New and Used-Marine-Generator, Shore-Power and Marine-Inverter Information

AC marine electrical systems and equipment for sailboats and cruising yachts have really advanced in recent years. Generators have become a lot smaller and quieter, marine-inverters have become lighter and more efficient. Shore-power equipment and protection has also improved.

My name is John Payne, and I am a Marine Electrical Engineer and I started my long career as a marine electrician in the merchant marine. Big ship AC electrical problems, from new and used-Marine-Generator, Shore-Power and Marine-Inverters are not so different to yacht and sailboat AC electrical problems. I am also the author of the best selling Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible and the updated and revised 3rd Edition is out now.

When I published this book some 13 years ago we had the first inverters appearing, and they were heavy, inefficient and often unreliable. Generators were also large and expensive, and shore power systems were a constant source of problems for yacht owners on marinas. I have over the years built, owned, cruised and lived aboard several sailing yachts and have had most of the problems. I know and understand what the problems are and how to fix them

Like yacht AC electrical technology my books have also moved on, and along with my Motorboat Electrical and Electronics Manual and the Understanding Boat series of books you will find the right answers to your many marine electrical questions. From new and used-marine-generator, shore-power and marine-inverter information

How Has Sailboat-AC Power Changed for the Better?

Once AC generators on yachts and sailboats were very difficult to install. They were heavy and clunky, noisy and large. These days things have improved. AC generators have become more efficient, smaller and lighter in weight. The advent of high speed generators and water cooling have allowed manufacturers to dramatically shrink the size and reduce the noise.

Another big development in AC systems has been the big advances in power electronics and the development of efficient and relatively small power inverters including sine wave and quasi sine wave models

Even the humble shoe power supply has improved with higher quality shore power leads and socket inlets, galvanic isolators to prevent corrosion problems at the marina and GFCI safety trip circuit breakers to protect everyone on board

Use Your AC Marine-Electrical Systems to Make Your Sailing More Comfortable

A generator is a great addition to the boat and allows you to run battery charging independently of the main engine, it also allows greater home comforts such as air conditioning systems, so even in the hottest locations you can keep cool. Inverters are also a great addition and allow the running of microwave ovens for cooking as well as entertainment systems such as television.

The Secret to keeping Your AC Marine Electrics Operating . The secret to keeping AC marine electrical equipment running is the proper specification of adequately rated equipment, proper installation by qualified technicians, and good maintenance of the equipment.

Always perform AC electrical system and equipment checks as part of your sailing routines (it’s so easy and your yacht crew and fellow sailors will feel a lot safer when they observe your skills in action!).

What Everyone Ought to Know About Boat AC Systems?

AC systems are potentially fatal, even 110 volts systems. Always follow the safety precautions and get a qualified person in to help. Never work on energized equipment. One improperly installed wire and a bad connection could potentially wreck you boat and kill you or your crew. All you need to know about new and used-marine-generator, shore-power and marine-inverters.