Powerboater's Guide to Electrical Systems   

Powerboaters can use this simple, step-by-step, illustrated guide to do their own electrical projects and repairs. Author Ed Sherman walks the reader through the basics, including wiring diagrams, diagnosing problems, ignition systems, battery systems, shorepower circuits, installing equipment, surveying your boats wiring, and more.

Frustrated by the high cost of basic electrical work but nervous about tackling such projects yourself? Ed Sherman worte and teaches the American Boat & Yacht Councils certification program for electrical technicians. Now hes written this heavily illustrated, project-specific manual--the next best thing to having an electrician looking over your shoulder, and a lot cheaper!

Basic theory is combined with a problem-solution format that provides step-by-step directions for repairs and add-ons. From installing a new cabin light, CD player and speaker, fishfinder, or VHF radio, to tracing a faulty ignition circuit, its all you need to maintain your boats basic electrical systems.

Learn to

Draw up a wiring diagram for your boat

Locate and identify the wiring and circuit components

Select and use a multimeter

Choose and maintain battery and marine ignition systems

Troubleshoot starter-motor, engine, and instrument problems

Install DC and AC marine accessories, equipment, and electronics

Any powerboater will find Powerboaters Guide to Electrical Systems a valuable addition to their arsenal of onboard tools.

Ed Shermans national recognized expertise in electrical systems in boats make him a natural choice to train and certify marine electricians. . . . He believes, as I do, that doing it right the first time will surely enhance your boating experience.--C. T. Skip Moyer III, President, American Boat & Yacht Council

Contents

Foreword
Introduction
Chapter 1. Electrical Basics You Need to Know
What Is Electricity?
Electrical Circuits
Ohms Law and What It Can Tell Us
Voltage Drop
Putting It All Together
Circuit Problems and How They Occur
Tools
Chapter 2. Working with Wiring Diagrams
The Trouble with Boats
Wiring Diagrams
Common Symbols
Component Identification
Wire Identification and the ABYC Color Code
Expanding the Basic Circuit
Locating Components
Drawing Your Own Wiring Diagram
Chapter 3. Selecting and Using a Multimeter
Multimeters
Selecting a Multimeter
Using Your Multimeter
Measuring Amperage
Measuring Resistance and Continuity
Chapter 4. Wire and Circuit Protection Standards and Repair Procedures
Order Out of Chaos
ABYC Standards and Recommendations
Basic Wiring
Wire Size
Wire Insulation
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Ignition Protection
Testing Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Levels of Circuit Protection
Acceptable Locations for Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Wire Routing and Support
Connecting the Dots: Making Wiring and Connection Repairs
Chapter 5. Batteries and Battery Systems
How Batteries Work: The Basics
Basic Chemistry
Types of Lead-Acid Batteries
Which Battery Is Right for You?
Battery Safety
Battery Maintenance and Testing
Battery Installations
Testing Your Batteries
Chapter 6. Battery-Charging Systems
Alternator Basics
Engine-Driven Marine Alternators
Alternator Problems
Outboard-Engine Charging Systems
Shore-Power Battery Charging Systems and Installations
Solargizer Approach
Chapter 7. Maintaining Marine Ignition Systems
Ignition-System Components
Regulations Regarding Ignition Systems
Outboard and PWC Ignition Systems
Maintaining Ignition Systems
MerCruiser Thunderbolt IV and V Systems
Beyond the Basics: Outboard and PWC Ignition Systems
Outboard and PWC Ignition Tests
Testing Your Stop Switch
Final Checks and Ignition Timing
Chapter 8. Tracing and Repairing Starter-Motor Circuits
Coast Guard Regulations for Starter Motors
Starter-Motor Problems and Solutions
Troubleshooting Starter-Motor Circuits
Outboard-Engine Starter Circuits
Testing the Neutral-Safety Switch
Engine Ignition Switch
Other Outboard-Engine Starter-Motor Problems
Chapter 9. Installing Your Own DC Accessories
Before You Begin
Installing a New Cabin Light
Installing a New Bilge Pump
Adding a New Compact-Disc Player
Chapter 10. Engine Instrumentation Problems and Solutions
Mechanical Gauges
Common Instrument Interpretation Problems
Abnormal Instrument Readings
General Instrument Troubleshooting
Chapter 11. Alternating Current and AC Equipment
What Is Alternating Current?
AC on Your Boat
AC Safety
Color Coding for AC Wiring
Comparisons between AC and DC Circuits
AC Overcurrent Protection
Basic AC Outlet Connections
Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters
Checking Voltage, Continuity, and Polarity on AC Circuits
Selecting a DC-to-AC Inverter
AC Generators
Galvanic Isolators
Chapter 12. Installing Marine Electronic Equipment
Electronic Gadgetry
Universal Installation Details
Power Supply
Installing a VHF Radio
How Much Can I Gain?
The Coaxial Question
Installing a Fish-Finder or Depth-Sounder
Installing a GPS Receiver
Installing Your Own Radar
Glossary
Resources
Index
Author Biography

Ed Sherman is the author of Outboard Engines and is a professor at the New England Institute of Technology in Warwick, Rhode Island.