The Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible

Rating:
Summary: Immensely practical and easy-to-follow
Review: "The Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible" is an immensely-practical and easy-to-follow reference for sailors and powerboaters. John C. Payne's 1998 edition has been expanded to cover email services and system components; Web addresses for nautical books, magazines, software, and charts; new training and simulator software written for laptops; GMDSS Distress Call (Alert) Sequence; and current radio frequencies. In the Foreword, Payne writes: "If you wish to keep your boat healthy and safe you must have an electrical system based on sound principles." He goes on to give the essentials of those systems--everything from Batteries and DC Electrical Equipment to Radar and Entertainment Systems. Each chapter has concise instructions, simple illustrations, and easy-to-read printing. And the occasional set of equations is presented with plenty of white space. In the back of the book, there is not only a fine index, but a list of addresses of marine electrical suppliers in the U.S., United Kingdom, and Australia. Kudos to Payne and Sheridan House for publishing a new edition of this classic reference.

Rating:
Summary: Very Useful
Review: 10 years ago I used this book to engineer and install the electrical system on an old 60's vintage sailboat. Since then, the boat has been sailed extensively and the system has performed flawlessly. The information on batteries, energy management, and charging is invaluable.

I work in a boatyard, and can honestly say that because of this book there are not many boats that are wired as well as mine.

Rating:
Summary: Emphasis on Quality
Review: I found this book to be extremely informative and complete.

I was impressed with the high regard placed on the need for quality and intregrety of electrical/electronic equipment and systems. In particular the emphasis placed on using proper types of batteries, and their maintenance.

Sound equipment, installation, and maintenance were highly encouraged by the author throughout this book.

This book diffinently belongs in my technical library.

Rating:
Summary: Clearly written, complete and a focus on simplicity
Review: I really enjoy reading this book as it is just what is required when speccing out a boat. In particular the focus on keeping things as simple as possible is helpful as well as giving one the names of supliers and products that really reflect best practice. Every yachtowner with a technical interest should have it. If only more builders had read it as well!

Rating:
Summary: Essential Information for the Yachtsman
Review: I'm and Electrical Engineer and FCC licensed for radio and radar operation and repair. I read the book expecting to be disappointed--I now use it as my main reference.

The subject is complicated, but Payne keeps things simple, clear and concise--well suited for the layman and the expert. The appropriate references--everything you need is included in the book.

If you plan to maintain, or upgrade your yachts electrical system yourself, in whole or in part, this the book you want.

Read it once a year because you will not be able to digest and retain it all in one reading.

Rating:
Summary: Essential Information for the Yachtsman
Review: I'm and Electrical Engineer and FCC licensed for radio and radar operation and repair. I read the book expecting to be disappointed--I now use it as my main reference.

The subject is complicated, but Payne keeps things simple, clear and concise--well suited for the layman and the expert. The appropriate references--everything you need is included in the book.

If you plan to maintain, or upgrade your yachts electrical system yourself, in whole or in part, this the book you want.

Read it once a year because you will not be able to digest and retain it all in one reading.

Rating:
Summary: Good Book not Perfect
Review: It took me a bit to get used to the format of the book, its all outline style, point 1, 1a 1b etc. I did catch some mistakes in some tables... it seemed that wiring sizes in one table were different than another table. I wish some areas had more detailed infomration. But there is a LOT of information here, and he covers every category I can think of. I am currently in the process of rewiring my DC and it is very helpful. I use it in conjunction with Nigel Calder's book, and each has good info. Over all I prefer Calder, but like having both.

Rating:
Summary: Not for powerboaters
Review: It was very hard to tell from the description or the reviews that the book is almost exclusively designed for the wind-borne sailor. For example there is very little on multiple alternator charging systems and all pictures of boats are of sailboats.
As a result I have a brand new copy for sale.

Rating:
Summary: This book was written for you, thanks for supporting it.
Review: Readers and fellow boaters, When I first set out to write the Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible it was out of sheer frustration at seeing so many fellow yachtsmen having significant and what is more concerning, life threatening electrical failures. Having been involved in repairing large ships, and hundreds of yachts over more than 20 years, it was time to have a technical manual style electrical book, for yachtsmen and by yachtsmen. I set out to avoid theory as far as practicable and set out concise and practical information for everyday use on board for problem solving. I am more than pleased that the large positive feedback indicates that that aim has been achieved. The latest edition incorporates most of that feedback, and updated information in a time of rapidly advancing technology. When I get e-mails that say "Thanks! you got me home!", or "You saved me a lot of money", it is satisfying to say the least. Cruising and sailing is a passion of mine, and safety is the priority at all times, especially when the era of electrics and electronics is so dominant. I welcome all readers to drop me an e-mail with comments and information, as this book is for you, and subsequent editions can continue to reflect problems, different systems and answer the many questions you still ask. Good sailing and cruising and I hope to meet many of you out on the water. Electrics and Electronics is not to be frightened of, be thorough and keep it simple. Bon Voyage!

Rating:
Summary: The Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible
Review: This book gives an overabundance of information about the electrical and electonic system aboard a boat. Some of the diagrams are not accurate i.e. the thing the author is trying to explain will not work if you construct it the way he is suggesting you should.