If you are going to have a problem with your boat wiring, then the best place to have it happen is when you're somewhere safe. Such as when docked at your berth in the marina. To get it resolved just takes one quick phone call and professional help arrives. The last place that you want it to happen is when you are underway and miles from the closest land. Of course that is when it will actually occur.
Many will be familiar with the saying, prevention being better than the cure, and in such a situation it does ring true. A prudent craft owner will arm themselves with as much knowledge as possible before undertaking a trip. Surely whilst in the safety of the marina, or boatyard, this is the best time to learn about the electrics and not while facing an emergency.
The first time that you stop and look at all of the cables can be quite confusing. If you are unsure of what you're looking at get someone there who can explain things to you in simple terms. It's also a good idea to start making up simple cable diagrams, which you can keep safely aboard your vessel.
Everything seems so much simpler if you have it written down in front of you. Say that there was a problem with the cabin lights. You know where the lights are, where they are fed from, and how they return to earth. You also know where the cable runs, as it is all there making things easier to find the fault.
You might notice that the cable looms are made up of different color and thickness wires. It's also worth noting that the cable color codes also denote which circuit they are dealing with. So perhaps it is advisable to make a note of the color code chart in your electrical safety notebook.
Bad earth connections and damaged cables will be the two most common electrical faults you are likely to face. Earthing points must be kept clean and moisture free. You hopefully do exactly the same with your car.
Due to the motion of your vessel as it cuts through the water, vibration can occur. This vibration can cause cables to fret against any protruding metal objects. In time that cable will sever at that weakened area. It is a prudent measure to learn how to make an effective cable splice while safely alongside, instead of trying to learn in an emergency.
Remember that your batteries are also an important part of the electrical system. You should know where they are and how to correctly maintain them. Also the battery cables are without doubt the most vital pieces of cabling on the vessel.
Hopefully you will have read how a few sensible steps can make all of the difference. You will now be able to face your boat wiring with an air of confidence as the mystery has been stripped away. Hopefully you will never have to face such a situation, but if you do then you will be glad that you had the forethought to prepare yourself.
Many will be familiar with the saying, prevention being better than the cure, and in such a situation it does ring true. A prudent craft owner will arm themselves with as much knowledge as possible before undertaking a trip. Surely whilst in the safety of the marina, or boatyard, this is the best time to learn about the electrics and not while facing an emergency.
The first time that you stop and look at all of the cables can be quite confusing. If you are unsure of what you're looking at get someone there who can explain things to you in simple terms. It's also a good idea to start making up simple cable diagrams, which you can keep safely aboard your vessel.
Everything seems so much simpler if you have it written down in front of you. Say that there was a problem with the cabin lights. You know where the lights are, where they are fed from, and how they return to earth. You also know where the cable runs, as it is all there making things easier to find the fault.
You might notice that the cable looms are made up of different color and thickness wires. It's also worth noting that the cable color codes also denote which circuit they are dealing with. So perhaps it is advisable to make a note of the color code chart in your electrical safety notebook.
Bad earth connections and damaged cables will be the two most common electrical faults you are likely to face. Earthing points must be kept clean and moisture free. You hopefully do exactly the same with your car.
Due to the motion of your vessel as it cuts through the water, vibration can occur. This vibration can cause cables to fret against any protruding metal objects. In time that cable will sever at that weakened area. It is a prudent measure to learn how to make an effective cable splice while safely alongside, instead of trying to learn in an emergency.
Remember that your batteries are also an important part of the electrical system. You should know where they are and how to correctly maintain them. Also the battery cables are without doubt the most vital pieces of cabling on the vessel.
Hopefully you will have read how a few sensible steps can make all of the difference. You will now be able to face your boat wiring with an air of confidence as the mystery has been stripped away. Hopefully you will never have to face such a situation, but if you do then you will be glad that you had the forethought to prepare yourself.
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