Date: Tue Feb 27, 2001 12:32 pm

AGM Batteries: I have had great experience with my two 220Ah (200Ah at normal temperatures) Concord AGM batteries in parallel as housebank, and the Optima starting battery.

My two Siemens 75W solar panels on a Stekel regulator helped a lot to maintain refrigeration without overusing the engine. I might consider 55W if redoing, in order to locate and move/orient them more easily at sea and in harbor, on a space limited Seawind II 32ft ketch (25.6 ft at waterline).

Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2001 8:38 AM

I have 2x200Ah AGM batteries as house bank and an Optima for starting battery, protected from the former by a simple solenoid. I monitor this dual system through an E-mon from Ample Power, and have upgraded my alternator to an Ample Power 100A. No generator, only two Siemens SP-75 solar panels with a Steca regulator, which allow refrigeration without having to run the engine every day. Only comment is AGM is expensive and must be installed with care. Still considering an entrained alternator...

and ac installation.