We are in the process of replacing the p.o.s. auto style battery charger with a new marine charger/inverter, and new gel-cell batteries. Cost of the charger/inverter is about $900, plus about $200 for a remote panel with amp-hour meter. To that we will add about 400-800 AH of gel cell batteries. About $400. Bit pricey but the existing system is rather inadequate. Of course, we will have to add some for cableing and extras sigh.

Having purchased the charger/inverter (Heart Freedom 20) and accessories (Link 2000, fuse, fuseholded) for a total of around $1500, far more than originally thought. I am faced with the installation. Like most jobs, this is a bit more complicated than I had originally thought. (but I planned for that see, I knew I had no clue. ) Anyway. I have that stuff, now I have to figure out the best location to put the inverter. Out of the way, good airflow, someplace it won't get splashed. I will probably place it in the engine compartment, since Windwalker is blessed with a rather large one compared to most sailboats. I may have to fabricate a splash guard shield in case of hose failure. But that is a relatively minor issue.

We will also look into solar panels, as well as wind generators and towed generators. Which should allow us to disconnect from shore power for extended periods with little or now problems.

Have rewired the shore power connecter, with a new connector, and new 10GA marine grade tinned wire, to the power panel. The old one was about to die in a rather spectacular way. Also added a new shore power cord at the same time.