On Thu, 16 Oct 2003 23:19:59 GMT, in message

Jere Lull wrote:

Parallax wrote:

Although I have few elecrical gadgets to use power, I do worry about
having enough juice to run my VHF and running lights and am also
partial to having a small fan. Auto-pilot is also nice on long runs.
So what happens if my batteries accidently get run down?

Changing my mind: Best is two battery banks. Only draw from one at a
time, but always charge both.

Going that way would make me feel I was wasting the untouched bank. I
have two identical deep discharge house batteries (came with the
boat). Running on "All" minimizes the degree of discharge by spreading
it across the batteries, but leaves me open to running down past
engine starting capability. My solution is a "booster pack" -- a
sealed, self contained battery unit with jumper cable clamps that can
be used to jump start cars. Mine weighs about 10 pounds and cost about
CDN$60, making it a way simpler and cheaper bit of insurance.

Yes I know that a "better" solution would be a separate cranking
battery and associated switching.

Ryk