Topping off batteries
Since having the batteries of a friend's boat die on us on our way from Tortola to Bermuda, and having to tack about twenty miles up the coral-bounded channel to Hamilton because we couldn't start the engine, I have been aware of the problems of low battteries. My boat partner fixed this on our current boat by rigging a solar panel to our two-battery bank. It keeps them both topped off, which is better for them, and we've had no trouble starting the engine, running nav equipment or lights as much as we've liked since the upgrade.
Since having the batteries of a friend's boat die on us on our way from Tortola to Bermuda, and having to tack about twenty miles up the coral-bounded channel to Hamilton because we couldn't start the engine, I have been aware of the problems of low battteries. My boat partner fixed this on our current boat by rigging a solar panel to our two-battery bank. It keeps them both topped off, which is better for them, and we've had no trouble starting the engine, running nav equipment or lights as much as we've liked since the upgrade.