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.

ContentsForewordAcknowledgementsIntroduction1. Main Power PlantGasoline EnginesDiesel EnginesRepowering with DieselElectric PropulsionHybrid Electric Power2. Engine AlternatorsHow Generators and Alternators WorkSelecting an AlternatorExternal ControllersBasic Troubleshooting3. Gas & Diesel Generator SetsOptimum PowerDimensions and LayoutEngine ManufacturerEngine PerformanceLoad Surge ProtectionSound ShieldTraditional Genset: WesterbekeBelt Drive: Next GenerationAsynchronous: Fischer PandaFuel-Injected Gasoline: KohlerHybrid Genset: MastervoltGot Juice?4. Alternative FuelsPetroleum DistillatesEthanolLow Sulfur DieselBiodieselHome-Made BiodieselComplications of BiodieselLiquid Petroleum GasGasoline-LPG Conversions5. Cranking and House BatteriesCranking, House, and Dual-Purpose BatteriesBattery RatingsFlooded BatteriesAGMCarbon FoamGelLithium-IonFuel CellsOptimum CombinationsInstalling Batteries6. Solar PanelsPhotovoltaic EnergyRigid Solar PanelsFlexible Solar PanelsNon-Marine PanelsElectrical InstallationMounting Techniques7. Wind GeneratorsTheoryDesign FeaturesLeading ModelsDeck and Arch MountingInstallation KitsOther Considerations8. Hydro GeneratorsAdvantages of Water PowerDesign and ConstructionTowed Water TurbineWind-Water ConversionsTowline-Free Hydro GeneratorsExperimental Technology9. Voltage Regulators and ControllersVoltage RegulatorsSmart ControllersSwitches, Isolators, and Solenoids10. Monitoring SystemsAnalog and Digital MonitoringEngine MonitoringBattery MonitoringMonitoring Charge SourcesAdditional Monitoring DevicesReferencesAppendicesAppendix 1: AWG Battery Cable SizesAppendix 2: AWG Wire Gauge SizesAppendix 3: Beaufort ScaleAppendix 4: Cruiser's Ham BandsAppendix 5: Marine Fire ExtinguishersAppendix 6: Sailboat Specifications DecodedSpecial ThanksAbout the Author