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


Boston Whaler 350 Realm

By Andy Adams

You might be dreaming of an adventure boat, or a luxury cruiser, or maybe a serious fishing platform. You might dream of an overnight exploration boat, or a boat that entertains a big group of friends or family. Whatever your ambitions, the features and appointments, and the stellar performance of the Boston Whaler 350 Realm, equipped with triple Mercury Verado V10-cylinder 425 horsepower engines, feels like it could do just about anything. It’s the Great Entertainer.

Read More


Destinations

The Whitsunday Islands

By Mathew Channer

On my first day as a commercially registered yacht captain, I sailed a Fontaine Pajot 38 catamaran from mainland Australia across the Whitsunday Passage to the western shores of the world-famous Whitsunday islands.

We cruised northeast on a 15-knot beam reach… perfect catamaran sailing conditions, watching the hazy shapes of the islands colourize and morph into crescent beaches, jungled ridgelines and rocky outcrops. 

Read More