32 Volt Survey

[riverrandy]

I am trying to determine the rough number of 32 volt users still in the world. I am too stubborn to give up on what seems to be an extremely robust system, so I am trying to convince a specialty Battery company of the market size.

Would any of you 32 volt using yachtsmen/women please respond. Thank you

 

[RonNP]

I love my 32 volt system. It all works well and I have no desire to replace anything unless I absolutely have to due to lack of items being manufactured that work on 32v.

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

That covers it for me.

 

[Scarlett]

Second Ron’s comment, especially since I have invested in a 32 volt inverter.

 

[miboatnutz]

IMHO the 32 volt system in the Hatteras is extremely robust and well engineered and although others see it differently, I personally have yet to hear a valid argument which would convince me that going to the extra time and cost to change over to more "conventional" dc voltage systems is worth it.

Also look where technology in mobile electrical systems is heading. There are manufacturers such as Mercedes, BMW and GM talking about going to 48 volt systems and higher to reduce size and weight for wiring, starters, alternators, etc.

Very likely that higher voltage systems will be much more commonplace in the future anyway.

 

[KPTIM]

Staying with 32 volts here.

As long as you can still buy starters, alternators, lights, bilge pumps, relays, nav light bulbs, batteries and especially Galley Maid pump motor parts.

There is a whole lot of boats, tractors, buses, equipment and off road vehicles that use 8 volt / 32 volt systems.

it's not going anywhere anytime soon.

 

[SEVEN]

32 works flawlessly

 

[Pascal]

It s not just about the voltage but about how long can the original system safely be used for.

I understand that Hatteras improved things over time but the early electrical system were pretty awful, both DC and AC. Non tinned wire prone to corrosion, highly questionable splices, etc. some of the stuff I ve pulled from my boat made me wonder how it worked for almost 50 years. The worst was the splicing of the Port and Stbd shore power feeds in the gent room done using a a piece of copper pipe, sliced lengthwise, crimped and wrapped in electrical tape. That was never molested, all original.

Ever opened an electrical panel in the dark and seen little sparks in there? Again original untouched wiring, just old and corroded.

By the 80s things were better but the early boats are overdue for an re wire

 

[finatic]

Can't say I love it but will stick with it!

 

[johnjen50]

Mine works fine.

 

[luckydave215]

If it aint broke, don't "fix it till it is"

Again original untouched wiring, just old and corroded.

The wiring in my boat looks well, not new but only a couple years old. Still flexible, conductors still shiny.
Perhaps the boat having spent it's life in moderate temperature low humidity Southern California opposed to Miami has something to do with that?

 

[Boatsb]

24 and 48 volts are more common and will be supported by LiFePO where 32 will not. Its not that its bad but the number of users is dwindling, people using golf cart batteries to save money instead of marine ones is another issue. id not invest in supporting 32 volt systems.

 

[MadHatter53]

My 32V is alive and well.

 

[Briankinley2004]

I plan on keeping my 32 volt system until batteries and/or components get too ridiculous in price or availability. As things currently are structured I am happy

 

[dar636]

Not changing over as long as my system works, which it does.

 

[cenger]

No plans to change over for me. System was well designed.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

My 32v system works just fine. Chargers/inverters/bulbs etc are all still available as are batteries.

Rolls makes the 8v batts that fit the OEM boxes perfectly and last 10-15 years so all is well. Why would you want to use other batteries when you can buy a full set of 8 Rolls once and be good for at least 10 years for about $3000??

 

[riverrandy]

My 32v system works just fine. Chargers/inverters/bulbs etc are all still available as are batteries.

Rolls makes the 8v batts that fit the OEM boxes perfectly and last 10-15 years so all is well. Why would you want to use other batteries when you can buy a full set of 8 Rolls once and be good for at least 10 years for about $3000??

I don't want to change for change sake, I want to take advantage of new technologies that will give more charge with less real estate and possibly enough to run a weekend of FULL ships power with out a generator.

Why did we give up wooden boats for fiberglass? New/better technology. I do not wish to reinvent anything, just ride the wave of progress.

 

[Photolomy]

I am fine with 32 volt. I think many of us, at least those who are new to this (like me) thought one of the first things they would do is convert the boat to 24v, but that isn't even on my list now. Everything works and it would be a huge cost to convert with little gain. So far, most everything is still available, definitely the key components. That would be the only reason I would change, if I couldn't find 32v components. I haven't made a decision on an inverter yet, but I am leaning towards a 32v system and adding a 100 amp alternator. I just want it for dock to dock usage. When anchored, we would run the generator. It seems a waste to run the generator just to keep the refrigerator cold.

 

[JD5652]

I'm sticking with the 32V design until I can no longer source parts and components... albeit​I'm a newcomer to the 32V world...