July 27th, 2021
Berthon Spain’s electrical team have been working wonders of late, upgrading and improving a whole host of yachts. Below is an insight into just a few of our more interesting projects.
B&G Conversion on a Gunfleet 58’
This is the second Gunfleet 58’ to receive an upgrade of navigation electronics from Berthon Spain. The new B&G Zeus equipment works extremely well in conjunction with the Mastervolt C Zone system that is fitted on these yachts. The processing speed of the new B&G systems is immensely fast, and is super user friendly when compared to last generation equipment.
On these yachts, we have installed 3 plotters: 1 Zeus 3S 16” down below and then 2 Zeus 3S 10-inch plotters on each of the pedestals on deck. In addition, we installed B&G auto pilots and the new B&G Halo 20+ radar. Following the installations, we worked very closely with the owners to programme not just the B&G equipment, but also the C-Zone to ensure that the system is perfect for their personal use.
The C-Zone systems allow us to programme the screens and functions so that equipment turns on exactly as the owners’ wish. For example, we can set up a “day sailing” tab and this will turn on everything you require to go sailing and then when you get back to port you push “port mode” and the yacht then switches off what isn’t needed and turns on what you would usually need on the dock.
Mainfurl In-Boom Furling & Reckmann Vang Installation:
We have recently completed a retro fit on a Hanse 588 installing a Mainfurl boom, Reckmann hydraulic vang and the associated electronic equipment for the furler. This was a very complex installation as both pedestal panels had to be completely rewired and re-labelled. The battery bank was be improved and the Mastervolt charging and monitoring systems were upgraded.
Our lead electrical engineer, Richard Green, started by producing detailed schematics of exactly where everything needed to be located and the physical location of the needed wiring. He and the rest of the team then had a clear picture of the installation, and once complete this also provides the owner with exact details of where everything is located.
Berthon Spain’s fabrication team made the necessary modifications to the mast, interior woodwork, and helm station panels. Following the completion of the installation we carried out a sea trial with Elvestrom Sails Palma, who supplied the boom and mainsail. Everything was calibrated and tested, and the owners are now off enjoying easy short-handed sailing with their new Mainfurl in-boom sail.
This beautiful Hanse 588 will be coming back to see the Berthon Spain team for further modifications in the next few weeks.
Mastervolt Lithium-Ion Installation on an Oyster 625:
Some months ago, we were contacted by the captain of an Oyster 625 who wanted to upgrade the yacht’s battery bank to Lithium Ion to increase capacity and reduce generator usage. Having researched the best options for the space available, we recommended Mastervolt MLI Ultra Li-Ion batteries.
Once the yacht had arrived in Palma, we removed the old batteries and set up a temporary bank so that the captain could still use the basic amenities on board. We then removed the old battery box and Berthon Spain’s shipwrights fabricated a new battery base and clamps. The new batteries were then installed. Richard Green worked his magic to ensure that the wiring was as it should be.
In addition, we have upgraded the bow and stern thruster batteries to Optimas and installed a new Mastervolt inverter and charger. All of this new equipment mean that, with the exception of the air conditioning, the yacht will now run silent for almost twice the amount of time she could before the modifications.
Following the battery installation, we have also installed a new ICOM SSB and made some improvements to the anchoring system. This Oyster 625 is now all ready for world cruising and we look forward to seeing them again in the future.
If Berthon Spain can help with any of your yachting electrical requirements, then please do get in touch.
Managing Director – andrew.fairbrass@berthonspain.com
Tel: +34 971 415 441
https://www.berthonspain.com/
