Essential Boat Electrics

Electricity is vital on board most boats: to keep their systems running and to provide the crew with the services they expect. Much of it will be professionally fitted and many yachtsmen will have little knowledge about the finer detail of electric circuits. But, given the importance of electrical power, some understanding of it is likely to be useful: either to use when required away from the marina or to repair and upgrade your systems. This book is written to provide that understanding and to allow you to undertake electrical jobs on board yourself, properly and safely. It removes the mystique of boat electrics and gives you the confidence to tackle the jobs when you need to. Included are the minimum formulae and theory required, focussing more on the practical – using simple language and clear illustrations. There are tutorials, from using a multimeter and wiring a circuit, to troubleshooting electrical faults, all using easy-to-follow photo sequences. The book also looks at tasks such as choosing solar panels and batteries and connecting navigational instruments. The book is a great manual for a yachtsman needing to keep the power flowing. It has been thoroughly modernised and updated for this new edition by boating electric wizard Oliver Ballam.

The second in a series of highly practical, hands on, step-by-step photographic manuals, Replacing Your Boat's Electrical System fills a gap in the market for the DIY boat builder and repairer. It is a subject covered only in piecemeal fashion by the yachting press, which, like general boat repair manuals, can't go into the level of detail Micke Westin does. This is a visual, hand-holding guide, dwelling on the details as it explains each procedure rather than focussing on the theory (which is relegated to an appendix, for those who wish to go further).

This manual takes both novice and experienced boatowner through minor to major repairs of electrical systems, engines, electronics, steering systems, generators, pumps, cookers, spars and rigging. When it was first published in 1990, the Boatowner's Mechanical & Electrical Manual broke new ground. It was hailed as the first truly DIY manual for boatowners and has sold in its thousands ever since. There have been significant changes in boat systems since then, particularly electrical systems, and this fourth edition has been fully updated to reflect these developments and expand its predecessor's worldwide popularity. 'Probably the best technical reference and troubleshooting book in the world' Yachting Monthly 'It deserves to come standard with every boat' Yachting World

John C. Payne is a professional marine electrical engineer with 23 years merchant marine and off-shore oil experience.

Following in the successful footsteps of the groundbreaking Boat Maintenance Bible and Boat Repair Bible this new title in this popular series of all-encompassing technical reference bibles presented in an accessible, modern and attractive way is sure to be the boater's godsend. Electrics are a notoriously tricky aspect of boat ownership and maintenance - both critical to the operation of the yacht or motorboat and prone to breaking down in the damp atmosphere and bouncy conditions. This is the book that will take owners through all the likely problems and solutions including making new installations of equipment, reviving an old boat and correcting electrical faults on their current craft. Equally useful for yacht or motorboat owners and illustrated with helpful photos, detailed close-up shots, step by step exploded diagrams and instructions, this is a book every owner should keep aboard.

Whether out for an afternoon's sail or embarking on a long offshore passage, there is always an element of chance and uncertainty about being at sea. To be responsible for the wellbeing of both crew and vessel, a good skipper needs to know their limitations and ensure they are operating well within the margins of safety. Safe Skipper is a practical and thought provoking guide for yacht skippers of all levels of experience, full of invaluable advice and tips on how to reduce to the minimum the risks of mishaps and equipment failure at sea. There's a wide range of information on seamanship, preparation, seaworthiness, gear, boat handling, leadership, teamwork, watch keeping, communications, navigation, weather and emergency procedures, all delivered in a highly practical, lively, non-preachy fashion. Included throughout are useful checklists, box-outs and case studies of accidents and their causes, with survivors' testimonials and explanations of how disasters were avoided, or could have been, all of which provides valuable lessons for everyone who goes to sea.

More and more sailors and powerboaters are buying and relying on electronic and electric devices aboard their boats, but few are aware of proper installation procedures or how to safely troubleshoot these devices if they go on the blink.

This is one of a series for the novice sailor which provides illustrated information on owning and sailing a boat, with emphasis on the practical. The book offers a basic understanding of electricity and its use aboard small craft. Its topics include the battery and how it works, choosing light fittings and switches, echo sounders and bilge pumps, installing radio and radar systems, wiring and basic fault-finding, and a section on completely replacing an existing electrical system.