Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible

The completely revised, expanded, and updated fourth edition of the world’s most comprehensive electrical and electronics handbook for sailors

Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible is a useful and thoroughly practical guide that explains in detail how to select, install, maintain, and troubleshoot all of the electrical and electronic systems found on board cruising, racing, and trawler yachts, power- and motorboats, and even superyachts. This guide is fully illustrated throughout with more than two hundred charts, wiring diagrams, tables, and graphs.

Light on theory and heavy on practical advice, Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible recognizes that most cruising yacht owners do not have a technical background. The chapters are formatted to enable quick access to technical descriptions and troubleshooting advice. They are also infused with the author’s own professional marine electrical background and lived cruising experiences, along with lessons learned over decades of continual input and conversations with fellow sailors.

The Marine Electrical section incorporates all of the latest developments in battery technology and charging. It also has a substantial section on renewable energy systems--including wind, water, and solar--and a comprehensive chapter on marine diesel engines and related systems.

The Marine Electronics section is technologically up to date, including new developments with AIS, GMDSS, and radar. The communications chapters are unique in that they incorporate a comprehensive listing of radio frequencies and weather broadcast times, from HAM and HF/SSB radio to VHF radio and NAVTEX, for most major sailing areas around the world. The various satellite communications systems are explained in detail, along with a curated selection of useful phone boating apps. The final chapters have extensive troubleshooting, maintenance information, and practices, as well as a detailed worldwide list of service companies.

John C. Payne is a professional marine electrical engineer and surveyor, with a career spanning more than thirty years in commercial shipping, the offshore oil industry, and yachting. He is a qualified technical writer and has been involved with everything from submarine sonar systems and oil rig operation manuals to military helicopters. Currently he is a commissioning manager for some of the world’s largest and most complex offshore oil production and drilling installations. John is the author of nine marine electrical and electronics books and numerous magazine articles. He has built and restored several yachts and lives aboard his own boat.