[Raptor]

That sounds like a smart option. I know there are companies like Taylor that manufacture altenators that cut out the charging function if the car is at WOT and the batteries have adequate charge. Running without altenators in drag racing is not a new concept, it has been done for years even on cars without magnetos. the 16 volt battery does sound like it would be a good idea.

One of the reasons the small battery thing kills me is the guys who have put them in heavy cars with no real other weight reductions. I can see running one in a car that has been well thought out and lightened, but running one in a heavy boat is pretty much pointless other than if there is some space requirement.

That is not pointed at anyone who posted in this thread yet. I saw a few that fit that description on Uni last year.

I remember looking up the Jacobs thing last year when you mentioned it JET. It is pretty expensive and designed mainly for sound systems, but it could work. I would bet the higher voltage battery/charging system is probably the best method if finances are not an issue though, considering the extra complexity/weight of additional equipment with the Jacobs setup.