CliffGazer | 412 posts
Worth noting the MultiPlus 12/800 specifically — that's the one people often overlook because it's the smaller unit, but for a boat application it's arguably ideal.
CliffGazer | 203 posts | 🚤 Boat/Backup Hybrid
@Finn1975 One thing worth flagging — the MPPT measures input to the battery, the BMV measures net flow through the shunt.
@PikeRuss what AGM brand are you using? That matters quite a bit actually — manufacturer specs vary more than people realise.
For context, my backup setup (shore-based, not cycling hard) runs...
CliffGazer | 156 posts
@RustySkipper one thing nobody's mentioned yet — top balancing vs bottom balancing matters here.
@WonkyMechanic beat me to BatteryLife but there's another one nobody's mentioned — check your State of Charge tail current setting.
@LDVAdventure the price-to-watt ratio point is valid but worth scrutinising more carefully — which watts exactly?
Running one of these on my boat as backup last summer and the continuous rating...
@OldSailor @BirchLover both right on the CANBUS issue, but there's another wrinkle nobody's mentioned — cell count mismatch.
Pylontech runs 15S internally (nominally 48V), same as your DIY pack,...
CliffGazer | 234 posts
@GrumpyBuilder that tracks — Victron's feature request pipeline feels like a black hole sometimes, no offence to them.
What I'd actually find more useful than a simple...
Proper decision, @VoltJohn. Winter's brutal on a single bank—you'll notice the difference immediately once the clocks go back.
Worth checking your BMS settings now you've doubled up, especially if...
@Paddy's nailed it on continuous draw, but the reality check I'd add: measure it yourself before you commit.
Absolutely agree. Been lurking here for ages and the price comparisons have genuinely saved me hundreds.
Got one powering my emergency backup array too. The MPPT algorithm is genuinely clever — pulls more juice from cloudy days than my old PWM ever did.
Tried running an inverter off a dodgy leisure battery whilst anchored up. Battery voltage collapsed mid-meal and fried half the boat's electrics.
The Separett's brilliant if you're generating proper volume and want minimal faffing about, but for genuine backup usage?
The scaffolding never comes down, mate. Embrace it as industrial chic.
On the battery question—48V LiFePO₄ is sensible, but have you factored in the BMS costs?
