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Working out battery capacity, Ah requirement and lithium on board
Working out the requirement: consumption in watt hours divided by 12 volts gives the Ah
requirement; with lead-acid it doubles, because only half the capacity is usable.
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The sum is simple, the answer often comes as a surprise: a fridge drawing sixty watts uses 720 watt hours over twelve hours, which is sixty amp hours. With lead-acid the battery has to be twice that size, because discharging below fifty per cent ruins its service life. Lithium tolerates a depth of discharge of eighty to ninety per cent, so roughly half the capacity is enough.
In insurance terms, lithium-ion batteries are a subject in their own right. They have to be declared on the proposal, because they behave differently from lead in a fire. Not every insurer accepts them, so check whether your policy covers the battery, the charging equipment, damage from animal bites and short circuits, and the disposal costs of damaged batteries.
What matters is proper installation. A home-built battery pack without a battery management system is no argument in your favour when you make a claim, it is an argument against cover. Put the invoice and proof of installation in the boat's papers, and half the claims handling is already done.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to declare lithium batteries?
Yes.
They belong on the proposal, because they behave differently from lead in a fire.
Is damage to the battery covered?
That depends on the policy; check whether it includes the battery and the charging equipment,
animal bites, short circuits and the disposal of damaged batteries.
Worked out for your type of boat
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