Captain's Guide to Alternative Energy Afloat - Part 1 of 2

This is Part 1 of 2 of The Captain's Guide to Alternative Energy Afloat.Part 1 covers the following topics: * Main Power Plant* Engine Alternators* Gas & Diesel Generator Sets* Alternative Fuels* Cranking and House Batteries* Solar Panels* Wind Generators* Hydro Generators* Voltage Regulators and Controllers* Monitoring SystemsA successful ocean passage on a small to midsize sailing vessel means keeping things as simple as possible. Sun, Wind, & Water: The Essential Guide to the Energy-Efficient Cruising Boat gives you the most detailed, up-to-date advice on how to prepare your boat for an ocean crossing while at the same time saving money and ensuring a smaller footprint on Mother Nature. Circumnavigator-author Bill Morris describes in detail the best options for reducing dependence on fossil fuels, minimizing battery usage, and enjoying a comfortable lifestyle on the water. He presents an array of electrical charging systems, power-saving electrical fixtures, and manual devices aimed at saving money on fuel, along with pointers on installation and maintenance. This practical guide covers:* The development of an energy-saving plan for your boat* Battery technology and hydrogen fuel cells* Charging batteries from sun, wind, and water power* Battery charge control systems* Effective refrigeration options for the tropics* Autopilots and windvane self-steering* Energy-saving systems on three successful blue water vessels* And much, much more...Bill Morris, author of The Windvane Self-Steering Handbook and a frequent contributor to Ocean Navigator Magazine, currently cruises the Channel Islands of Southern California on the 1966 Cal 30 Saltaire as he prepares for his next offshore adventure.