Electrical systems are the leading cause of problems on boats that have more than a rudimentary electrical system. Most of these problems are preventable; they arise from a failure to abide by core design and installation principles.
To take a deep dive into both design and installation issues, OceanPlanet Energy (OPE), in collaboration with Ocean Navigator magazine, Professional Boatbuilder magazine and BoatHowTo.com, is sponsoring an intense, two-day seminar developed and presented by tech guru Nigel Calder, author of the best-selling Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual.
Topics include key design criteria for both DC and AC systems; how to keep batteries in a healthy state; newer technologies that are transforming the performance of electrical systems; sizing and installing electric circuits in compliance with ABYC standards; critical safety issues related to AC systems; corrosion and grounding systems. We highlight commonly seen electrical installation errors, including on new boats, and how to rectify them. We include hands-on terminal crimping practice because poorly made terminals are the bane of many otherwise decent electrical installations.
We cover a lot of ground! This seminar is designed to be accessible to the inexperienced, but this does not mean it will be easy, even for those with prior experience, including some professionals. Class sizes are limited to maximize interaction with the participants. We send everyone home with a “to-do list” of critical checks for any boat and a deck of 600 slides for future reference.
OPE is holding the seminars in the spring and fall, just outside of the main tourist season, in the renovated Hyatt Place hotel in downtown Portland, Maine. For more information, contact OceanPlanet Energy: sales@OceanPlanetEnergy.com. For Registration, go to oceanplanetenergy.com/seminars.