T&T: Ramifications of AGM batteries

[Phil & Kate]

Bob asked "So how does that affect our perception of the overall
usefulness of ac generators, which I believe have inherent bottlenecks when
creating dc energy (not revealed when using slow-charging batteries), but
which have previousl"

I've wondered about this as well. We have a 5kw Northern lights that we use
mostly for heating water and cooking on the electric stove. The admiral would
like to convert to propane for the stove and at some point I will relocate the
water heater to a position at which it can be linked to the engine cooling
circuit for heat exchange. We have minimal DC loads, e.g. LED as primary
lighting, the habits of bare bones rag sailors, rarely spend more than one day
without engine time, use AC at the slip only. If we pulled and sold the
genset, I could easily relocate the water heater, add 2 6-volts to the house
bank, improve access to some important systems, and take a fair amount of
weight out of the boat. I would probably install a larger alternator to
increase charging capacity, although there can be issues with that. I
understand concerns with using a main engine as a generator for long periods.
Has anyone gone this route for similar reasons? Regretted it?
Thanks.
Phil Pennington
AMY B
Kent Narrows