Gongoozler
Gongoozler
Paul and Jill, inspired by the design and craftsmanship of True Blue, opted for a custom layout for their new narrowboat, benefiting from bespoke steelwork tailored to their specific needs. Despite living in France, they effectively collaborated with us primarily through email, a method we’ve mastered with our international clientele, including many from Australia. They were able to visit during the construction of The Gongoozler twice and were present for the delivery, fostering a strong connection throughout the process.
Paul and Jill chose an electric propulsion narrowboat for its silent cruising experience, complemented by a lithium battery system and the Vetus E Line, which has delivered outstanding performance for others like the owners of True Blue. The setup includes an 11kw electric motor paired with a 6.5 kva slow-speed diesel generator to ensure reliable power when their impressive 1950 watts of solar energy falls short. Additionally, they have conveniently had installed 8 x 200 ah Victron lithium batteries under the dinette seats to maximize space and efficiency.
After we completed the hull's construction, The Gongoozler was shot blasted to effectively remove the mill scale and other contaminants, followed by the application of a two pack epoxy primer on the superstructure. For protection against marine conditions, a two pack epoxy blacking has also been applied below the waterline.
The electric system on The Gongoozler features a robust setup with a Victron Energy 48V 10 kVA Quattro inverter/charger providing power management, alongside a 3600W isolation transformer to maintain system integrity. The Cerbo GX touchscreen serves as an advanced battery management interface, showcasing real time data on battery status, solar input, and overall power consumption. Additionally, three Victron Energy DC converters handle the critical conversion from 48V to 12V, ensuring compatibility with various devices and enhancing the system’s versatility.
The 10 kVA Quattro is a versatile inverter/charger that converts DC power from batteries into usable AC power for connected devices, while also being linked to an AC power source to recharge the batteries when utility power is accessible, ensuring a seamless power supply and backup solution.
The 3600W isolation transformer provides protection against electrolytic corrosion and enhances electrical safety, ensuring a reliable power supply. Its integrated soft start circuitry prevents the shore circuit breaker from tripping upon connection.
The Cerbo GX is a monitoring and control solution for electrical systems, allowing the owners to access real-time data, historical performance analysis and remote management capabilities through the Victron Remote Monitoring (VRM) portal and the Victron Connect app, making it easy to keep tabs on system performance from any location at any time.
The GX 50 touch screen display offers Paul and Jill a comprehensive and user-friendly interface to effortlessly track their energy system’s performance, including battery status, power usage, and energy generation from various sources, while also allowing for convenient management of shore power and generator functions—ideal for their needs living in France.
The Victron DC-DC converters efficiently lower the 48V DC voltage from batteries to 12V DC, with a specific converter designated for lighting, while the other two units support essential systems like the shower pump, Webasto heating, and water pump, ensuring reliable power supply for various applications.
With 1950W of solar energy captured from the 13 x 150W panels and efficiently managed by the two 250/60 Victron MPPT solar controllers, the system is well-equipped to harness solar power and maintain battery health throughout the sunnier months, significantly reducing reliance on the generator for energy needs.
The Gongoozler underwent a meticulous finishing process in the paint workshop, where it was sprayed with high build epoxy primer, finishing primers, undercoats with non-slip coatings for the gunnels, and top coats of Alexseal. This was followed by the application of an acrylic urethane clear coat that not only imparts a high-gloss finish with exceptional depth but also significantly enhances colour stability and resistance to elements such as UV rays, salt water, abrasion, and fuel. Furthermore, its buffable finish allows for easy restoration of the surface to its original condition in the event of scratches or tree damage.
To ensure the highest standards of professionalism, The Gongoozler has undergone a thorough inspection by an independent marine surveyor, resulting in certification compliant with the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD). This certification verifies that all safety and design requirements have been meticulously adhered to throughout the vessel’s construction, ensuring its reliability and performance on the water.
