The 12-Volt Bible for Boats

Overview

The 12-Volt Bible for Boats is a clear, nonthreatening introduction to the 12-volt electrical systems used on small boats to power everything from reading lights to bilge pumps. This second edition is thoroughly updated with respect to modern batteries, breaker and panel design, alternative energy sources, and troubleshooting equipment, but it retains the fundamental simplicity that is the source of its enduring popularity (more than 100,000 copies sold).

Table of contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction to the Second Edition, by Ed Sherman
Introduction to the First Edition
Chapter 1. BASIC THEORY OF ELECTRICITY: A Primer
A Few Words of Caution
The Atom and Its Electrons
The Atom; Electrons; Molecules and Bonding; Ions and Electrons
Terms Defined
Coulomb's Law; Charge; Current; Voltage, Potential Difference, and EMF; Energy; Power; Amp-Hours; Resistance
Electricity Is Not Water, But . . .
Ohm's Law
IR Drops and I2R Heat
Chapter 2. ELECTRIC CIRCUITS: Parts of the System
Circuit Components
Series Circuits
Parallel Circuits
Chapter 3. THE BATTERY: Heart of the System
Primary and Secondary Cells
Purpose and Function of the Storage Battery
What Happens When Discharging
What Happens When Charging
Electrolyte and Hydrometers
Preventing Freezing; Using a Hydrometer; Determining Specific Gravity on Sealed Batteries
Load Testing Batteries
Storage Battery Construction
Differentiating among Batteries
Anatomy of a Battery; Six-Volt Batteries; Newer Battery Types
Battery Banks
Selecting a Battery
Battery Maintenance and Tools
Chapter 4. THE WIRING: Electrical Veins and Arteries
Proper Size
Resistivity; Wire Length; Thickness
Insulation
Identification Codes
Terminals
Installation
A Lesson in Soldering
Chapter 5. THE CONTROLS: Brains of the System
The Control Panel
Where to Put It?; Replacement Alternatives
Switches
Master Switch
Fuses
Circuit Breakers
Relays
Panel Meters
Chapter 6. TRANSDUCERS: Things That Do the Work
What Do You Need?
Lights
Navigation Lights; Interior Lights; Exterior Lights
Motors
Motor Maintenance; Starter Motors; Refrigerator Motors; Bilge Pumps
Electronics
Installation; Power Consumption; Interference
Chapter 7. RECHARGING THE BATTERY
Multiple Battery Isolators
Alternators and Generators
The Regulator
Making Adjustments; Checking Charging Voltage; Regulator Settings; Recharge Rates
AC Shore Power and Solid-State Chargers
Proper AC Converter/Chargers; Danger: Shock and Galvanic Corrosion; Maintaining Proper Polarity
Solar Cells
Wind Chargers
Water Chargers
DC-to-AC Inverters
Chapter 8. TROUBLESHOOTING THE SYSTEM
Troubleshooting Principles
Troubleshooting Instrument: The Multifunction Meter
Reading Ohms; Reading DC Volts; Reading AC Volts; Reading DC Amps
Troubleshooting Instrument: Test Lights
A Continuity Tester; Make Your Own; Buying or Making Test Lights
Locating Faults
Light Won't Work; Moisture-Related Problems; Engine Won't Start; Bilge Pump Problem; Blinking Masthead Light
Noodling Out a Solution
Make a Picture; Follow a System; Tickling the Field; Simple Problems with Varying Degrees of Complexity
Leaks and Their Detection
PARTING WORD: SOME THOUGHTS ON MAINTENANCE
Your Boat's Electrical Toolbox
Spare Parts and Junk
RESOURCES
Contact Information
Installation Records
INDEX

Biographical note

Miner Brotherton is a longtime boater and professor (retired) of physical sciences and marine electronics who excels at rendering technical boating topics in lay terms. Ed Sherman is the asssistant director of education at the American Boat & Yacht Council, the country's preeminent standard-making boating body. He is the author of Outboard Engines and Powerboater's Guide to Electrical Systems.

Back cover copy

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