Client: Johnny Sturgeon
Industry: Maritime
Location: Whitby and London, UK
Date: May 2024
Overview:
Johnny Sturgeon, an innovative boatbuilder, set out to transform a decommissioned lifeboat into a fully functioning floating home—now known as Orla. His project combined creativity, sustainability, and craftsmanship to breathe new life into a marine vessel, capturing the attention of many, including the team at Merlin Power.
Orla Lifeboat at the beginning and at the end of the project.
Project Details:
Orla was no ordinary project. It wasn’t just about fitting an electrical system—it was about complementing Johnny’s craftsmanship and vision with power solutions that were equally considered. As Johnny reached the point where reliable onboard electrics became essential, Merlin Power stepped in as a technical partner.
Merlin Power worked closely with Johnny to design a system that was both robust and easy to manage—tailored to life on the water. This wasn’t just about powering appliances; it was about creating an off-grid system that could support modern living while ensuring safety, sustainability, and peace of mind. The result was a power setup that supported everything from lighting and charging to day-to-day comforts—allowing Johnny to realise his vision of a floating home, built without compromise.
The Challenge:
Designing a marine electrical system presents unique challenges—especially for a repurposed vessel like Orla. Key requirements included:
- A dependable power source to meet varied onboard needs.
- Battery monitoring to avoid overcharging or deep discharging, helping prolong battery life.
- Safe, compliant installations to mitigate the risk of electrical faults
- A durable, future-proof setup suitable for continuous residential use.
The Solution:
To meet these requirements, Merlin Power supplied and specified a reliable, high-performance system made up of:
- 4 x Fullriver DC150-12 Batteries: By providing Fullriver DC Series batteries, we ensured that Johnny had sufficient energy storage to support lighting, appliances, and other electrical systems. These deep-cycle batteries ensured a robust power supply, essential for the various electrical needs of the home
- 1 x Merlin SmartGauge Battery Monitor: This solution allowed Johnny to easily track the state of charge (SOC) and state of health (SOH) of the batteries, ensuring optimal usage and timely maintenance.
- 1 x KISAE BIC 3000/100 Inverter Charger: The Inverter/Charger converted DC power from the batteries to AC power which allowed Johnny to efficiently manage energy consumption and recharge the batteries when necessary.
- 1 x Merlin Combi Consumer Unit: The installation of the Merlin Combi Consumer Unit addressed safety concerns by providing a centralised point for electrical distribution, enhancing safety and efficiency.
The Outcome:
With the electrical system complete, Orla was ready to leave Whitby and begin a new chapter navigating London’s canal network. The result is not only a functional off-grid home but a perfect example of engineering and design working in harmony.
Orla’s journey was later featured on Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, celebrating the transformation from lifeboat to floating home. Merlin Power is proud to have played a part in bringing Johnny’s vision to life—proving that innovative, off-grid living is within reach.
The completed Orla Lifeboat on George Clarke's Amazing Spaces
Client Testimonial:
“I really recommend using Merlin Power. They provide electrical solutions to everyone from the RNLI to emergency service vehicles and were incredibly helpful designing a system to suit my needs.”
—Johnny Sturgeon, Owner of the Orla Lifeboat.
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