[MSam]

Hi Dennis -

Regarding the turbines - maybe it''s just my lack of familiarity with rigging one up - also think they''re unsightly. Also, I have a hard dingy on davits hanging off my transom and I think mounting a turbine would in that area would be crowded - but maybe you''re right that I should re-explore the option.

Regarding the generator - I figured there are several advantages. The Hondas are super quiet. Also, by plugging the generator into the boat (harnessing the generator''s power from the 15 amp AC recepticle into the 30 amp shorepower socket)I would be able to charge the batteries through the charge regulator (?) and (I think) would get a full 3 stage charge. In addition - the generator would power my AC outlets throughout the boat (I don''t have an inverter).

I haven''t really looked closely at boats on moorings (there are no moorings where I used to keep my boat) - but I would think only a few have solar pannels or turbines - so I''m wondering how everyone who doesn''t have these items gets keeps power up. Maybe just running the engine....