Narragansett Sailing school

Marine Electrical Systems

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR BOAT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

If there is one area that mystifies boat owners it is the electrical system (not to be confused with electronics!). Most things on a boat are black and white… plumbing either leaks or it doesn’t, a furler works or it doesn’t. Marine electrical on the other hand has many ‘”gray areas” depending on how charged up you are, how big the battery bank is, how many amp hours you use, and many other variables.

What you learn:

  • Electrical theory (Volt, Amperes, Watts)
  • Tools and wiring best practice
  • Marine electrical equipment (pumps, bilge pumps, lights, circuit breakers and more)
  • Electrical system design
  • Calculation: battery, battery charger, solar panels
  • Battery testing
  • Troubleshooting

How is it taught?

  • Maximum 5 students in the classroom
  • 2 day class from 9am to 5pm
  • Classroom equipped with an electrical circuit including all equipment you can find on board
  • Theory and lecture
  • Hands-on: wiring and measuring electrical systems
  • Troubleshooting exercises

What will you get? What can you do after the class?

  • Understanding all parts of a boat electrical system
  • Troubleshoot electrical parts
  • Calculate battery, battery charger and power
  • Design basic electrical circuits
  • Understand safety while working on marine electrical equipment.

How Is The Class Taught?

Like all our classes, we prioritize hands-on learning. The class takes place around an electrical panel representing a typical boat system.

You will find breaker panels, batteries, water pumps and bilge pumps and switches, the exact same equipment you find on all boats.

Each piece of equipment is wired on the table.

The instructor will explain a few theories about electricity and circuitry and you will then be able to wire your own electrical systems, measure voltage and current and troubleshoot the systems.

What Are The Electrical Systems?

This course is two days of intensive instruction about boat electrical systems and all the “gray areas”:

  • Batteries
  • Wiring
  • Charging
  • Alternators
  • Inverters
  • Generators
  • All the various parts
  • Power management
  • Different types of battery configurations
  • Power monitors
  • Amp hours
  • Watts…

At the end of the two days you have a good feel of how big your battery bank should be, how many amps your charger should be, how long your battery bank will give power and why. You will be confident to troubleshoot an electrical problem on board or to explain what is wrong to an expert.

COURSE OVERVIEW Boat Winterization Class

  • 3 Days – 9am to 5pm
  • 30’ boat with a wheel
  • 4 students max per instructor
  • Women only courses available

Starting at: $955

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Package Option

Marine Diesel Engine

Price: $955

Marine Electrical Systems​

Price: $955

Price: $1719

$1910

Related Courses

Marine Diesel Engine Course

Students will register for three 7- hour days

Students will register for three 7- hour days

Students will register for three 7- hour days

Students will register for three 7- hour days

Students will register for three 7- hour days

Boat Winterization

ASA 103 is a prerequisite

All boat expenses are included. Food is extra.

Students will register for three days

TESTIMONIALS

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this class good for beginners and people without any electrical knowledge?

The class starts with very basic electrical theory so it is good for anyone. You do not need to have any prior electrical knowledge. We will guide you through the necessary knowledge for your boat.

The class has an entire module dedicated to battery and solar panels calculations. You will be given the perfect step by step process that can be applied to your own boat. If you have a bot, please bring your data and we will try to help you design your system

Hands-on! You will be able to wire the system and use proper tools, wires and connectors. All that you need to know for a boat.

The instructor will explain how to troubleshoot the system. He will create faults and ask each student to find what is wrong using proper methodology and proper meters like ampemeters and voltmeters.

Most electrical systems are similar between sailboats and powerboats. You find water pumps, bilge pumps, lights and battery chargers on powerboats and sailboats. This class is definitely good for both.