 [Larger view] | Powerboater's Guide to Electrical Systems: Maintenace, Troubleshooting, and Improvements
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Average user rating:  | |
| Sherman certainly doesn't tank with this tome. | |
| In fact, he more resembles King Henry at the Battle of Agincourt with this winning effort. I dabble in Marine Electrics but find myself ineffective applying the principles of instruction. While I understand why a customers boat needs a working galvanic isolator, or why I want to rip out from their boat the residen- tial type solid copper conductor Romex cabling when I see it, putting that into phraseology understandable by someone trained in another specialty is usually a problem. With this book I can either explain in words or hand them the pagemarked book itself. I usually do the latter and keep on working. I appreciate the depth into which the author explains shorepower systems, especially how he echoes my distaste for ferro-res chargers and my preference for 3 and 4 step smart chargers and multistage inverter chargers. Anyone who owns a hole in the water you pour money into that has at least one engine, battery and decked over bow should have one copy of the 12 volt bible on board and another back at the house. | |
| Sherman's assault on electrical mysteries! | |
| Whether you're a new to electrical systems or a professional serviceman, there is valuable material here for you. The book starts with the basics of electrical circuits, wiring diagrams and test equipment. The liberal use of drawings and photographs clearly illustrates the theories set forth. The recommended test equipment is used and demonstrated consistently throughout the book. So, any user purchasing or owning similar devices will have a clear idea how to apply them when troubleshooting and maintaining an electrical system. The explanation of wiring diagrams, symbology and use in maintenance applications is very easy to follow. For the professional serviceman, the references to ABYC standards and practices is very informative. The chapter covering circuit protection and repair procedures gives significant insight as to what is or is not a good electrical connection! There are two chapters devoted to batteries and battery charging systems. This included the use of isolators, combiners, wiring schemes, hydrometer testing, load testing, alternator and shore power charging systems. Explanations are thorough enough to explain the workings of these systems for basic troubleshooting or selection of equipment for upgrades to systems. AC and DC devices aboard the boat are each covered in their own chapters. Installation considerations as well as troubleshooting are explained. Safety with AC systems is discussed at length. Again there are frequent references to the ABYC standards throughout. Finally the book wraps up with the chapter on electronic installations. Issues such as RFI, magnetic field interference, power, and basic physical considerations are included. For the boat owner interested in doing it themselves, or those that want a little more knowledge when dealing with servicemen, this book provides a solid base of theory and practical knowledge for both. All installation and maintenance explanations are given in the context of the ABYC standards. Therefore I highly recommend it as a book to have on the shelf for professionals as well. Don Gulliver President Yacht Systems Services, Inc. Virginia Beach, VA |
