Electrical

Let's face it, cruising boats are horribly unreliable, and gear failures are the most common cruise-ruiner. But we can reduce the problems a lot by thinking about fault tolerance. Here are three real world examples you can use right now to make your boat better.

The claims made for battery pulse desulphators seem to make them ideal for voyaging boats. A cheap, easy to install gadget that will dramatically extend your expensive batteries' lives. What's not to like? But do they really work? John takes a look.

The story of how John nearly wasted a bunch of time and money, but finally got a grip of himself. Lots of electrical system recommendations and a caution to make sure that the complexity we choose is right for us.

John and Phyllis reduced their battery ownership costs by a factor of four. Here's the report.

Charging batteries fast has all kinds of benefits: less engine wear, fuel savings, less carbon. But how far can we go and what are the lurking dangers?

The details of how batteries charge and how voltage regulators work together...or not. Practical information that will help make sure you have electricity when you need it.

Electricity, batteries and how to charge them are the source of more confusion in the cruising world than just about anything I can think of. But suppose you could really understand electricity? Now you can, and it's not hard. Read on.

John's in rant mode. This time it's marine electronic and electrical technician training that has attracted his ire. But he's not just throwing rocks, he makes suggestions for improvement too. Complimentary Post

After voyaging and living aboard their Ovni 435 for 7 years, Colin gives us an update on what electrical kit has worked and what has died, as well as a look at newly available gear he and Louise have installed or are considering.

In the last chapter in this Online Book, in reaction to a members's tale of frustration, I recommended a bilge pump switch. But what about the bilge pump itself? When we bought Morgan's Cloud she had a Jabsco 36600 bilge pump that was installed when she was built 27 years ago. And we still have [...]

A tale of bilge pump woe got me thinking about one of the best pieces of gear we have ever fitted to our boat: The world's best bilge pump switch.

Have you ever wondered if a diesel electric drive would be a good option for your boat? It's a complicated decision, but it just got a got simpler.

Lightning strike! Just the words can make us cruising sailors, who sail around the ocean with the highest thing in hundreds of square miles sticking up above our heads, nervous. In this chapter Matt, AAC Engineering Correspondent, will help you understand how lightning strikes happen and what you can do to reduce the associated risks.

There's a good chance that you are currently sharing the room with a half-dozen or more lithium ion batteries. The computer in front of you has one, your camera has one, your phone has one, the R/C car your kid is racing around your ankles has one. Lithium battery technology is almost everywhere. And, soon, [...]