Jeanine Blues
Category Meet our customers 07/03/2025

Meet Our Customers: Jeanine – My Off-Grid Sailing Adventure

At Smartmarine they really have a talent for supporting adventurous clients, and I am one of them! My name is Jeanine, and together with my partner Hans I am preparing for a sailing trip with no end date. We have our eyes set on the Mediterranean, but we do not know yet when exactly we will arrive there. The adventure has yet to begin, but we are almost ready.

With the sea as our future home, there are a few things that are essential to me. Comfort, reliability, and of course enough power and water to keep everything running. When we decided to make this trip, we knew right away that we had to be well prepared. The limited space on my Feeling 32 and the need for a powerful, efficient power supply made choosing the right equipment essential. Thanks to the expertise of Smartmarine we knew exactly what we needed, and together we found a solution that perfectly suited our needs.

Smart energy solutions

Because we have limited space on board, it was important for me to choose a system that was both compact and efficient. That's why I chose a Victron-network, with the Lynx system as the heart of the installation. The Lynx system makes everything clear, and because it communicates with the Cerbo GX via the Lynx Shunt, everything is well coordinated. This gives me full control over my energy consumption.

The Multiplus 3000 power inverter allows me to use 220V, which is essential for the luxury of a nice cup of Nespresso in the morning, or even for using an Airfryer. Because even at sea you should be able to enjoy your little moments of indulgence! I was surprised by the effectiveness of the system; I didn't expect everything to run so smoothly. Not only does it provide the power I need, but it does so in a way that keeps my energy consumption efficient.

Sustainable water

In addition to electricity, water was also an important consideration for us. With a water tank of only 200 liters, it was important to have a system that would not take up much space, but could still produce enough water. That is why we choose the Electromaax Compact water maker. This watermaker is not only energy efficient and quiet, but also fits perfectly in the limited space on board. The great thing is that I no longer have to worry about the water supply; it ensures that we always have enough water for our daily needs. That increases the freedom enormously, especially when we anchor somewhere in remote areas.

Sustainable energy

Furthermore, I wanted to expand my energy supply with solar panels, but space is limited on our boat. So I decided to Lightleaf SeaLeaf solar panels to install. These solar panels are lightweight, stylish and made from carbon, making them perfect for tough marine conditions. They are easily adjustable and can be positioned to maximise sunlight. Both panels have their own Victron MPPT, so that the energy yield is optimally utilized.

Always enough power, even when it's cloudy

Since I have little space for solar panels, I decided to use an Electromaax Cruiser 160A High output alternator to add. This alternator already delivers a lot of charging current at low revs, which means that I can generate energy while sailing, even at low speed. What I find especially useful is that the alternator can even quickly recharge the batteries while the boiler is warming up behind the anchor. This gives me peace of mind, especially when the sun is not shining or the wind is absent. The alternator can be fully read out via an app, and everything is additionally protected by a System Surge Protector. To keep the alternator running optimally, I have a serpentine pulley kit upgrade added. This ensures that the straps do not slip, there is no dust, and it looks cool too!

Reliable storage capacity

All generated power is stored in two 280Ah lithium batteries van Solar Mobile. These batteries are real powerhouses. They can be deeply discharged, handle high charge currents and are easy to monitor via the app or the Cerbo GX. This means we can stay off-grid for longer without having to worry about the power supply. Thanks to the efficient storage capacity I am able to fully rely on my own power supply, even during long periods of sailing or when we are in a remote area.

A perfectly working system

After a season of sailing I am extremely happy with how everything works. Of course there were some small hiccups in the beginning, such as learning to work with the new system and adjusting everything to the way we sailed. But now everything is running like a charm. I am so glad that I have the expertise of Smartmarine have called in, because their extensive advice ensured that we made the right choices. The cooperation with my own installer was very good. Everything was installed quite quickly and we did not have to worry about anything. The only thing left to do is enjoy the journey!

My experiences have taught me how important it is to be well prepared and have a well thought out system on board for long journeys at sea. From reliable power supply to smart water management – ​​every part of the system contributes to a carefree and pleasant journey.

Want to explore the world self-sufficiently?

Do you want to travel self-sufficiently, just like me? Smartmarine they are happy to help you with expert advice and the best products for your boating adventure. Take contact with them and discover the possibilities available for your trip!

Blues

@OnboardBlues

Follow Jeanine, Hans and cat Pillow on Instagram @onboardblues.