Batteries and charging unit.?

[twinxda]

I hope that some of you out there might be able to help me.
I am in the process of restoring a boat to her former glories, and im trying to gather some information regarding a sevicable, affordable, and workable electrical system as the old one was a bit of old 2 core wire and and three 12v halogen bulbs... (and a bike in the back for the missis to pedle to keep it running) did wonders for her figure but was terrible for any type of nocturnal life.
So im cosidering putting in a bank of three batteries with mains line charging via a charger.?
My question is this for general weekend cruising 3/4 nights max what sort of batteries would be best for this (at an affordable cost) considering one is for starting and the other two are for the general services, where is the best place to look for one of these i.e. web site, distributer etc ?
Also what sort of charging unit would best suit my requirments 1 twin output would be good and 1 single for the starter battery, again where can i find an affordable one i.e. web site distributer etc ?
Or am i totally barking up the wrong tree. ?
Thanks for reading my long winded question but alas im crap at explaining myself.
Cheers...


<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[the_wanderer]

For the use that you describe, try ordinary automotive batteries, they have always worked for me. For charging off the engine, try a splitter system available at caravan dealers. It charges your main starting battery first and domestic batteries afterwards so if you spend the night playing cards..........or other things, the mind boggles! you can still start the engine, even if you cannot steer the boat due to the previous night's excesses.

<hr width=100% size=1>