Boat Electric Systems (Design & Install)

Who is this course for?

This course is aimed at those who are looking to get an understanding of a wide range of boat electrical systems, perhaps in advance of a complete sail-away fit-out, or a refit of their existing onboard systems. The course requires no previous electrical knowledge, so is ideal whatever your level of experience.

By the end of the two days, you’ll have a great understanding of electrical systems and confidently be able to design, install and troubleshoot your onboard electrics.

What does the course involve?

In a mixture of classroom and workshop sessions, you’ll get a very practical introduction to the design, materials, tools and techniques of boat electrical work. It’s a hands-on course, so in conjunction with some of the theory that you’ll learn, you’ll be ’on the tools’ designing, making, connecting and testing various electrical systems.

As you’ll see below, the course covers a wide range of topics and systems – and even if you don’t understand all these terms yet, you will by the end of your course!

The course will cover the following topics:

• RCD and BSS requirements
• Basic electrical theory, volts, amps, watts and resistance.
• Calculation of voltage drop and wire sizes.
• Comparison of 12 and 24v systems
• 12 / 24v Domestic Circuit design, breakers, fuses, lighting, pumps
• 12 / 24v Engine room design, cable sizing, battery types and sizes, split charging.
• 240v Circuit Design
• Cable termination and labelling
• Battery Selection and installation
• Alternate energy sources, Solar, Wind, Generators and travel packs. Selection and installation.
• Selection and installation of Inverters, chargers and Combi’s
• Practical circuit installation including lighting, pumps, 240v, combis and solar panels
• Testing and fault finding
• Information and control systems Masterbus and VEbus
• Generators, selection and installation
• Split charging, multiple alternators
• Hybrid Systems
• WiFi & communications

As well as these subjects, and if time permits, other subjects can be covered by request.

Our training classroom

Our dedicated training building at Debdale Wharf is a purposely configured part classroom and part workshop. As well as having a number of running engines for you to ‘break and repair’, it also has specially designed basic water and electrical installations for you to investigate and work on. The classroom area has all the teaching props and visual aids required to help you throughout the course.

When do the courses run?

We schedule a number of these courses throughout the year. You can view the full list of dates on our booking calendar. If demand is high enough, we can add extra course dates. Please just get in touch.

What’s provided (& included)

• Instructor fully qualified as an RYA Instructor and Electrician
• Endless teas, coffees and biscuits
• Free parking

What you need to provide

• Your lunches
• Comfortable and protective clothing
• Sturdy suitable footwear

Here’s a few common questions

• Do I need any previous technical knowledge? No. This course is suited to all levels of experience.
• Do I need to bring any tools? No. Our workshop is equipped with everything you’ll need.