I wish Trevor would write this blog post as I lack the technical knowledge to explain what was going on and what was fixed….all I do know is ever since we arrived in Madagascar, things just stopped working…in all places to be!
For starters, (no pun intended), we just replaced our batteries to a “new technology” Victron battery in Cairns, Australia a year and half ago. Additionally, we replaced our started battery back in February this year in Sri Lanka after realizing that battery had “bubbled” up and our generator would not start. Now, our “house bank” batteries seemed to be toast as well…they should be holding a longer life than they are. After reserach and doing “boat yoga”, Trevor finds the same “bubbled” effect has taken to our house bank battery (just 1 out of 2 were like this). He did not feel comfortable crossing the Mozombique channel with this large of an issue so replace them is what we have to do.
Can you see the “wave” on the side of the battery?…yeah..not good!
After more research, Trevor finds a local store in Nosy Be (Gaia Alternative Energy) that sells Victron batteries and asks them about our warranty. Even if they could give us new batteries at no charge, which they declined and told us to deal with corporate, they didn’t have any same sized batteries to fit our existing space so it’s back to the drawing board…..
Trevor’s plan for the new set of batteries and controllers for each of our sources of power (Solar, wind generator, and hydro generator).
After 3 separate trips to Gaia, Trevor has purchased batteries to meet our power sucking capacity and all the parts and pieces to install the new house bank. Now it was time to get everything on the boat! Thankfully David on Starry Horizons, offered to help us lift these “beasts” onto Slow Flight from the dinghy…not an easy task!!!
David and Trevor talking out Trevor’s plan for our new battery house bank…it’s alwasy better to talk it out with someone who understands….me not so much… 
New battereis…skinny guys if I do say so my self….but don;t let that fool you…these weigh XXX pounds each! 
Our new windlass battery, but it was not installed as the original looked good…so we are just carting an extra battery around…for fun : ) 
Parts…. 
…and pieces!
Gaia helped Trevor get in touch with a local guy who does installations…however, Trevor did his own installations of charge controllers, bus bars, and new battery selector switch. He also had to modify the space under our bed where the batteries are placed as these new ones were a lot skinnier.
The day came for installation, Trevor picked up the team at the pier and to our boat which was anchored out in Crater Bay. It seemed only right to treat them to lunch since they were stuck “out here” so Trevor picked up pizza’s for everyone and Coke all around!!! They worked hard and well and so far Trevor is happy with their work : )
Trevor did a lot of “testing”…I frankly have no idea what he did but what ever it was…we are back in the game!
Thank you my love for taking care of us, “Flo” and myself…..You work really hard to keep us all afloat and we are so thankful for all you do for us!!!
Next Up: In the mean time…..All the kids are back at the Table….and a few chores to accomplish!