Recently Spray Marine Services completed a full electrical system upgrade on Narrowboat Wright Away to the latest technology. This has enhanced the onboard comfort, efficiency, and safety of the vessel. Incorporating modern Victron components and a high-capacity lithium battery creates a powerful and intelligent energy system. Below is a breakdown of how each component contributes to the upgrade and how they work together to create a seamless, modern electrical setup.
Fogstar 300Ah Lithium Battery
At the heart of the system is the Fogstar 300Ah lithium battery, which offers high energy density, long cycle life, and deep discharge capability. It stores significantly more usable energy compared to lead-acid batteries and supports fast charging and high discharge currents. The built-in BMS (Battery Management System) ensures safety and communication with other Victron components, particularly via the Cerbo GX, allowing for precise battery monitoring and control.
Victron Isolation Transformer
This transformer isolates the boat’s AC system from the shore power supply, eliminating electrical continuity with the shore. This is critical for safety, especially in a marine environment where galvanic corrosion and potential shocks can occur. It ensures that all onboard AC power is grounded properly and safely and ensures the narrowboat complies with marine safety regulations.
Victron Cerbo GX
The Victron Cerbo GX serves as the brain of the entire electrical system. It connects and communicates with all major components—battery, inverter, charger, solar controller, and more. Its main purpose is to monitor and manage the power system in real time. The Cerbo GX allows the skipper to track battery levels, charge/discharge rates, and shore power usage, all from a single interface, either onboard via a touchscreen (like the GX Touch not fitted) or remotely through Victron’s VRM Portal on a smartphone, tablet or laptop. This brings a new level of control, visibility, and peace of mind to narrowboat owners.
Victron Multiplus 3000 12/120
The Multiplus 3000 12/120 is both an inverter and charger in one. It converts 12V DC from the battery into 230V AC to power standard household appliances like kettles, microwaves, laptops, and more. With a continuous output of 3000VA, it supports demanding electrical loads. As a charger, it delivers up to 120 amps to the battery bank when connected to shore power or a generator, ensuring fast and efficient recharging. It also offers seamless transfer between power sources, making transitions between shore and battery power unnoticeable.
Victron Lynx Distributor 1000A
The Victron Lynx Distributor is a high-current DC busbar system with integrated fusing and monitoring. It distributes power from the battery to various components like the inverter, DC-DC Charger, and 12V circuits. The 1000A rating supports high-power systems and ensures safety by isolating and protecting circuits. It also enables clean, organised wiring and integrates easily with the Cerbo GX for real-time fuse status monitoring.
Victron Orion XS (DC-DC Charger)
The Victron Orion XS is a smart DC-DC charger used to safely and efficiently charge the lithium battery from the engine alternator. It ensures the lithium battery receives the correct charging profile without damaging the alternator or the battery itself. It protects against overcurrent and overheating and prevents the alternator from being overloaded—a common concern when charging large lithium banks directly.
Together, these components create a robust, safe, and intelligent electrical system. Power management becomes intuitive, energy usage is optimised, and the narrowboat becomes more self-sufficient and comfortable, whether cruising off-grid or moored with shore power.
To discuss your current electrical setup and what can be done to enhance it, please contact me here.