Benno's problem is common when you cruise outside of the US (and occurs many times in Central America and the Caribbean). It is very frustrating. Before you leave, go over every system, and every part of each system, and make a check list of what is essential. Essential means that the boat will not run without it. Those items need to be backed up, with a new or rebuilt part. For example--any engine starter needs to be backed up (even an air or hydraulic starter--although these are more reliable). All belts have to have replacements, and some specific hoses. Water pumps have to have at least one complete backup, ready to change out--and then a complete rebuild kit to bring the bad pump up to par. An alternator, or ways of producing adequate DC power to run the systems--which applies in this case--at least an extra main engine alternator--and we had an alternator bolted onto the front of the genset, plus a back up for both of those (the extra engine alternator was identical to the one bolted to the genset) is essential We carried several thousand screws nuts and bolts--plus taps and dies to make these screws useful, if we had to change the size. Threaded rod and nuts often saved the day. I decided if I wanted one stationary power tool, that a bench size drill press was the one--and we carried that in the work shop . (I feel that a specific work shop--with parts bins, boxes tool chests, with a good hard work surface is also essential). We also carried a large assortment of both hand and power tools--today would have more battery operated tools: drills, right angle drills, something like the Fein multipurpose tool, dremel tools, saber saw, sawzall, grinder (also mounted grinder)--both of which can use wire wheels, as well as an assortment of stones. A heat gun, glue gun, Museum putty often solve problems at getting parts into difficult places. Of course the pickup and magnetic pick up wands. Inspection mirrors. Calipers--digital and mechanical. Pitch gauges, Machinists rule. Machinists vise and at least 4" vice on the bench. Assorted files, saw blades, hacksaw, all sorts of Allen, torque, Phillips, Robertson, etc screw drivers. Socket sets--in sizes up to what you need to tear down the transmission output shaft. Also at least one small hydraulic jack (we also carried several large ones). Systems are of two types--essential--main propulsion, fuel and water tanks, power generation, steering etc. Non essential may include water maker, refrigeration, air conditioning etc (life may not be as comfortable--but it will go on, and you can proceedure toward your destination.) Certainly Benno's final solution was good--he wired the alternator to the house and start batteries. We would have already had a switch which allowed charging the engine start, and then switching over to the house from the engine alternator, plus a spare large alternator, if for some reason we lost the secondary alternator on the main engine. In his case there was a 75 amp alternator, I have seen them as small as 40 amps with older engines. In may boats today 75 amps may not be enough to run all of the systems, so Materials which we might not find--such as specific head gaskets, injector plumbing, injector pump, spare injectors, extra hoses, tubing and end fittings ,with tools for their use. Another very handy item we had was a book in 7 languages which had multiple expanded drawings and translation into English, French, Greek, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and German. For example it might show a drawing of a screw--and the threads, head, diameter, pitch etc--and the word for each of these in the language you needed. (Also a good translator, if you didn't speak the language--many school children know English well). Also with the advent of digital cameras, we take photos of anything we take apart--so we know exactly how it goes back together. Many times would would stick around to be sure that things were done correctly. (before digital, we had Polaroid). Regards, Bob Austin