lifepo4 install nt32
I have not found any info from archives or elsewhere with experiences installing a lifepo4 house bank in a NT32. I find my current 2 6v gc batteries inadequate, with 20 hours about best expectation at anchor. I only run the genset for a/c and charging, have propane cooking and primary load is refrigeration and electronics etc, so would like to improve capacity.
The easy way to go lifepo4 would be in the current location in aft starboard engine room. I worry heat would be an issue and wonder how/where others have done the conversion. Can a blower help or should I relocate, perhaps in the starboard locker beneath the settee? Or simply go with 4 gc?
Local electronics shop seems to think the ER would work proposing Epoch 314 ah (or 2). Hardware costs are becoming close, and would simplify and enhance future solar, inverter etc installs and way less battery anxiety.
What to do?
Eric Swanson
NT 32-258
Gone Remote
NC
I have 4/100amp lithium installed in the engine compartment on my NT 26 with 500 watts of solar. No issues with heat. System stays up with two refrigerators and normal other 12v accessories. Using Victron controllers which are the best. Regards , Jim
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
On Friday, August 28, 2026, 09:13, Eric Swanson via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org wrote:
I have not found any info from archives or elsewhere with experiences installing a lifepo4 house bank in a NT32. I find my current 2 6v gc batteries inadequate, with 20 hours about best expectation at anchor. I only run the genset for a/c and charging, have propane cooking and primary load is refrigeration and electronics etc, so would like to improve capacity.
The easy way to go lifepo4 would be in the current location in aft starboard engine room. I worry heat would be an issue and wonder how/where others have done the conversion. Can a blower help or should I relocate, perhaps in the starboard locker beneath the settee? Or simply go with 4 gc?
Local electronics shop seems to think the ER would work proposing Epoch 314 ah (or 2). Hardware costs are becoming close, and would simplify and enhance future solar, inverter etc installs and way less battery anxiety.
What to do?
Eric Swanson
NT 32-258
Gone Remote
NC
Sentoa mailing list -- sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
To unsubscribe send an email to sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.org
Hi Eric,
An LFP housebank is a very worthwhile upgrade..
I installed ours over 2 years using 2 x Epoch 460 Ah batteries. It has been a complete is a game changer.
There is no way I would willingly go back to AGM’s for the house bank.
It is not a simple undertaking though, requiring thoughtful reconfiguration of wiring, charging etc. but it’s very worthwhile.
It makes sense to keep lead acid for the start and thruster/windlass banks but the systems need to remain separate.
Heat in the engine room has not been an issue.
If you are contemplating doing this, do your research thoroughly or get a professional to do the installation.
Cheers,
-evan
NT 37-148
TUGAWAY
Victoria, BC
Sent from my iPhone
(please excuse the typos...)
On Aug 28, 2026, at 06:13, Eric Swanson via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org wrote:
I have not found any info from archives or elsewhere with experiences installing a lifepo4 house bank in a NT32. I find my current 2 6v gc batteries inadequate, with 20 hours about best expectation at anchor. I only run the genset for a/c and charging, have propane cooking and primary load is refrigeration and electronics etc, so would like to improve capacity.
The easy way to go lifepo4 would be in the current location in aft starboard engine room. I worry heat would be an issue and wonder how/where others have done the conversion. Can a blower help or should I relocate, perhaps in the starboard locker beneath the settee? Or simply go with 4 gc?
Local electronics shop seems to think the ER would work proposing Epoch 314 ah (or 2). Hardware costs are becoming close, and would simplify and enhance future solar, inverter etc installs and way less battery anxiety.
What to do?
Eric Swanson
NT 32-258
Gone Remote
NC
Sentoa mailing list -- sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
To unsubscribe send an email to sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.org
Hi Eric - I’m in NC as well and in the middle of a similar upgrade path as budget allows. So far I’ve added two 200W panels to the pilothouse roof, a Victron MPPT controller, a Cerbo GX and a smartshunt. The solar really extends the life of my AGM battery setup. I too was hoping to drop in some lithium marine batteries that have their own BMS and call it good, but the more research I do, the more I realized I really needed a LiFePO4 capable charger/inverter to go with them. Since thats not in the budget right now, I’m sticking with the AGM/Solar combo which has been great for the long summer days. Not sure how well it will keep up this winter.
Rob
From: JAMES BRUNSON via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
Date: Friday, August 28, 2026 at 9:57 AM
To: South East Nordic Tugs Owners' Association (SENTOA) sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
Cc: JAMES BRUNSON james.brunson@cox.net
Subject: [Sentoa] Re: lifepo4 install nt32
I have 4/100amp lithium installed in the engine compartment on my NT 26 with 500 watts of solar. No issues with heat. System stays up with two refrigerators and normal other 12v accessories. Using Victron controllers which are the best.
Regards ,
Jim
On Friday, August 28, 2026, 09:13, Eric Swanson via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org wrote:
I have not found any info from archives or elsewhere with experiences installing a lifepo4 house bank in a NT32. I find my current 2 6v gc batteries inadequate, with 20 hours about best expectation at anchor. I only run the genset for a/c and charging, have propane cooking and primary load is refrigeration and electronics etc, so would like to improve capacity.
The easy way to go lifepo4 would be in the current location in aft starboard engine room. I worry heat would be an issue and wonder how/where others have done the conversion. Can a blower help or should I relocate, perhaps in the starboard locker beneath the settee? Or simply go with 4 gc?
Local electronics shop seems to think the ER would work proposing Epoch 314 ah (or 2). Hardware costs are becoming close, and would simplify and enhance future solar, inverter etc installs and way less battery anxiety.
What to do?
Eric Swanson
NT 32-258
Gone Remote
NC
Sentoa mailing list -- sentoa@lists.sentoa.orgmailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
To unsubscribe send an email to sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.orgmailto:sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.org
Hi, I installed a lithium house bank in my 1999 NT 32 last summer. It took some figuring but it has been working beautifully. I have 2 x 230 ah Li-time batteries under the settee along with my Victron mppt and cerbo gx.
I have two 4d lead acid start/thruster batteries in the engine room along with the Victron inverter charger and a Dc to Dc charger. I have 400 watts of solar on the pilot house roof. ( adding 200 W more next week).
My Lithium bank is charged by solar, the DC to DC charger from the start batteries when the engine is running or the Victron inverter charger when plugged in to shore power.
Start batteries are charged by the alternator when running or a small 5 amp “smart” trickle charger when plugged in to shore power.
Spent 46 nights out of 54 at anchor this summer on our trip up the rainy) central coast of B.C. and maybe put 3 hrs on the generator - mostly to get hot water.
Ensure you follow the ABYC rules for a safe install.
Cheers,
Jim
On Aug 28, 2026, at 7:07 AM, Robert Libbert via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> wrote:
Hi Eric - I’m in NC as well and in the middle of a similar upgrade path as budget allows. So far I’ve added two 200W panels to the pilothouse roof, a Victron MPPT controller, a Cerbo GX and a smartshunt. The solar really extends the life of my AGM battery setup. I too was hoping to drop in some lithium marine batteries that have their own BMS and call it good, but the more research I do, the more I realized I really needed a LiFePO4 capable charger/inverter to go with them. Since thats not in the budget right now, I’m sticking with the AGM/Solar combo which has been great for the long summer days. Not sure how well it will keep up this winter.
Rob
From: JAMES BRUNSON via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Date: Friday, August 28, 2026 at 9:57 AM
To: South East Nordic Tugs Owners' Association (SENTOA) <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Cc: JAMES BRUNSON <james.brunson@cox.net>
Subject: [Sentoa] Re: lifepo4 install nt32I have 4/100amp lithium installed in the engine compartment on my NT 26 with 500 watts of solar. No issues with heat. System stays up with two refrigerators and normal other 12v accessories. Using Victron controllers which are the best.
Regards ,
Jim
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
On Friday, August 28, 2026, 09:13, Eric Swanson via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> wrote:
I have not found any info from archives or elsewhere with experiences installing a lifepo4 house bank in a NT32. I find my current 2 6v gc batteries inadequate, with 20 hours about best expectation at anchor. I only run the genset for a/c and charging, have propane cooking and primary load is refrigeration and electronics etc, so would like to improve capacity.
The easy way to go lifepo4 would be in the current location in aft starboard engine room. I worry heat would be an issue and wonder how/where others have done the conversion. Can a blower help or should I relocate, perhaps in the starboard locker beneath the settee? Or simply go with 4 gc?
Local electronics shop seems to think the ER would work proposing Epoch 314 ah (or 2). Hardware costs are becoming close, and would simplify and enhance future solar, inverter etc installs and way less battery anxiety.
What to do?
Eric Swanson
NT 32-258
Gone Remote
NC
Sentoa mailing list -- sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
To unsubscribe send an email to sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.org_______________________________________________
Sentoa mailing list -- sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
To unsubscribe send an email to sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.org
Thanks for the great responses which reinforce my best path desire and my competent local shop advice.
Proposed install would be 1 epoch eco series 314ah (or 2) charged by Orion xs12/12 -50aDC-DC charger (adjusted to 40amps) from start battery, with Victron bmv712 monitor.
Labor being the biggest expense, the local shop seems quite receptive to letting me do portions of the work I am comfortable doing (mostly the grunt work) while they provide balance. Seems good way forward.
Thanks again, always good to get feedback from others who have been or going to be in the same "boat".
Eric
From: Robert Libbert via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
Sent: Friday, August 28, 2026 10:07 AM
To: South East Nordic Tugs Owners' Association (SENTOA) sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
Cc: Robert Libbert Rob@libbert.us
Subject: [Sentoa] Re: lifepo4 install nt32
Hi Eric - I’m in NC as well and in the middle of a similar upgrade path as budget allows. So far I’ve added two 200W panels to the pilothouse roof, a Victron MPPT controller, a Cerbo GX and a smartshunt. The solar really extends the life of my AGM battery setup. I too was hoping to drop in some lithium marine batteries that have their own BMS and call it good, but the more research I do, the more I realized I really needed a LiFePO4 capable charger/inverter to go with them. Since thats not in the budget right now, I’m sticking with the AGM/Solar combo which has been great for the long summer days. Not sure how well it will keep up this winter.
Rob
From: JAMES BRUNSON via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
Date: Friday, August 28, 2026 at 9:57 AM
To: South East Nordic Tugs Owners' Association (SENTOA) sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
Cc: JAMES BRUNSON james.brunson@cox.net
Subject: [Sentoa] Re: lifepo4 install nt32
I have 4/100amp lithium installed in the engine compartment on my NT 26 with 500 watts of solar. No issues with heat. System stays up with two refrigerators and normal other 12v accessories. Using Victron controllers which are the best.
Regards ,
Jim
On Friday, August 28, 2026, 09:13, Eric Swanson via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org wrote:
I have not found any info from archives or elsewhere with experiences installing a lifepo4 house bank in a NT32. I find my current 2 6v gc batteries inadequate, with 20 hours about best expectation at anchor. I only run the genset for a/c and charging, have propane cooking and primary load is refrigeration and electronics etc, so would like to improve capacity.
The easy way to go lifepo4 would be in the current location in aft starboard engine room. I worry heat would be an issue and wonder how/where others have done the conversion. Can a blower help or should I relocate, perhaps in the starboard locker beneath the settee? Or simply go with 4 gc?
Local electronics shop seems to think the ER would work proposing Epoch 314 ah (or 2). Hardware costs are becoming close, and would simplify and enhance future solar, inverter etc installs and way less battery anxiety.
What to do?
Eric Swanson
NT 32-258
Gone Remote
NC
Sentoa mailing list -- sentoa@lists.sentoa.orgmailto:sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
To unsubscribe send an email to sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.orgmailto:sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.org
Hi Eric,
I might humbly suggest you have 2 batteries in parallel for redundancy & the ability to shut one down for maintenance/ troubleshooting without losing power.
-evan
Sent from my iPhone
(please excuse the typos...)
On Aug 28, 2026, at 07:49, Eric Swanson via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> wrote:
Thanks for the great responses which reinforce my best path desire and my competent local shop advice.
Proposed install would be 1 epoch eco series 314ah (or 2) charged by Orion xs12/12 -50aDC-DC charger (adjusted to 40amps) from start battery, with Victron bmv712 monitor.
Labor being the biggest expense, the local shop seems quite receptive to letting me do portions of the work I am comfortable doing (mostly the grunt work) while they provide balance. Seems good way forward.
Thanks again, always good to get feedback from others who have been or going to be in the same "boat".
Eric
From: Robert Libbert via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Sent: Friday, August 28, 2026 10:07 AM
To: South East Nordic Tugs Owners' Association (SENTOA) <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Cc: Robert Libbert <Rob@libbert.us>
Subject: [Sentoa] Re: lifepo4 install nt32Hi Eric - I’m in NC as well and in the middle of a similar upgrade path as budget allows. So far I’ve added two 200W panels to the pilothouse roof, a Victron MPPT controller, a Cerbo GX and a smartshunt. The solar really extends the life of my AGM battery setup. I too was hoping to drop in some lithium marine batteries that have their own BMS and call it good, but the more research I do, the more I realized I really needed a LiFePO4 capable charger/inverter to go with them. Since thats not in the budget right now, I’m sticking with the AGM/Solar combo which has been great for the long summer days. Not sure how well it will keep up this winter.
Rob
From: JAMES BRUNSON via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Date: Friday, August 28, 2026 at 9:57 AM
To: South East Nordic Tugs Owners' Association (SENTOA) <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Cc: JAMES BRUNSON <james.brunson@cox.net>
Subject: [Sentoa] Re: lifepo4 install nt32I have 4/100amp lithium installed in the engine compartment on my NT 26 with 500 watts of solar. No issues with heat. System stays up with two refrigerators and normal other 12v accessories. Using Victron controllers which are the best.
Regards ,
Jim
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
On Friday, August 28, 2026, 09:13, Eric Swanson via Sentoa <sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> wrote:
I have not found any info from archives or elsewhere with experiences installing a lifepo4 house bank in a NT32. I find my current 2 6v gc batteries inadequate, with 20 hours about best expectation at anchor. I only run the genset for a/c and charging, have propane cooking and primary load is refrigeration and electronics etc, so would like to improve capacity.
The easy way to go lifepo4 would be in the current location in aft starboard engine room. I worry heat would be an issue and wonder how/where others have done the conversion. Can a blower help or should I relocate, perhaps in the starboard locker beneath the settee? Or simply go with 4 gc?
Local electronics shop seems to think the ER would work proposing Epoch 314 ah (or 2). Hardware costs are becoming close, and would simplify and enhance future solar, inverter etc installs and way less battery anxiety.
What to do?
Eric Swanson
NT 32-258
Gone Remote
NC
Sentoa mailing list -- sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
To unsubscribe send an email to sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.org_______________________________________________
Sentoa mailing list -- sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
To unsubscribe send an email to sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.org
Lots of discussion on the Trawler Forum on GC and AGM upgrades to LFP.
Epoch Essentials seem to have a good reputation. On my own boat (no longer
a tug) i have 3x102ah Kilovaults (no longer available) and 100w solar.
No propane but otherwise similar to you. I can run the boat easily for 3
days, 2 nights. If it's sunny and I'm careful I can eek out 3 nights. But 2
nights is much more realistic.
Converting is more complicated than you might think. A professional did
mine.
Jim Waskowich
Ex owner 37-142
On Fri, Aug 28, 2026, 11:56 AM Evan Effa via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
wrote:
Hi Eric,
I might humbly suggest you have 2 batteries in parallel for redundancy &
the ability to shut one down for maintenance/ troubleshooting without
losing power.
-evan
Sent from my iPhone
(please excuse the typos...)
On Aug 28, 2026, at 07:49, Eric Swanson via Sentoa <
sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> wrote:
Thanks for the great responses which reinforce my best path desire and my
competent local shop advice.
Proposed install would be 1 epoch eco series 314ah (or 2) charged by
Orion xs12/12 -50aDC-DC charger (adjusted to 40amps) from start battery,
with Victron bmv712 monitor.
Labor being the biggest expense, the local shop seems quite receptive to
letting me do portions of the work I am comfortable doing (mostly the grunt
work) while they provide balance. Seems good way forward.
Thanks again, always good to get feedback from others who have been or
going to be in the same "boat".
Eric
From: Robert Libbert via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
Sent: Friday, August 28, 2026 10:07 AM
To: South East Nordic Tugs Owners' Association (SENTOA) <
sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
Cc: Robert Libbert Rob@libbert.us
Subject: [Sentoa] Re: lifepo4 install nt32
Hi Eric - I’m in NC as well and in the middle of a similar upgrade path as
budget allows. So far I’ve added two 200W panels to the pilothouse roof, a
Victron MPPT controller, a Cerbo GX and a smartshunt. The solar really
extends the life of my AGM battery setup. I too was hoping to drop in some
lithium marine batteries that have their own BMS and call it good, but the
more research I do, the more I realized I really needed a LiFePO4 capable
charger/inverter to go with them. Since thats not in the budget right now,
I’m sticking with the AGM/Solar combo which has been great for the long
summer days. Not sure how well it will keep up this winter.
Rob
*From: *JAMES BRUNSON via Sentoa sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
*Date: *Friday, August 28, 2026 at 9:57 AM
*To: *South East Nordic Tugs Owners' Association (SENTOA) <
sentoa@lists.sentoa.org>
*Cc: *JAMES BRUNSON james.brunson@cox.net
*Subject: *[Sentoa] Re: lifepo4 install nt32
I have 4/100amp lithium installed in the engine compartment on my NT 26
with 500 watts of solar. No issues with heat. System stays up with two
refrigerators and normal other 12v accessories. Using Victron controllers
which are the best.
Regards ,
Jim
On Friday, August 28, 2026, 09:13, Eric Swanson via Sentoa <
sentoa@lists.sentoa.org> wrote:
I have not found any info from archives or elsewhere with experiences
installing a lifepo4 house bank in a NT32. I find my current 2 6v gc
batteries inadequate, with 20 hours about best expectation at anchor. I
only run the genset for a/c and charging, have propane cooking and primary
load is refrigeration and electronics etc, so would like to improve
capacity.
The easy way to go lifepo4 would be in the current location in aft
starboard engine room. I worry heat would be an issue and wonder how/where
others have done the conversion. Can a blower help or should I relocate,
perhaps in the starboard locker beneath the settee? Or simply go with 4 gc?
Local electronics shop seems to think the ER would work proposing Epoch
314 ah (or 2). Hardware costs are becoming close, and would simplify and
enhance future solar, inverter etc installs and way less battery anxiety.
What to do?
Eric Swanson
NT 32-258
Gone Remote
NC
Sentoa mailing list -- sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
To unsubscribe send an email to sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.org
Sentoa mailing list -- sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
To unsubscribe send an email to sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.org
Sentoa mailing list -- sentoa@lists.sentoa.org
To unsubscribe send an email to sentoa-leave@lists.sentoa.org