Thanks for the tips, I'll shut the charger down for sure at the AC panel. I noticed this past weekend that the output was between 12-13 on the gauge at the helm station. I thought this was low, but given the batteries sit on shore power all week and we really only run radio, instruments and VHF while out for few hours I guess I'm not really taxing my battery bank.
I did learn that the autopilot, engage lever behind the wheel, or what ever that is called, can be left half way between on and off and it makes a little bit of drag on the wheel. I noticed this drag was just enough that I could move briefly away to a jib line and it would still hold course. I assume this drag is ok and not damaging anything by using it this way, thoughts?