GL: Battery-inverter-charger questions

[Jim Boyd]

I have recently purchased my first boat and will be spending all of 2008
getting the boat (and the Captain) ready to do the Loop in the spring of
2009.  The boat is currently equipped with twin Volvo diesel engines and a
10kw genset.  However, the boat only has 2 batteries that are used for
starting the engines and providing DC house current.  (the genset also has a
dedicated starting battery).  I have been a lurker on this list for over two
years and have learned much including that, unless I wish to sleep with the
genset running while on the hook, I should be sure to have dedicated house
batteries, an inverter and a proper charging system that will charge both
house and starting batteries.

 

I plan on getting that work done while the boat is on the hard at a NC
boatyard getting other maintenance performed.  My questions to the group are
- What type of House Battery is recommended?  What total a/h should I look
for?  I have been looking at the Xantrex Freedom 25/12 charger/inverter - is
this recommended?  Any other suggestions?  Also, budget is a very important
factor.

 

Thanks

 

Jim  & Carol Boyd

Lark

Morehead City Yacht Basin