Electrical Systems - Ocean Navigator

15 Feb

New Gear Introduced at Miami Boat Show

Eric ColbyBoat & Gear News, Electrical Systems, Engines and Propulsion, Marine Technology

The Yamaha Marine U.S. Business Unit introduced a wireless remote control for its Helm Master EX boat control system at the Miami International Boat Show in February. While outboard motors may not be the power of choice for long-range cruising, the wireless control is a signal of things to come for boat operation. The Yamaha Wireless Control System includes all Helm Master EX joystick functionality plus autopilot control and man-overboard functions. With its fingertip button, it makes possible single-handed operation and gives captains full joystick control while freeing up a hand for setting lines or adjusting fenders. A captain can…

06 Feb

NMEA Launches Marine Data Initiative

Eric ColbyBluewater Gear, Boat & Gear News, Electrical Systems, Electronic charting, Marine Electronics, Marine Technology, Press release

The National Marine Electronics Association has launched the NMEA Cloud Initiative. The project is intended to aggregate existing marine data for safety, conservation and innovation. The NMEA assures participants that getting involved is voluntary and all shared data is anonymous. It will not be used for law enforcement or surveillance. The goal of the initiative is to 200 vessels actively contributing data by 2026. Peripheral data from NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 systems that are used on vessels worldwide will have consumer options that can be made anonymous and shared securely to improve navigation safety and conservation efforts. NMEA is…

20 Jan

Grand Soleil Unveils Sustainable Boat Project

Eric ColbyBatteries, Boat & Gear News, Electrical Systems, Engines and Propulsion, Industry & Company News

At the Boot Düsseldorf show in Germany, Grand Soleil Yachts introduced a new project intended to address issues like sustainability and end-of-life cycle. Grand Soleil Blue is a prototype collaboration between Grand Soleil and Cantiere del Pardo to showcase eco-friendly yacht construction. “The sea is our passion and our home,” Gigi Servidati, Cantiere del Pardo chairman said in a statement. “The GS Blue demonstrates how design, performance and sustainability can harmoniously coexist creating a boat designed for future generations.” Other participants in the project include naval architect Matteo Polli, Nauta Design for the exterior and interior design and materials specialist…

02 Dec

ePropulsion Extends 96-volt Offerings

Eric ColbyBoat & Gear News, Electrical Systems, Engines and Propulsion, Marine Technology

Electric propulsion supplier ePropulsion has expanded its 96-volt offerings. The company said it’s building on the ePropulsion Smart System Architecture, introducing a Pod Drive 20eSSA, G102-230 battery and a modular energy system called PowerCruise Essential for small electric and hybrid vessels. The new offerings will debut in the 2025 model year and were on display at the METSTRADE show in Amsterdam in late November. “Following the success of our X-Series and I-Series motors and the G102-100 battery, and based on discussions with our boat builder partners, we have enhanced our existing product offerings,” Danny Tao, co-founder and CEO of ePropulsion,…

07 Oct

Open Waters Solar Flexible Panels

Eric ColbyBoat & Gear News, Electrical Systems, Marine Technologyboating tips

Simon Angus wanted a boat that he could move easily to a destination, so he built a modular 40-foot all-carbon electrically propelled catamaran. The twin-hulled vessel could be broken down to fit in a shipping container and be re-assembled with the use of a crane. His goal for the boat was to make as self-sufficient as possible so he equipped it with 16 110-watt semi-flexible solar panels. “On day one, they were great and we were generating a huge amount of power,” says Angus. After a year, however, the power output dropped to 60% to 70%. “The biggest issue with…

18 May

Electronic prime directive #1: Take care of your boat’s electron source, no electrons = no electronics!

Ocean NavigatorElectrical Systems, Electronic charting

In today's computerized age of networked electronic systems representing a veritable alphabet soup of acronyms (GPS, ECDIS, AIS, VHF-DSC, ARPA, GMDSS-to name a few) it is more important than ever to make sure that your boat's electrical system is in good working order. Electronics thrive on good clean power. Problems such as voltage surges, sags, transients, and momentary interruptions can cause system failures. The best way to protect vital electronic loads from temporary bad power glitches is with a good old uninterruptible power supply (UPS). There are even power strips available from computer companies that can help protect your PC.…