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 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

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