Product Description

This volume provides an introduction to the 12-volt electrical systems used on small boats to power everything from reading lights to bilge pumps. Written for boaters who are not skilled electricians, the book explains how 12-volt systems work and how to install, maintain and troubleshoot them. Since the book first came out in 1985, there have been major changes in everything from battery technology to terminal design. This revised second edition addresses major developments in several areas. The marine battery - the heart of the 12-volt system - has evolved considerably since 1985. The previous edition only covered traditional "flooded cell" batteries, which are based on liquid sulphuric acid. Flooded batteries require ventilation and maintenance, they are relatively fragile and they can release dangerous acid if damaged or overturned. The latest technology, the absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery, uses a glass filling instead of acid between the battery plates. AGM batteries are rugged, maintenance free and can be installed at any angle. (The "gel-cell" battery is based on a similar technology and offers the same benefits). A whole new generation of devices has also developed to charge batteries: AGM and gel-cell batteries have different charging requirements, and batteries of all types perform better if charged in precise phases by modern equipment. Likewise, inverters have grown enormously in popularity since the first edition, which only treats them briefly. (Inverters take 12-volt DC power stored in the boat's battery and convert it to 120-volt AC power so that household appliances can be used Other major topics that are covered in this new edition include: new wiring conventions; the current generation of fuses, breakers and panels; modern test gear for troubleshooting; and the current generation of solar panels and wind generators.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10537 in Books
• Published on: 2002-10-21
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

Review
"It's the best value and has stood the test of time" - Offshore "A gentle journey through the complexities of electrical circuitry" - Small Boat Journal

From the Back Cover
A How-To Classic

The 12-Volt Bible for Boats is a complete introduction to the 12-volt electrical systems used on small boats to power everything from reading lights to bilge pumps. Written for boaters who are not skilled electricians, it clearly explains how 12-volt systems work and how to install, maintain, and troubleshoot them.

This second edition has been thoroughly updated to include the latest on marine batteries including AGM and gel-cell batteries, multistage chargers, inverters, new wiring conventions, alternative energy sources, and modern test gear.

"A nuts-and-bolts primer for boatowners." Cruising World

"Every boat with a 12-volt system needs this book on board." Atlanta-Journal Constitution

"A gentle journey through the complexities of electrical circuitry." Small Boat Journal

"This bible is as basic to boat electrical systems as the 10 commandments are to moral behaivor. It does not get any more fundamental than this." Dockside NW

About the Author
Ed Sherman is a well-known boating writer and educator, and the author of two International Marine books: Outboard Engines (1997) and Powerboater's Guide to Electrical Systems (2000). He is the assistant director of education at the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), the country's preeminent standard-making body, where he designs and teaches teacher-training programs in marine technology fields, including marine electrical systems. Prior to that, he taught marine electronics for many years at the New England Institute of Technology, in Warwick, RI, where he was chairman of the marine technology department. Miner Brotherton is a longtime boater and university professor of physical sciences (retired) who excels at rendering technical boating topics in lay terms.

Customer Reviews

Essential reading for a rewire
I used this as my guide for a complete rewire of my boat, and for the wiring in of many new electronic gizmos.

ESSENTIAL reading, with many hips and tips to assist you along the way.
Great references too.
I would give this TEN STARS if I could !

A good introduction for the novice, however...
The title of this book should read "An introduction to boat electrics". It is a very good introduction however it will not prepare you to design, wire or maintain an electrical system of any complexity. Having said this, I bought the book when first published and found it excellent for the novice. I would suggest that after reading this volume that you continue with more detailed and advanced books. It is not a bible and one should not gain a false sense of skill after reading it. That would be dangerous.

Bible - you must be joking!
My basic gripe with this book is that it is written by an American for the American market (often referring to American products) and thus is not specific enough for the European reader. It also did not cover in any detail what I wanted from it; wiring diagrams for typical battery installations. I also found the writing style and layout was not to my taste.