The 12 Volt Bible for Boats

marine_products-books-12_volt_bible-small

marine_products-books-12_volt_bible-largeWhether you, or someone special to you is a novice or an expert in boating, a sailor or a power boater, virtually every boat has a 12-volt electrical system of some kind…even if it is just your running lights or the ignition on your dinghy engine.

Originally written by Miner Brotherton and recently revised by Ed Sherman, the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) assistant director of education, this is a layman’s explanation of the mysteries behind your battery and your 12 volt electrical system.

We met with Ed Sherman at the International Boatbuilders Exposition (IBEX) this fall and asked him what he would like to say about The 12 Volt Bible for Boats.

“Well…I feel it’s a great primer for someone who is totally new to 12-volt systems because our goal was to write this at a level that almost anyone would understand,” Ed told us. “Reviewing the fundamental concepts behind this can be very helpful. I think that having a copy onboard your boat can help take the fear out. These are all widely accepted theories and well proven. I think the book helps people to have faith in the science.”

From dinghies and small trailerable boats up to million dollar yachts, a 12-volt system is sure to be on board and this book can help you understand it better.

The most valuable information is the theory and science behind 12-volt systems, so the authors have put it right up front where it’s most useful and easy to refer to. However, it can be a daunting start. High school science was a long time ago for many of us and long forgotten. Reading this book reminds me of how mysterious it all seems when you confront the back of your panel to check something as simple as a malfunctioning bilge pump.

But then…that’s the best reason for having a copy of The 12 Volt Bible for Boats!

Related Articles


Nimbus 365 Coupe – A real long-stay cruising boat for exploring

By Andy Adams

There is no shortage of fun and exciting new boat designs hitting the market, but for the last few years these have been mainly outboard-powered day boats. Some are day cruisers; some are centre console fishing boats or designed for tow sports. A new live-aboard cabin boat has become a rare item these days.

So when I heard that Pride Marine in Orillia, Ontario, had a Nimbus 365 Coupe in the water, I jumped at the chance to get out on it.

Read More


Destinations

Tahiti—Updates from Paradise

By Zuzana Prochaska

I’ve been to Tahiti seven times—six on charter and once as crew for a couple of yachties. Over the 25 years that I’ve been visiting, it’s changed dramatically. Yet, inexplicably, it has also stayed the same.

Lounging on the flybridge of our Sunsail 454, I had time to think about this dichotomy as I toasted the nighttime skies of Bora Bora and specifically the Southern Cross, a constellation that never fails to hypnotize. As the Crosby, Stills & Nash (1982) tune reminds us:

…you understand now why you came this way.

Read More