They sound like nice people. What struck me was "15 AH per day". They can't use the laptop much at all. Modern laptops draw about 2-4AH with netbooks on the low end and units with fast CPUs and larger screens are on the high side of that. Add lights, refrigeration, AIS and SeaMe radar reflection, and instruments. Refrigeration is the big one, a refer with a small Danfoss compressor drawing about 3A. 15 AH/day doesn't sound possible.

As for not having a CP and inly using the laptop -- I used to do this. I had my radar integrated with the laptop (using Nobeltec RadarPC) and navigating from a laptop on the chart table was OK until we were in a situation where we needed to keep the companionway hatch closed (e.g. heavy rain and following wind) when even the dodger wasn't enough. You don't need a $5k 10" screen, as you can get a 7" CP for around $1k that draws a lot less power than a 10" unit and gives the essential info for steering and radar, while using the laptop below (with it's bigger screen and more user-friendly interface) for course planning etc. I think if you're going to use radar it's good to have it at the helm. I also think tablets can also play a role, without a lot of current consumption, and could be used in the cockpit with a weatherproof case.

Regardless, it's obviously working for them and it's nice to read about what they're doing. Thanks for the post.