Sun, Wind, & Water - Part 1 of 2

The Essential Guide to the Energy-Efficient Cruising Boat

This is Part 1 of 2 of Sun, Wind, & Water, The Essential Guide to the Energy-Efficient Cruising Boat.  

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 Systems

A 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.