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

What Everyone Ought to Know About New and Used Marine Generator, Shore-Power and Marine-Inverter Systems

AC marine electrical systems and equipment for sailboats and cruising yachts have really advanced in recent years. Marine Diesel 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 and some the best known makes include Onan Marine Generator and Kohler Marine Generators . Always use caution when buying an used-marine-generator, as they can be very expensive to overhaul and repair

Some of these were very heavy and clunky, noisy and large. These days things have improved a lot. AC generators have become more efficient, smaller and lighter in weight. The advent of high speed generators and water cooling have also 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 Marine Power Inverters and these include sine wave and quasi sine wave models. Some of the leading makers include Freedom Inverters and Trace Power Inverters and also Prosine Inverters

Even the humble Shore 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

Marine Diesel Generators are a great addition to the boat and they allow you to run battery charging independently of the main propulsion engine. The Marine Generator also allows greater home comforts such as air conditioning systems, so even in the hottest locations you can keep cool. The Power Inverter are also a great addition and allow the running of microwave ovens for cooking as well as entertainment systems such as television. If you have a damaged inverter it is often cheaper to go to Xantrex and buy a new one rather than spend parts and labour fixing the damaged one.

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. This holds very true for Marine Generators . Generator companies such as Onan and have comprehensive service networks. This also is true for well known inverter manufacturers such as Xantrex and Trace .

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. So always caution if you decide to open and check out the inside Inverter Circuit , it’s potentially dangerous.

All you need to know about new and used marine generator, shore-power and marine-inverters is here. Some reviews on The Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible

The Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible More than 400 Pages of practical information on Yacht Electrical and Electronics Systems for the boat-builder and boat-owner

THE COMPLETE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS REFERENCE TOOL Marine Electrical and Electronics You Can Finally Understand!

What Reviewers are saying...

“...This is, perhaps, the most easy-to-follow electrical reference to date.” Cruising World Magazine

“Everything a sailor could possibly want to know about marine electronics is here. As a reference book on the subject it is outstanding.” Classic Boat Magazine

“A bible this really is…the clarity and attention to detail make this an ideal reference book that every professional and serious amateur fitter should have to hand.” Cruising Magazine

“On electrics, the best book by far we have come across is The Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible.” Motor Boat and Yachting Magazine

“...a concise, useful and thoroughly practical guide…it’s a ‘must have on board’ book.” Sailing Inland and Offshore Magazine

“All in all, this book makes an essential reference manual for both the uninitiated and the expert.” Yachting Monthly Magazine

“…this book ranks with the very best technical works ever produced for yachtsmen.” The Island Magazine

“…An excellent book for someone fitting out a boat, or building new, and for those preparing for an Atlantic circuit or extended cruising. Well worth the investment and a must have on board book.” World Cruising Club Magazine

Need more information? then why not go to Amazon and get one of my books to keep on board for easy reference

The latest edition of The Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible is out now, fully revised and updated with all the latest technology

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26' Power Cruiser (92 Regal Valenti 26)  Not rated yet
Any suggestions for best fit for a new generator & heat-A/C? the boat does not currently have such a system. Think it's worth the addition?

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