In his latest guide to the technical issues facing boat owners, John C. Payne deals with the topic of boat AC power systems. With photos and technical drawings, the book covers such topics as AC system electrical safety, shore power systems, transformers, AC electrical panels, AC system wiring, AC diesel generators, and inverters.

John C. Payne is a professional marine electrical engineer with 23 years merchant marine and off-shore oil experience.

More and more sailors and powerboaters are buying and relying on electronic and electric devices aboard their boats, but few are aware of proper installation procedures or how to safely troubleshoot these devices if they go on the blink.

The second in a series of highly practical, hands on, step-by-step photographic manuals, Replacing Your Boat's Electrical System fills a gap in the market for the DIY boat builder and repairer. It is a subject covered only in piecemeal fashion by the yachting press, which, like general boat repair manuals, can't go into the level of detail Micke Westin does. This is a visual, hand-holding guide, dwelling on the details as it explains each procedure rather than focussing on the theory (which is relegated to an appendix, for those who wish to go further).

Keep your boat's electrical systems running and reliable “Boatowner’s Illustrated Electrical Handbook is perfect for learning how your boat’s electrical system and much of its equipment works, and it will be an invaluable guide when adding equipment as well. This book needs to be in every boater’s library as a ready reference on how to make effective repairs and modifications that comply with ABYC standards.”—Ed Sherman, Senior Instructor and Curriculum Designer, American Boat and Yacht Council “A definitive technical book that is easy to read. Buy this book and throw out the rest.”—Motorboat & Yachting Whether you take to the sea under power or sail, bounce around the bay in your runabout, or cross oceans in your cruiser, you’ll find everything you need to maintain, repair, and upgrade your boat’s DC and AC electrical systems with this comprehensive and fully illustrated guide. Tackle onboard electrical projects and learn how to: Meet ABYC standards for both DC and AC wiring Install solar- and wind-power systems Add electrical components Prevent corrosion of your electrical system . . . and more

Whether out for an afternoon's sail or embarking on a long offshore passage, there is always an element of chance and uncertainty about being at sea. To be responsible for the wellbeing of both crew and vessel, a good skipper needs to know their limitations and ensure they are operating well within the margins of safety. Safe Skipper is a practical and thought provoking guide for yacht skippers of all levels of experience, full of invaluable advice and tips on how to reduce to the minimum the risks of mishaps and equipment failure at sea. There's a wide range of information on seamanship, preparation, seaworthiness, gear, boat handling, leadership, teamwork, watch keeping, communications, navigation, weather and emergency procedures, all delivered in a highly practical, lively, non-preachy fashion. Included throughout are useful checklists, box-outs and case studies of accidents and their causes, with survivors' testimonials and explanations of how disasters were avoided, or could have been, all of which provides valuable lessons for everyone who goes to sea.

With clear illustrations and simple explanations, Don Casey shows you exactly how to install wiring ... make good, safe connections ... match your battery bank and alternator to your needs ... troubleshoot problems quickly ... avoid shore power problems ... and more - all without a lot of technical jargon.