On a liveaboard motorsailer the engine and electrical systems are just as important as the sails. They determine how far you can go, how comfortably you can live, and how safe you feel when things go wrong.
This page describes the current setup on Maja (1982 Nauticat 38, hull 156) and the thinking behind it. We prioritise safety first, then comfort, then style.
The Engine
Maja is equipped with a Volvo Penta D2-75 diesel engine, installed in 2017.
Key points:
- Modern common-rail engine
- Good access in the engine room
- Reliable and relatively quiet for its size
- Currently around 1,500 hours (as of the latest tour)
The original engines on Nauticat 38s varied (Ford Lehman and others were common). Many boats of this age have received newer engines, and the D2-75 is a solid choice for a boat of this displacement.
This short tour shows the layout, access, and main components in the engine room.
Also useful: The engine-room section starts around the middle of the video.
Fuel System
- Total capacity: 2 × 300 litres = 600 litres of diesel
- Two separate tanks (port and starboard)
Diesel bugs (microbiological contamination) are a real risk on boats that sit for longer periods or that take on fuel of varying quality. We have dealt with blocked filters and have videos showing both the problem and the prevention.
Above and below: These videos show real problems and practical solutions — exactly the kind of honest information that is useful for other Nauticat owners.
Electrical System (Current Setup)
The present electrical system on Maja is still based on traditional lead-acid batteries:
| Battery bank | Capacity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Start battery | 190 Ah | Engine starting |
| Thruster / Windlass | Lead-acid | Bow thruster & windlass |
| House / Consumption | 2 × 190 Ah | Living systems |
Charging sources:
- Engine alternator (via Victron Argo FET isolator)
- 115 A generator (when needed)
- Solar panels with Victron MPPT controller
This video explains how we charge the different battery banks from the engine without mixing them.
Planned Electrical Upgrade
One of the next major projects is a complete renewal of the house electrical system, including:
- Lithium house batteries
- Proper battery management and monitoring
- Improved solar capacity
- Cleaner, more efficient charging setup
- Possibly Starlink for better connectivity
We will document the whole process on the channel when we do the work. Until then, the current lead-acid system still works, but it is no longer optimal for full-time liveaboard use.
Other Important Systems
- Fresh water: 450 litres
- Hot water: Engine-driven calorifier / water heater
- Inverter: 2,000 W (230 V)
- Bilge pumps: Multiple (manual + electric) – redundancy is important
- Bow thruster: Electric, with its own battery
Good access and redundancy are more important to us than fancy features.
Philosophy Behind the Systems
We do not aim for the most advanced or expensive systems. We aim for systems that are:
- Reliable
- Understandable
- Repairable with normal tools and knowledge
- Suitable for long periods away from marinas
That is why we still run a relatively simple lead-acid setup while planning a carefully thought-out lithium upgrade.