VHF Supply

[SailingDoc]

One thing leads to another. Considering engine-space extinguisher (as per PBO article) - fire down below would probably cut off your 12v supply to VHF. Why not run the VHF from a separate small lead-acid battery (say, 20-30 Ah) kept charged from the alternator, via the usual diode. This battery could be well away from the engine area. This would be cheaper, and give better range in emergency, than a handheld.
Anyone have experience of this set-up?

Brian

 

[ccscott49]

The system you are suggesting is standard fitment on many proffesional vessels, you could use a small sealed lead acid, charged exactly as you say through a diode. But why do batteries have to be in the engine compartment? Lots of boats don't.

 

[Strathglass]

On the yacht I am building for myself I have fitted a 7 Ah sealed battery very high up in addition to the engine and domestic batteries.
This battery only feeds the VHF, GPS and sailing instruments.

Iain

Iain

 

[SailingDoc]

That's reassuring; thanks.
But yes, there's no specific reason to have batteries in the engine compartment; in my case, however,(Fisher 34) there is dedicated space in the engine compartment(for two 105 Ah plus a starter) and really nowhere else to put them; also many people prefer to keep that sort of weight as low as possible.

Brian