Every cruising boat is a self-contained world, generating, storing, and distributing its own electrical power. The cruising skipper is like an electrical utility manager, a role that is challenging but also rewarding and even enjoyable. Human ingenuity has devised numerous ways of generating electrical power, a variety of configurations for storing it, and just as many ways to conserve it while still enjoying your favorite cruising amenities. Somewhere among all these options is the right combination for you. Boatowner's Energy Planner will guide you to it. When you find it, you'll have a system design that gives you all the power you need, reliably and without driving you to distraction or bankruptcy. It will fit comfortably in your boat without robbing precious cabin or deck space; it will not force you to run your engine or auxiliary generator when you'd rather enjoy peace and quiet; and it will function with the harmonious simplicity of well-integrated parts rather than the dissonance of mismatched components. Granted, you may have to scale back your energy needs a bit in order to enjoy those peaceful anchorages minus the constant clatter of generator or engine. Then again, maybe not. The question is, how can you develop a rational design that adequately addresses the many variables associated with cost, onboard space, location, type of boat, and cruising lifestyle? You can do it. Here's how.