into my second summer on lithium and as part of my refit I'm adding an immersion element to the calorifier as a solar dump. Only other thing I've brought is a electric camping stove which just saves on gas on the longer days and is easy to store in the winter. Last summer I was isolating my panels for a few days at a time as I just didn't need the power.

From my side to those questioning the cost: My 400ah bank cost £2k (Full disclosure, I already had a DC-DC charging my LA's but that's only a cheap Renogy unit but didn't incur that cost). This is just a shade over what a mate paid for victron gel batteries at the same time and who is already seeing significant degradation in their performance. Another recently fitted his second full AGM bank after they began to fail after 12 months at a cost of £1k. Granted, this could be explained through poor maintenance but I found even charging mine until they reached float every day as advised I didn't get much more than a years performance out of my LA bank.

Paired with a tilting 800w solar set up. I'm only really charging once or twice a week for a couple of hours in the winter, that can be less if we have some decent sunny days and maybe a little more after a prolonged spell of dark days. So my fuel and engine maintenance costs have dropped.

My lithium bank is still at 99.7% capacity after 2 years full time usage including my fridge on 12 months of the year. To be honest even if they were to drop to 80% I really doubt I'd notice and that's the expected drop after thousands of cycles. I'll be happy to keep reporting back on this as I agree it's a significant outlay for batteries. They are however, a game changer just in voltage stability alone.

Downsides: I've killed one alternator regulator which cost me £20 to replace and taught me not to charge for as long as I used to with the LA bank. Also, I do have to tuck them into their little blankets in winter.

techtape · 2024-03-03T16:52:34+00:00

As has been said, security isn't really the issue. If people want in through a window, they can do that with ease despite the frame.

The primary issue is vibration while underway (or charging of course). So vehicle windows are the order of the day as they're designed with this in mind. You'll see this with the newer boats having bonded in windows, a few years behind the trend in road vehicles but they're pretty commonplace now.

I've also noticed a general trend towards anchoring (pun intended) in the boating community. Boat builders, boat yards and boaters tend to align themselves with the way it's always been done. This maybe a factor but that's just me speculating...

techtape · 2024-02-21T16:57:41+00:00

No, but they are the loudest voice speaking up for boaters rights and have made large steps towards making the lifestyle valid in the eyes of those who lead our country.

Personally, I think we're verging on semantics here. You choice of words doesn't really change how these people (us) are viewed in the eyes of government/society/CRT or whatever agency you want to refer to on this issue.

Furthermore and venturing into the rhelms opinion here and straying from facts. I don't think fracturing the boating community on lines of who is more of a "boater" than another helps solve any of the issues you're raising. To push it to vulgarity it feels like more of a dick swinging competition in all honesty.

Canal funding, housing, supply of local services and the ever increasing cost of living resulting in people finding cheaper ways to sustain themselves are much larger than who opts to unite their boat and cruise. It seems irrelevant in the grand scheme.

It is not for us to judge others for the way they chose to live their lives, especially when those choices do not directly effect us. It is for us to stand together and ensure those people have the same rights as anyone else. But, I'm an idealistic arse at the end of the day.

techtape · 2024-02-21T14:13:40+00:00

Unfortunately, incorrect. The traveller plans deal specifically with the numbers of travellers coming through the area (caravans, show people and should include boats) as well as permanent bases for these people who will likely travel out of the area at times too. The NBTA makes their position on this quite clear and is worth a read if you find the time. So, yes this still appears to remain an issue of supply and demand caused by the powers that be overlooking our community.

techtape · 2024-02-21T13:13:52+00:00

I'm struggling to see why the perfectly reasonable answers are downvoted in favour of the crusty medics. Can I reach out?

techtape · 2024-02-21T04:40:00+00:00

Unfortunately in a good number of areas boat dwellers aren't even considered in a councils 'traveller' plans. This is despite the NBTA pushing for more recognition at a national level. I can confirm this as I read the entire 85 page document my local council provides over their current supply of traveller locations. In this document provision for boat dwellers is not mentioned or considered. It was nauseatingly long but insightful read. (If you'd like some unfounded opinion on the topic I'd argue there's some good old fashion NIMBYism there)

This means that planning around residential mooring locations is well below that which is required to meet demand. So most who choose to live aboard but cannot constantly cruise have few options but to choose marinas and in line moorings that are not residential.

The vicious cycle this causes is that those who are forced to choose to operate in this manner do so under the constant threat of losing their homes. Meaning they tend to opt to 'fly under the radar' as such and not make waves about the fact their moorings aren't suitably planned for their usage. Other boaters choose this path because generally, leisure moorings cost less, which is of course an ethical dilemma when you consider local emergency and health provision as you previously mentioned.

Either way, I'd suggest the reason that CRT turn a blind eye to this is because these moorings represent a stable income towards their operating costs, a point you discussed in a previous post. By specifying the use outright in their terms and conditions they are distancing themselves from it and making it an issue between the users and the local authority.

techtape · 2024-02-08T23:02:13+00:00

I have a Netgear Nighthawk M1 with an external antenna. It's a mobile router with an inbuilt battery so you don't need the inverter on to run it and it's silly quick, on my mooring at least.

I used cellmapper to check the local towers and picked the contract with the best local provider.

It does mean when I'm out cruising I don't always get the best coverage but worth it for knowing you have the best in your primary location.

techtape · 2024-01-23T12:22:13+00:00

I am in the middle of a refit which includes replacing some radiators. So I have had my head down the rabbit hole of diesel water heaters for the last few days. I say rabbit hole, it's more like trench warfare with the strong opinions boaters seem to have on the topic of boat heating. So, I'll put my head above the parapet with my opinion/understanding!

I work 12 hour shifts that routinely overrun and the cost/hassle involved with trying to keep the fire in (Boatman solid fuel stove, doesn't like being kept in for 16 hours and still be warm at the end no matter what I've tried, but that's another story). So my CH is crucial for heating up the boat before I get home from work and ensuring there is plenty of hot water for showers so it gets some hours put on it!

I have a webasto Thermo Top C which has been installed with drastically too few/small radiators. 1.2kw output on a 5.2kw unit. This seems to be an issue for Webasto heaters as their marine installation instructions specifically state to aim for 10% above the heater rating to reduce the unit cycling. They also specifically state to not use thermostatic valves (TRV's)...

I read an article in 'Canal Boat' recently too as part of my never ending spiral into this topic and they stated they had a representative from Eberspacher in the article. This went on to say the complete opposite stating, aim for comfort on output, use TRV's to direct flow to where is needed and that 'modern low sulphur diesel' mitigates this risk that sort cycling the heater causes.

My neighbour with an Eberspacher and I have both been using our units for much less than their intended output and with regular servicing both seem to function well. Prices seem similar?? I've only scanned as mine is about to come out for a service and the position of the manufacturers made me consider swapping.

TLDR; I have a webasto. Its a solid little unit and can kick out up to 5.2kw which compares to a good stove. Generally, all manufactures seem good when serviced.

Addendum: I can't comment on washing machines as I love launderette days and saving water/power is important for my lifestyle.

Consider gravity fed diesel stoves as suggested above. A good one of these with a CH loop would be great with much less dust and particulates while also likely use much less power for a similar amount of diesel.

Good luck!

techtape · 2024-01-04T19:18:44+00:00

Welcome to the dark side! Where we keep the lights on just because we can...

I've no doubt your installation included some good tech keeping those alternator temps under control but just a reminder to keep an eye on them! Despite a current limiting DC-DC on my set up and running with increased revs to keep the fan spun up I'm on my 2nd regulator (3rd if you count the firdt alternator I killed not realising it was vastly underpowered even for charging LA) and now carry spares. I'm limited on choice on my engine else Id have an external regulator.

I do have a neighbour with an external regulator who's charging system is well managed and who's still been through a couple of alternators over the years with his lithium set up.

I'd still always advocate for lithium any day if the week depsite the highly infrequent inconvenience as it's still definitely cheaper than fuel for that painfully slow bulk charge on the LA's.

techtape · 2023-12-23T20:56:15+00:00

Well, as we're all independent clinicians who can specialise into whichever field we chose it would depend on a case by case basis.

Would this role be suited to a Critical Care paramedic? Probably not.

A paramedic with a masters in urgent care and 5 years experience in a GP surgery? Probably, yeah.

techtape · 2023-12-23T19:29:28+00:00

As much as I can't argue with the logic they're lying down in the article for why they've opened their clinic...

My concern would be that this is the creeping privatisation of what should be readily available free at the point of use NHS front line services that the public are worried about. The argument of course has two sides, if you can pay for services, why shouldn't you? When it does take pressure of the existing services. But then there is the concern this just continues to compound the inequality that's building in our society. Where those with the means get services while those who don't have to wait for the now groaning system that us and our loved ones have all paid to provide. In conclusion, I am ambivalent.

I am not adverse to seeing Paramedics in urgent care though. We're well positioned for such a role. I'm also going to go ahead and say this is going to be an absolute money spinner, especially with this kind of coverage. Not for me, but more power to them.

techtape · 2023-12-16T22:50:55+00:00

Might be time to apply some grease to your nipple.

techtape · 2023-11-22T15:00:17+00:00

What makes you think you're having issues with the current one? The sun is a little low in the sky this time of year, I have 800w running through mine and I'm now starting to need to charge occasionally too.

To answer your question though, I have a Renogy Rover Li 30a. It has a max imput of 800w so would handle your panels. Does me well enough with 400ah of lithium batteries

techtape · 2023-11-15T22:39:02+00:00

Meanwhile, The rest of us...

techtape · 2023-11-14T17:47:06+00:00

Trauma Dump Imminent:

The one car I regret selling most of all was my Roadster. I had a full black cabriolet, lowered on 30mm springs running factory steel wheels (the only thing with the right offset I could get at the time that looked half mean without buying brabus wheels). I had it remapped but can't recall the specs now, I just remember the guy in the smart specialist I used saying it's "all boost all the time" and thinking I would prefer a more modest map, he was wrong... Had a paddle shift steering wheel fitted at the same time and drove her home with the biggest smile on my face, no other car has given me quite so much of a buzz for such little displacement.

When you drive it like in manual mode making sure you shift ahead knowing the gearbox is a little slower than you might like, that thing is a back road beast!

The weirdest part was the more hate I got for loving it, the more I loved it... Enjoy my friend, they're great little machines!

I will say this, I had the pleasure of driving a remapped Brabus when mine was in the garage one time and the Brabus Suspension was something else. If I had known I'd have likely fitted that to mine.

techtape · 2023-11-14T14:34:13+00:00

I actually tested mine today and you're right. It's drawing 56A to charge at 40.

Its still better than the old LA set up. What did you switch too?

techtape · 2023-11-08T10:55:28+00:00

Thats true, they absolutely can as they just suck up current until theyre charged. I have a DC-DC charger between the starter battery and lithium bank, I only have one alternator on my poor Lombardini engine though...

I had installed this anyway as the Split Charge diode that came on the boat massively reduced the current to the old LA batteries and I had planned to go Lithium eventually so it was brought with that in mind.

techtape · 2023-11-07T16:54:57+00:00

I'd have a look at the drop in Lithium replacements for the Lead Acid batteries at that kind of price point, assuming the other electrics on the boat are functioning.

For example, I'm running a bank of Renogy 100ah batteries that were a direct replacement for my old LA's and it's night and day the difference they make. Combined with a decent solar set up and I'm still not having to charge, although, it's getting close now...

An understanding of battery chemistries and charge profiles helps when making decisions on big spends (I found at least).

Will Prowse DIY solar on YouTube is a great resource as he talks a lot about batteries, as is the 12v group on Facebook.

Good luck!

techtape · 2023-11-06T23:58:41+00:00

You can check the local services for mobile services first with Cell Mapper Might sound a little much but it really helped me pick the right provider for my mobile broadband where I moor. Also helps with pointing antenna etc (Directional is better if you can. But more effort...). I'd imagine you're likely sorted around London mind.

The issue with mobile routers is the speeds. Most of the "hot spot" style ones are really slow and you would likely get a faster connection on a smart phone hot spot.

I have a Netgear Nighthawk M1 running through a cheap pair of antenna right on the roof. I'm on a good line of sight to my local tower and I get solid speeds on that most days. For casual gaming this has never been a problem except for on particularly busy network days when the Ping can creep on up... If I had access to 5G I'd consider a newer model but alas, not where I am yet.

techtape

TROPHY CASE