Boat Wiring Books?

Brad Taylor (NC)

Brad Taylor (NC)

Well-known member
I'm pretty competent in basic wiring needs and have wired quite a few boats with no issues. I'm now building an 18' boat with center console and will have gauges and switches I'm not used to having. Are there any good books that you guys could recommend for laying out an electrical system in a boat? More specifically covering wiring gauges, etc...

Thanks,
Brad
 
Well, since no one is stepping up to the plate here (what happenned to our electrical guru from Nova Scotia?), I'll tell you that the most complete book on boating electric systems that I know of is Nigel Calder's "Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual" ISBN 0-07-009618-X. This is way more that what you need, but it also has a lot of good information about grounding, batteries, galvanic isolators, etc. that I didn't know but am glad I do now.

Ed.
 
Remember Al Paul? He provided a schematic and tons of advice for my electrical plan. He was a stickler for safety and doing it right. I miss him.

Suggest you reach out to someone with electrical experience too - there will be some nuances that will confuse you and a pro like Al can help with. So reach out.
 
Thanks guys I appreciate it. Ed, I looked at that book on amazon and noticed it had the best reviews but thought I would ask for some opinions here as well. I don't have any problems with the basics and have wired quite a few, but the thought of wiring all of the gauges to an ignition, etc... makes me want to do it right.

Thanks,
Brad
 
Well, since no one is stepping up to the plate here (what happenned to our electrical guru from Nova Scotia?), I'll tell you that the most complete book on boating electric systems that I know of is Nigel Calder's "Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual" ISBN 0-07-009618-X. This is way more that what you need, but it also has a lot of good information about grounding, batteries, galvanic isolators, etc. that I didn't know but am glad I do now.

Ed.
Click to expand...
This is the book I have. It's worth every penny.

Hitch
 
Brad,
Nigles book is very helpful but as stated goes into many areas you will not need. Charlie Wing has a good book but I don't have it in front of me for the title. A little more direct but not as up to date as the most recent edition of Calders book. The books do not go into choices on fuse products that are available and there are some nice new choices on the market. Check out Blue Seas website. They have good info and I think are working hard to give the smaller boat guy some things to work with.
Biggest thing to remember is that at this time Primary starting wires are not fused on boats, but every circuit other than those should have fuse or breaker protection very close to the power source and it should be reated for the appliance it serves or the ratted amperage capacity of the run of the wire.
My email is in my profile and I will try to help if you have specific questions, but I can't promise a fast response.
 
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