Thanks for the suggestions.

We have just bought a smart charger and just about to do modifications to the battery box to fit 2No 6v Trojan 230ah traction batteries.

I don't think that the 40ah alternator will be up to keeping up with the daily consumption and with only 60L of diesel I would only have a limited amount of engine hours.

The Idea of a bimini is something I have been toying with, I have access to stainless bending equipment and a mum that manufactures boat covers.

Although I am concerned about mounting panels permanently on the back as unlike big boats with lots of protection we only have 500mm of freeboard around the stern.

Maybe we could lash them down and remove them prior to any bad weather or could this be risky business in a squall?

We are really looking forward to going but doing it on a small boat creates lots of challenges!