YDSA Northern Forum - March 2023
Published: 25 April 2023
The 2nd March 2023 saw the first YDSA Northern Forum of the year take place in its usual location at Ellesmere Port Boat Museum.
As always, it was very well attended, with delegates from vast reaches of the country and including surveyors, brokers, and a marine engineer - all keen to gain insights into the topics on offer.
What was discussed?
Three excellent speakers presented throughout the day, with the subjects based around hybrid propulsion and lithium batteries. Both subjects that are hot topics at the moment.
Up first was Graham Hawksley, Hybrid Marine, who gave us an overview of the diesel/electric hybrid system that he has pioneered over many years. He also provided information on lithium and lead acid batteries and systems used in a hybrid set-up. He even brought an engine into the room for us to observe. And, as the lift went out of order at the end of the day, it might still be there for us to admire at the November meeting!
Next was Justin Stopford, Associate YDSA member, who attends almost all the Northern Forum events and has also presented at YDSA events before. Justin’s expertise is in train electrical systems and he bought a great spin on what a surveyor should be looking for when dealing with electric drive systems, batteries and systems. He certainly provoked some considerations in the room.
Last up was Nigel Vincent, Victron Energy. Nigel contributed throughout the day, but once at the front of the room, presented various Victron products to the delegates, as well as giving an insight about lithium batteries. He also provided a variety of Victron documents and tools (available for download from the Victron website) which acted as helpful assets to better understand electrical systems, etc. Nigel was well quizzed on lithium batteries - another current and regular topic amongst the marine industry.
We are grateful to all three speakers who each gave such informative presentations to the room. As usual, interesting debates were had amongst delegates and all those present came away with a number of questions answered as well as a better understanding of key topics discussed during the day.
Final many thanks go to YDSA member Charles King, Monarch Marine, for organising another fantastic YDSA Northern Forum.
Future YBDSA Forums
If you have not attended the YDSA Northern Forum before, then you are missing out! It is always an excellent event - held at the same time twice a year at Ellesmere Port Boat Museum:
- The first Thursday in March
- The first Thursday in November
Get the dates in your diary now!
If you have any topics that you would like covered at the next YDSA Northern Forum, please let the office know in good time so that these can be considered and organised.
See you in November.
Justin Green, J G Marine Services Ltd.
