1) When would I be changing at least one of the alternators to a high

    2) How do I intend to start the twin Lehman 120's, since using the GC's for

Nothing is simple, even when sort of planned. As earlier noted, having found my 4D batteries dead and dry late last week, I decided to investigate some upgrades I'd been thinking about for some time, i.e. switch to golf cart batteries, and install a smarter charger and an inverter. My good news is that a marine electrician checked the boat's systems this morning and found no problems. He believes that I allowed the battery electrolyte levels to drop over time until they passed a critical point, and that my winch problems of a few weeks ago just made it worse. Basically, I failed to check the batteries routinely, and have learned an expensive lesson. Another piece of good news was that my fears of damage to the refrigerator's 12 volt system were groundless. The model I have has a protective circuit that shuts it down when voltage drops. PTL. My bad news, however, is that the costs to make the upgrades are increasing rapidly. Xantrex, in Vancouver BC, now owns almost all the inverter brands, and has an on on-line store that offers refurbished models of a couple of lines at quite good prices. After a visit to the website - www.store4power.com - I thought to buy a 1500 watt Propower inverter and a True Charge 40+. A package with remote panel and temperature sensing was quite attractively priced at about $750 (all US currency for our American friends). However, I sought expert advice and was persuaded that a new Heart 2000 with 100 amp charger and a Link 1000 monitor had more than enough value to be well worth twice the price of the Propower combo. Off to the races, or so I thought until the electrician asked a couple of pertinent questions: 1) When would I be changing at least one of the alternators to a high output model, since the existing pair of 70 amp Marconi's won't be able to charge the Golf Cart bank in any reasonable time; and 2) How do I intend to start the twin Lehman 120's, since using the GC's for that purpose would soon damage them ("bend the plates")? He suggested exchanging a pair of the GC's for a D8 as a dedicated starting battery to be recharged by one of the existing alternators, and adding a "smart" switch to take it out of the 110v charging system as soon as it's charged. He also noted that the cables connecting the GC's would have to be 4 gauge marine rather than the 2 gauge that the shop had sold me. Unfortunately, whereas 4 GC's will fit in the existing battery space of 2 4D's, 2 GC's and a D8 won't, and although a minor problem, it's yet another aggravation. I then consulted the marine electric dealer from whom I intended to buy the Heart, and he concurred with the electrician's assessment of charging capacity. However, the shop that sold me the batteries - willing to exchange them, so no problem there - wonders why there is an alternator problem since the increase in capacity is only 12.5% (4 4D's total about 800 AH, and 8 GC's about 900 AH.) However, he, too, agreed that a different starting battery is required. (BTW, the electrician also said that a Group 27 battery wouldn't have enough power for the Lehmans.) So, having started with the idea of spending about $750 in addition to the new batteries, I'm now staring at 3-4 times that - about $1300 for the Heart inverter and Link 1000, another $200 for a relay to separate the starting battery plus new cables and bits and pieces, $400+ for a high capacity alternator with 3-stage regulator, and whatever for other unforeseens and professional installation - the electrician estimated "about $800". My mate says the added convenience of a hair dryer and microwave isn't worth that kind of money to her - of course she'd rather spend it on clothes. The boat was set up for the 4 4-D's and propane, and has operated successfully on that combination for 20 years, so I'm now wondering whether to just stay with the original configuration, particularly since the battery guy is also willing to swap the 8 GC's for 4 4D's. He agreed that I can ponder further over the week-end and that he'll provide whatever I decide next week. Do feel free to add any words of wisdom and advice. Cheers, Garrett