Boatowner's Illustrated Electrical Handbook Hardcover – Illustrated, February 28, 2006

This is a really impressive book. It provides a really good understanding of the many forces/dynamics of electrical systems on a boat.There is a lot more to 12 volts, than a positive and ground. To my surprise, it's more complex than 120 VAC in my house. At home, for the most part, you use one standard type of wire and have no concerns about your wiring causing any part of your house to corrode. While there is virtually a perfect and repeatable way to wire everything in your home, surprisingly their isn't a perfect way to do things on your boat, you need to continuously make tradeoff's when you add something new, and it helps to understand the tradeoff's that were already made on your boat by the manufacturer's and prior owner's in making your next modification. Also, at home for the most part, your not worried about corrosion, while on a boat, the various metals in your boat want to use the water to establish electrical currents that are destructive ... in the very worst case in a matter of days, if not months and years, to metal parts in your boat.This book explains it all very well. Be sure to start from the beginning where it explains what a battery is. I skipped that section initially (I know the chemistry of a battery more than most people), but found it very helpful to read this section, as the following sections establish how the various metals in your boat colude to form their own battery like behavior where you didn't intend, the result being corrosion.Also, don't underestimate the importance of the proper and frequent use of fuses/breakers on virtually every electrical run, fuses need to be sized to the diameter wire as well as the device, selection of wire diameter (larger diamater = heavy wire = boat goes slow, small diameter = voltage drops of a 1/2 volt or more potentially unaccaptable to devices), and standard ways to make electrical connections that will be trouble free.While at somepoint you will want to look at various aspects of your boat to see what tradeoff's were made by the manufacturer or previous owners, you don't need to be near your boat to read this book and understand whats going on, making it a good winter read.You should really read this in advance. While it also makes an excellent reference later, the worst time to read this is when your under time pressure to change something, since you really need to appreciate that there is more to modifying your electrical system than knowing the difference between 12v postive and ground.b393capt

One of the better books I've found. Informative, detailed, the illustrations are great, & it has helped me clean up the wiring disaster on my boat & make everything a lot more efficient; more like it has a "professionally done" feel; and like I did everything in the "right" way--no more wondering if at some point around the bend I'm going to have an electrical fire due to running wires w/out any knowledge of the "right" way to do it. Great book. Get this if you're want to get your electrical affairs squared away in the "right" fashion on your boat.

My interest in this book came after looking at some others that were written for RV's, 12 volt, and house wiring. None of those resources did quite what I needed, but this one does. Interestingly, my needs are not in boats, but vans and RV's. This book doesn't cover RV's, but it is the best resource that I've found for mobile wiring practices, materials, and design. The way this book is written is readable and understandable, without getting too jargon-laden. I'm not an engineer, but after working with this book, I am pretty confident that I can design a basic electrical system safely and using the correct materials. If I had to choose one resource to finish my RV wiring project, this one would be it.

This is a great book on electronics for any boat owner. Written by a physics professor (Also founder of two Owner-Builder schools.) in a down to earth manor that even I can understand. (People have been born and gone through college since I was in school.) The book has all of the technical information, coupled with easy to understand examples and illustrations. Plus, this book is loaded with detailed information on your boat's entire electrical system. All information in this book complies with the 'American Boat and Yacht Council' standards. (ABYC) The author of the book has a mission to educate boat owners on the various electronics in their boats, and how to repair them wisely.

Includes summary of ABYC, (America Boating & Yacht Council) standards for electronics. Trouble shooting guides and crittcal information needed to maintain and diagnose your boats elecronical systems. Practical approach with illustrations and introduction to theory of marine electronics. Allows you do it your self when you have to, and give an informed summary of your problem when you need the help of a professional. Ideal for the live aboard or those offshore moments when things go wrong. Kendle version loaded on my smart phone and lap top PC.

This book is excellent; Great graphics and diagrams; well thought out progression of theory and then practical application for the marine environment. A joy to read and to keep as a valuable reference. Thanks Charlie Wing !

The book is ok for theory and some practical info about wiring codes. But as for a hands on “this is what you do,” it is far too vague. I found much more help online.

Being a seasoned licensed electrician and a Marine electrician I found this book to be very basic. This is a excellent entry level book and has great pictures and how too tips. I wish I had this book 15 years ago. book arrived in brand new perfect condition

I have a technical background in marine Electrical and own a number of books on the subject. This one I often refer others to as it is very easy to understand and contains all the information they are likely to need to make their boats electrical systems safer and more reliable.

Muy profundo y escogido resumen de electricidad para barcos deportivos, con esquemas claros y fáciles.Se echa de menos imágenes de ejemplo.

Although an elder book, it is still worthwile.

I bought this book to help me understand the basics of 12v boat electrics. After reading it from cover to cover and doing most of the exercises I feel I know a whole lot more than the basics. His explanations and examples made everything seem very clear, and it was easy to adapt sections and relate them to your own boat. I think he covered everything very clearly, even down to which size of cable to use. Unfortunately I've ended up pulling most of the wiring out of my boat and replacing it with the correct size for the job. Very pleased with this purchase.

Ok