12 volt to 24 volt conversion

[SMIK12]

I''m upgrading my boat for long distance cruising and after much reading around boat electrical systems I''m considering upgrading the 12v system to 24v. My aim would be to make the system as efficient as possible related to power consumption and to minimise voltage loss. I have the room to fit a number of additional 6v golf batteries, and the majority of my hardware is selectable for either 12v or 24v. Is there anything else I should be considering? Do I need to upgrade all my circuit breakers, etc, or am I contemplating a lot of work for little payback?

[TomS]

It is the total amperage of your battery system that determines how much power you have available. Increasing the voltage is only advantagous if you are powering heavy current demanding loads;ie, thrusters, large windlasses, etc. Then, it only saves you the added wire size needed to carry the additional current. There is no free power. And then, you will have to charge the batteries. Without a bunch of diodes to isolate each set of 12vdc batteries, your charging system will have to be upgraded as well. My suggestion would be to put in the additional batteries and go.