Boat Electrics - Manual / Instructional Book

[FirstinLastout]

Hi Folks, I see plenty of such books available but thought I'd ask if there were any that can be recommended and up to date?

Some standard enough jobs to be done, renewal of mast lights, anchor light, interior lighting etc on our 22i etap and no charging systems to be concerned about.

 

[Molteni]

 

[laika]

Whilst Calder is a brilliant reference (and I wouldn’t be without my copy) isn’t it a bit heavyweight for a beginner whose boat doesn’t have a charging system? I notice the late Pat Manley’s electrical book has been updated by a co-writer. If it’s as clear and simple as the earlier editions it’s probably worth a look:

Essential Boat Electrics

 

[slawosz]

There is certainly niche on the market for simple guide targeting owners of the smaller boats.
I had some previous experience and was asking lot of questions here regarding terminals good practices etc. YouTube is your friend too.

 

[Boathook]

Not to sure what the books recommend for joining the wires but I now use Wago 221 Series 32A 2-Way Lever Connectors 100 Pack | Cable Connectors | Screwfix.com for all my electrical connections. Some people prefer solder or crimps but wago is just simple and easy to use.

 

[Molteni]

 

[Boater Sam]

The 12v Bible, free online to download.

Molteni beat me to it!

 

[slawosz]

So what I did on my boat:
Most of the connections are using such blocks made by Holt from local chandlery (link to similar product):
https://cpc.farnell.com/camdenboss/...PING&s_kwcid=AL!5616!3!224645161149!!!network}!1212268305258!&gclid=Cj0KCQiA95aRBhCsARIsAC2xvfxfqyAyxjsBDKpPfr9zcmBhetPV3nQ5usASj3xTltB9kTPBct5iNLEaAlRHEALw_wcB
The ones outside are isolated using: Raytech Happy Gel Box IP68 28 x 20 x 16mm | Toolstation
I have this busbar as negative: Blue Sea 130A AC - 150A DC Busbar 10 Gang Common Bus - Marine Scene
And standard switch boad (6 switches) from chandlery.

Now, I am going to replace all blocks inside with soldered connection + using this tubes: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wirefy-275...qid=1646652423&sprefix=wirefy,aps,211&sr=8-14

And bought this positive terminal block: 2 to 12 Way Screw Barrier Terminal Block Strip Connector | eBay
and matching eyelets: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20304196...rentrq:641f051417f0a9fcaeccde43fffbb344|iid:1
and ratchet crimper tool.
I will replace all possible connections using equipment above.
I am also considering this fuse box: https://www.amazon.co.uk/blocks-END...t=&hvlocphy=9045987&hvtargid=pla-866240024124

 

[FirstinLastout]

Thanks everyone for the great, and detailed replies.
I'm not doing a great lot of work to the Little Seagull, just renewing nav & interior lighting and reconnecting wind & depth instruments although I've no idea if they work as they were not connected when we got the boat 2 years ago.

I'm curious if anyone has used a power bank rather than a leisure battery for such an application?

 

[slawosz]

Power bank might have around 5V output. I would consider this: Lucas 12V 7AH Battery - Diamec DMUF12-7.6 Battery 600231975957 | eBay
Easy to take home and recharge and could be maintained by simple solar panel.