The 12-Volt Bible for Boats

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.

"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

Miner Brotherton is a longtime boater and university professor of physical sciences (retired) who excels at rendering technical boating topics in lay terms.Hometown: Bristol, Rhode Island 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.Hometown: Wickford, RI

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

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