That seems to make a difference. But I'll confess something. In Maine, I don't use my anchor light very much. Most of my anchorages we use throughout the season, are shallow and well known to be off the channels and travel areas. But the higher output bulb is much more visible and I use it if there is any question of safety.

Bruce's honesty on running his engine is what many of us feel. For instance, after a night at anchor, having used quite a bit of power with lights, pumps, gizmos sailing there, in the morning, I rarely if ever sail off the anchor. So the engine begins charging as I raise the anchor. I watch the amp gauges to see what's flowing into the house and engine banks.

The state of charge can very likely determine what happens next. If batteries are near full, we'll likely raise sails outside the anchorage and kill the engine. If I can see the batteries will need topping off, we'll likely motor for a bit, even in good wind conditions.

I wouldn't be surprised if that's how many of us start sailing or powering, a days coastal leg. A sailboat under power may often be simply charging and using the by product - propulsion.