On Tue, 15 Mar 2005 19:08:41 GMT, "Roger Long"
wrote:

Calder points out how battery life is increased by minimizing
discharge level. No matter how many batteries you have in the boat,
you'll get maximum life by putting them in one bank. Keeping a
starting battery isolated and in reserve is obviously a necessary
compromise for most craft. However, with a 20 hp diesel, modest
starting loads, and the ability to hand start, I'm thinking that the
simplicity of a one bank system might make sense for a daysailing,
short cruise boat, that is docked with shore power. If the batteries
did get run down away from home, I'd be willing to hand start in
penance.

The key question is whether a two cylinder diesel like a 20 hp Yanmar
2QM can really be hand started or if it is an "only when your life
absolutely depends on it" kind of operation. I don't have much
experience with engines under 200 HP so I'd appreciate the benefit of
actual experience.

I was completely unable to hand crank a 3-cyl Yanmar to start. I weigh
190 and am not weak. We repowered with a later (3GMH) about 12 years
ago and that one didn't even have a place to put a crank.

I suggest you try it on your own engine. I think it would work with a
big enough flywheel, but as it is closing one compression release
stops it instantly in my experience.

OTOH, taking off the compression it will spin with a pretty dead
battery and start when you close it. It is a matter of how fast you
can get it to spin before you close the valve.

I know a one-cylinder Volvo can be hand started, by a reliable
witness.




Rodney Myrvaagnes NYC J36 Gjo/a


The sound of a Great Blue Heron's wingbeats going by your head