Yep, simple math. Either use the specs for amp draw or get an inductive amp gage. Also, I suggest a starting battery. Like a windlass, the draw is high for a short period of time. As someone rightfully told me - don't worry about cycles. It will die of sulfation before you wear it out (kinda like diesels and pleasure boaters). Since it is up top, maybe let it run the anchor light, too! Jim In a message dated 5/3/2009 12:01:07 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, trawlers-and-trawlering-request@lists.samurai.com writes: You will need to determine the max AH your hoist battery will use, then determine the size of panel or panels you will need to replace that based on an average amount of sun per day. **************The Average US Credit Score is 692. See Yours in Just 2 Easy Steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222376998x1201454298/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=62&bcd=M ay5309AvgfooterNO62)

JHWardJr@aol.com wrote: > ... Either use the specs for amp draw or get an inductive > amp gage. ... > "Inductive" ammeters only work on alternating current. To measure DC flows, you need either an in-line ammeter, or a Hall-effect clamp-on meter. I mention this because Hall-effect clamp-on meters are quite a bit more expensive than the simple inductive (aka "current transformer") type. It needs to say "DC" somewhere on the meter or the package. -Sean http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com