After a summer of dead batteries I finally figured out I had a dead alternator. Here's what I did: 1. took off the old one and had it tested. It was dead. 2. Put a rebuilt one on. Batteries were still discharging. Cockpit instrument panel still not working. Alternator would not kick in. 3. Traced the wires TO the cockpit instrument panel. The harness connections were corroded near the engine. Replaced the connectors. 4. Traced the wires FROM the instrument panel. Found two wires that had been taped together and had rusted off their connection TO THE STARTER. 5. Reconnected them and Voila the cockpit panel and cockpit ignition works. Plus the Alternator kicked in! That circuit was critical to putting a load on the alternator so that it would work. Can't wait til next year. Everything works on the boat now. thanks for all your support.