Many amateur sailors know everything there is to know about sail management, rigging, and maintenance. Similarly, those with powered craft have an excellent grasp of engines and how to keep them running. The ever-encroaching modern world means almost all are familiar with high-tech electronics and communications devices, yet so many seem to neglect one essential component that can bring the whole show to a halt so quickly: electrics.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS ON BOARD
To the uninitiated, electrical systems on yachts can seem complicated and borderline overwhelming. Electrical wiring is unfathomable without some prior knowledge, and people are wary of electrocution when touching anything electrical. Understanding basic ship wiring is knowledge worth having and might mean the difference between tweaking a few wires and being on your way or being towed back to port.
BASIC TOOLKIT AND MULTIMETER
You will need a simple toolkit to perform electrical checks and running repairs. There are many to choose from, and speaking to someone in a store who can guide you towards the right choice is recommended. Otherwise, wait until you have learned more about electrical systems before choosing your toolkit. Accept your level of competence and choose the toolkit that matches; it is useless to have tools capable of fixing industrial electrics if you have not progressed beyond recognising ground and live wires.
An essential component of any electrical toolkit, a multimeter shows you where electricity flows and how much. It can tell you whether batteries are the issue and which element in the electrical chain is causing the problem. In any investigation of electrical systems, using a multimeter is up near the top of the list of steps you will take to discover the problem.
BATTERIES
Look for a manual for your exact batteries or search online for them. Make a note of any critical maintenance tips and predicted power levels. To ensure your batteries and their charging system are operating normally, you must first discover what ‘normal’ is to have something to compare it to. Check your battery levels at different times of the day and night and under various weather and sea conditions, which may have a more significant effect than expected. When the power drops, you can immediately check your battery and compare it to the level you have noted for that time and set of circumstances. Only once you learn what to expect from your battery can you tell if it is below par.
CORROSION
The most common, mortal enemy of electrical systems at sea is corrosion. Saltwater and electrical wires do not mix well, and no amount of waterproofing will prevent corrosion from creeping in somewhere. Learn where corrosion is most likely to occur on your vessel, what it looks like when you find it, and how to eradicate it. Nothing will kill electrics faster than short circuits brought on by corroded wires and components.
CALL IN THE PROFESSIONALS
Confidence and the desire to have a go aside, electrical systems can be immensely frustrating and unfathomable when they fail. Don’t be too proud to accept when you are out of your depth and call in the professionals. Ask questions and take notes as they work, so you might not need to pick up the phone next time.
THINGS TO RESEARCH
The time has come to branch out and do some further investigation. We recommend watching as many YouTube videos as you can on the subject and including the following in your searches:
CONTACT US
If you would like to learn more about Simpson Marine and our products and services, please do not hesitate to contact the team today. We will gladly discuss our impressive range of yachts and give you the benefit of our years of collective experience in the industry.
11th March 2024
T: +852 2555 8377
E: hongkong@simpsonmarine.com 
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