Suggest approaching project in increments....
First off, our cruising is a mix of both urban and remote waters. My preference is more for the remote areas but the Admiral likes the urban ones so I try to provide a combination.
For urban waters our reciprocal gets us into almost all marinas so that's a big help. For these, shorepower is usually available although sometimes it can be a bit of a "profit center."
For generation, when motoring, the engine runs a 70A Balmar alternator which takes care of everything. We've also had an EU1000i generator which puts out 900W continuous and currently we have an EU2000i which is rated for 1600W continuous. The step up to the 2000 had more to do with power outages at home than the boat. Note: the output of the 2000 is not 2x that of the 1000.
There are a lot of downsides to lugging a generator around:
1. It takes of space.
2. The salt air is hard on the metals and will cause them to rust or oxidize. Aluminum oxidizes. Not to mention the electrical and electronics - these units are not marinized. The impact of exposure to the elements will initially deterioriate the value of the units and in the long run will eventually cause operational problems.
3. Some talk about the noise from a wind generator. A gas generator is worse.
4. These things run on gas. Gas has to be carried somewhere and that's a problem. The outboard is bad enough but adding the gas generator it just makes matters worse. Cruising rural and remote areas and anchoring out becomes a problem due to the lack of availability of refueling.
5. These generators have electronic regulators that will wear out with continuous heavy loads, hence, future maintenance problems.
6. Stinky exhaust and gas smell. If you're on the hook the exhaust will, with the station wagon effect, find it's way into the cabin no matter what you do. You can minimize it (open dodger windows, open forward hatch, etc.) but not eliminate it.
There are a couple good parts, though, they save wear-and-tear on the boat's engine, and, their output is significantly higher than the average usage. A generator could be handy for something like a hair dryer or microwave, however, a good inverter/charger with heavy duty wiring would obviate the need for one.
Solar panels:
1. The up-front cost of our two 130W Kyocera panels was about that of the 2000i.
2. The solar panels standardly have something like a 20 or 25 year guarantee (much longer than a generator) which is something to consider. 3. They are absolutely quiet.
4. Depending on where and how you mount them they can be in the way. Ours are on the pushpit sides and can be angled up. One can also be in the way when docking but by holding the stern line out of the way this problem is eliminated.
5. Solar output is a function of daylight and is seriously diminished under heavy overcast.
6. Solar is excellent for topping off the batteries which the generator or engine powered alternator is not.
7. No lugging or buying of gasoline is required.
8. Possibly could be a problem being deployed (if mounted like ours) in a marina.
Wind generator:
We have one of these too. For starters, though, I'd suggest waiting on this option for now until one sees how things work out.
Since the refrigerator/ice box is the biggest energy user (unless wife is really into hair drying), work on insulation. This will be work but the biggest bang for the buck. If foam is used, use closed-cell and be very careful about expansion around cabinetry. There are other insulation methods available that can insulate better, R-value, if there is access.
Feel the counter top over the refrigerator/ice box. If it feels cold there is one very easy trick and that is to put a blanket or towel on the counter when the galley isn't being used. And certainly, plug the drain hole.
With the solar panels one should consider using the Blue Sky "Solar Boost" 2000E. This will optimize the solar output when it is cloudy or overcast. With our two panels we're normally able to keep up with all the ships power demands.
If on the hook under adverse weather for solar panels, use the ships high output alternator for the bulk charging and then switch to solar for the rest. If there isn't much solar power available, run the engine for when peak loads like the hair dryer or microwave is used.
Hot water heater: This can be a problem, or not. On a sunny day we have enough surplus solar power that we can dump the excess into the water heater via the inverter. A better solution for cruisers, however, is a hot water heater element that can run off the solar power output and bypass the inverter. Water heater can also be insulated.
If after all this you still need more electrical power then wind can be considered but I'd save this for later.
. In order not to ignite another dust up about hair dryers - just hear her reasoning. She wants to be able to stay on a mooring or anchor longer on cruises. As it is, we need a dock to recharge about every third night. This is expensive and we prefer moorings and anchoring to the marinas. So we don't want to run AC. We do want to play the CD player - OK its mostly ipod, the satellite radio, computer off/on, the anchor alarm which means all the instruments, the anchor light, and some cabin lighting, the coffee pot and recharging the phones, vhf, etc. not to mention the water pressure. We usually use a oil lantern in the cockpit in the evening and citronella candles. We don't light the boat up like a canival.
