On Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:32:26 -0400, wrote:

Batteries are never quite big enough. I think there is a tendency to
add things that draw power., or simply get more casual about useage,
as your battery banks and charging system expand.

Additionally, batteries gradually lose capacity as they age, combined
with the fact that you really shouldn't draw them down more than 50%.
In reality you can only use about 30 to 40% of rated capacity without
unduly shortening battery life.

On Sun, 21 Jun 2009 14:22:20 -0400, Gogarty
wrote:

I bought a small automatic 10/2 amp charger to hold
the batteries over the winter. It cost about $50.

Be careful. Those $50 chargers are really not designed for a damp
marine environment or continuous operation. I know of several boat
fires that have been started by them.