Like many of you have already done, I'd like to install an onboard
electrical system for some interior lights, Propex heater, stereo, 'puter,
etc. all run off of an Optima battery.

The Optima battery rates at 52 amp/hrs. I've calculated my max daily
consumption at roughly 35 amp/hrs. According to West Marine you should have
at least 20% of your inverter's rating in amp-hrs of battery capacity.
Therefore, I come up with about a 300 watt inverter (20% of 300 watts = 60
amp/hrs. compared to the Optima's rating of 52 amp/hrs.).

West Marine says that this calculation roughly "allows you to run your
inverter for two hours at half power while consuming 50% of the battery's
energy." Huh? I don't get it. Is this overkill, or not enough? Can a 300
watt inverter handle lights, heater, stereo, and 'puter running all at the
same time for a few hours?

Now one of the ftp files I got off of gerry.vanagon.com says your battery
capacity should be double your expected daily amp/hrs. consumption.
According to this, I'd have to be driving around with 90 pounds of Optima
batteries, i.e. two Optimas! Yikes! And who has room for two Optimas?

I'd also like this setup to recharge itself as I'm motoring down the road.

I'm really flying blind here. I've just read enough to make myself
dangerous. Any guidance will be appreciated.

Hope you're all enjoying a big vat of figgy pudding.

Kevin
'89 Syncro Westie
"Anchored, down in Anchorage - Alaska"