Stepping up to 24 VDC
More and more new boats in the 40- to 60-foot range are being manufactured with dual-voltage electrical systems (12 VDC and 24 VDC). So...
Breaker Panel Installations – DIY Tips From the Pros
We made some calls to a few well-respected boat yards and asked their electricians what problems they have experienced with customer-installed (DIY) breaker panel...
Inverter-Charger Terminology – What Does All That Mumbo-Jumbo Mean Anyway?
Established industry standards enable consumers to know what exactly it is they're buying. They set a benchmark for product quality, performance, and safety, allowing...
Wind Generators 101
Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical power, and ultimately electricity. This electricity can be used immediately to power equipment,...
Choosing Solar Panels for Your Boat
In simple terms, and leaving out the quantum nature of light, solar panels work by converting the energy in sunlight (or any light) to...
Three Common Errors Made With Boat Electrical Systems
Boats with AC power systems continue to give their owners problems. Many of these problems are avoidable, and some are deadly. The major problem...
Avoiding AC Shore Power Cord Problems
One of the often overlooked maintenance items in the pre-season rush to the water is the AC shorepower system. Barring improper use or some...
Using an On-Board Generator To Power Your AC
Air conditioning aboard is seldom a problem when you're plugged into shorepower. The difficulties arise when it gets hot and you're underway. Your battery...
Gel Batteries – Are They Right for Your Boat?
Gel-cell technology has been around for a number of years now. But the batteries got off to a bad start, largely due to promises...
43 Foot Cruising Sailboats – The Elan Impression 43
In a sea of French production cruising sailboats like the new Beneteau 37.1 and Oceanis 40.1, or the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350 and 380,...
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Beneteau First 375 Used Boat Review
A Mexican vacation with her husband had Debbie Bulk dreaming of a better way to see local village life, away from the regular tourist...