Practical Electrical Systems Troubleshooting For Boaters

with Nigel Calder | BoatHowTo.com

Learn to identify and fix common electrical issues on boats

Live 3 Hour Seminar

Hosted By Nigel Calder

Live Q&A

Electrical systems issues can often plague modern boats and, more often than not, these problems stem from installation errors. This live seminar in Annapolis, MD will outline step-by-step troubleshooting techniques that can be safely conducted by any boat owner, including how to use a multimeter. Host Nigel Calder, founder of BoatHowTo.com and author of the best-selling Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual, will teach you how to diagnose premature battery and system failures by performing simple troubleshooting techniques, which help rapidly identify the majority of electrical problems seen on boats. This live seminar is the perfect opportunity to learn from one of the industry's leading authorities how to enhance your electrical troubleshooting techniques - attendees will likely save the price of admission by avoiding costly service calls!

NO BOAT SHOW TICKET REQUIRED TO ATTEND SEMINAR

REVIEW

We think it's important to share why we’re so passionate about teaching you what we've learned about sailing. See, we teach it because we live it. It wasn’t too long ago that we were trying to figure out how to chart our journey and set sail. We did all the research, watched the YouTube videos, and read thousands of articles and blog posts. Everyone was saying something different! It was overwhelming and made the decision to start our adventure even harder. Quite frankly, we were nearly terrified... But we didn't give up on our dream life. Through trial and error we found what works, and more importantly, what doesn’t work. Over the last few years, we’ve been able to help change thousands of people’s lives by sharing our experiences.

Chris and Keith of Bluewater Cruising

Annapolis • October 10-14, 2024

This year, during the Annapolis Sailboat Show, American Sailing will be offering a lineup of live, in-person seminars led by some of the world's most esteemed and well-known sailors covering an array of topics - from mastering marine diesel engines and navigating the complexities of boat electronics to insider tips on purchasing the perfect cruising boat. Our expert-led sessions will cover essential topics for every sailor. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just setting course, these seminars will offer invaluable insights meant to enhance your sailing journey.

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Practical Electrical Systems Troubleshooting For Boaters

Who is this class for?

The ability to track down and diagnose problems is an increasingly essential skill for boaters, especially those who intend to venture any distance from the dock! Ideal for anyone involved with boats, whether you're considering a purchase, already own a vessel, or frequently charter boats, this live seminar will help you gain the skills and knowledge to confidently diagnose and address electrical issues independently, enhancing your boating experience and ensuring peace of mind on the water.

What Will I Learn?

Gain invaluable insights into tracking down and diagnosing electrical system problems on boats, while learning how to effectively prevent premature battery and system failures. From understanding wiring diagrams to troubleshooting common issues like short circuits and faulty connections, this live seminar will equip you with practical techniques for effective electrical system problem-solving. Learn simple yet effective methods to address electrical issues while keeping your boat's systems running smoothly. This live seminar aims to boost the confidence of boaters facing today’s increasingly electrically-loaded and complicated vessels.

This class is designed for the inexperienced (no prior knowledge is required), although it will be challenging for some; familiarity with volts, amps, and ohms will make the learning experience easier.

Photo Credit: McDonald Photography

TOPICS COVERED

PART 1 AVAILABLE ON DEMAND

(included with purchase)

Essential Installation Requirements to Prevent Premature Battery Failure
Mechanisms to See if Batteries are Being Properly Maintained
Identifying (and fixing) Common Electrical Systems Installation Mistakes
Physical Inspections
Core Multimeter Functions
Essential Multimeter Troubleshooting Concepts
Applying these Concepts to Real-World Problems
Voltage, Voltage Drop, Amperage and Resistance Testing

Photo Credit: McDonald Photography

YOUR HOST

NIGEL CALDER

Founder, BoatHowTo.com

Nigel Calder and his wife, Terrie, have built or owned a succession of boats on which they have cruised extensively in the Caribbean, the U.S. and Europe with Pippin (now aged 38) and Paul (37) augmenting the crew along the way. For decades Nigel has experimented with advanced electrical and propulsion systems, with funding from the European Union, the UK government, and a large U.S. corporation. Nigel has partnered with OceanPlanet Energy in Bath, Maine, to continue development of advanced solar panels, alternators and controllers.

Nigel is a thirty-year veteran of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) which writes the standards for recreational boat electrical systems. He is best known for his Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual, now in its 4th edition, and his Marine Diesel Engines, in its 3rd edition. In addition to hundreds of magazine articles, he has also authored a Cruising Guide to the Northwest Caribbean, Cuba: A Cruising Guide, Nigel Calder’s Cruising Handbook, How to Read a Nautical Chart, and a memoir of his family’s first long cruise titled Shakedown Cruise. His most recent venture is a partnership to provide detailed and accurate online marine technical education at www.BoatHowTo.com. Currently available are courses in Basic Marine Electrics (BE 101) and Advanced Marine Electrics. Just released is a course on Diesel Engine Maintenance.