In article ,
"Doug Dotson" wrote:

But 10 miles out is no place to
suddenly lose both alternators. With no alternator, boat
engine will only run as long as battery charge remains.

Yet another reason to buy a diesel

Thanks for anticipating my response.

But any quality switch I've dealt with (some 30 years old) was
make-before-break, a non-issue. Of course the engine loads down heavily
when tasked with charging the weaker bank, but that's self-correcting.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/