ONBOARD ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

Navigating during approaching storms carries real risks for your boat’s electrical system and sensitive equipment. Lightning strikes generate surges that can irreparably damage batteries, inverters, navigation electronics, and communication systems. Based on my 30 years of experience, the main critical points are: Insufficient or improper grounding connections: Every metal component and every circuit on board must have a centralized and secure grounding connection. Disconnect

Even small errors in a boat’s electrical system can cause serious and costly damage. With over 30 years of experience, I have observed the most recurring problems and how to prevent them. Incorrect or incomplete grounding connections: Poorly designed or interrupted connections cause current leaks, faults, and reduce protection against surges. Wrong choice of batteries or storage system: Using batteries that are not suited to the system’s requirements, or over- or under-sizing

Many boat owners wonder why the solar panels installed on their vessels do not produce the expected energy. With 30 years of experience, I have observed that the main causes are never accidental, but stem from design, installation, or maintenance choices . Panel orientation and tilt: The angle relative to the sun and the position on board greatly affect output. Panels shaded by masts, winches, or other structures experience significant drops in performance. Undersized cables

Choosing the most suitable storage system is essential to ensure safety, autonomy, and the longevity of a boat’s electrical system. The main technologies available today are Lead AGM/GEL batteries , LiFePO₄ , and Graphene . Lead AGM/GEL Batteries: Reliable and proven, requiring less management electronics. Lower initial cost, but heavier and lower energy density. Shorter lifespan if frequently subjected to deep cycles. LiFePO₄ Batteries (Lithium Iron Phosphate): Higher energy