Scott - you are exactly right about this (windlass is only used when engine is running). What I did not say (for sake of brevity) is that my house IS my starting bank. Not the best at all from a house point of view, but great that the winch is on the start battery/engine alternator. My boat had NO inverter system and it was assumed that the genset would do the work. As the genset hourmeter was double the engine hours when I got the boat, I think this is what happened. I really need to spend some time on my system. I just bought an inverter/charger that I need to integrate. Frankly, my boat is 25 years old, and it will take me a while to sort out what it REALLY is now after undocumented and questionable mods. I am guessing by your note that you have a separate alternator for your house bank that it separate from the starter. Correct? I am considering that, but as my starting batteries do not work very hard, I would rather just use the existing alternator to charge the house once I set it up as a separate bank. I will need some isolation to do this, I think. Re the Ideal windlass, one of the listers sold me a wildcat that fit my existing 5/16" chain. It is ugly, but works (I am gathering a load of parts for a local shop to chrome plate). I have a chrome one for 1/4" Acco chain that I need to send on if you know someone that could use it. In a message dated 8/19/2009 2:46:09 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, swelch@opentext.com writes: Plus, more or less by definition you will never be pulling up the anchor without the engine running so you don't need to worry about running down the start bank.

JHWardJr@aol.com writes: >I really need to spend some time on my system.B I just bought an >inverter/charger that I need to integrate.B Frankly, my boat is 25 years >old, and it will take me a while to sort out what it REALLY is now after >undocumented and questionable mods.B If you need any questions answered I am always happy to help. I also have some stuff I have been meaning to put up on my web site, I'll try and get that done. > >I am guessing by your note that you have a separate alternator for your >house bank that it separate from the starter.B Correct?B Correct. >I am considering that, but as my starting batteries do not work very hard, I >would rather justB use the existing alternator to charge the house once I >set it up as a separate bank.B I will need some isolation to do this, I >think.B I like two alternators because then you have a spare. I'd recommend that you keep the existing alternator for the start bank and get a new high-powered alternator plus a smart regulator for the house bank. Scott Welch Chief Evangelist, Open Text Social Media Group www.opentext.com 905 762 6101 "Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out." - John Wooden