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

A well-designed electrical system is the foundation for safety, reliability, and longevity on board. Here are the key principles for an ideal electrical layout : Centralized and Modular Distribution: Separate distribution panels for main and secondary circuits. Fuses and circuit breakers placed close to the cable entry points. Secure and Correct Connections: All grounding connections must be continuous and solid. Use marine-grade connectors, tightened and protected against co

Evaluating whether to repair or redo an electrical system is essential to ensure safety, reliability, and longevity on board. There are certain situations where completely replacing the system  is the safest and most cost-effective choice: Obsolete or Deteriorated System: Poorly insulated or worn cables, corroded connections. Components no longer meeting modern safety standards. Risk of Frequent Failures: Repeated repairs indicate that the system is no longer reliable. Preven

Humidity is one of the main enemies of onboard electrical systems. Even small water infiltrations or condensation can cause short circuits, contact corrosion, and critical malfunctions. Main Risks: Short Circuits:  Conductive water can create bridges between conductors, causing failures and potential fires. Corrosion:  Oxidized contacts increase resistance and reduce efficiency, generating heat and component degradation. Sensors and Electronics:  Humidity can compromise the p

Many boat owners worry when the inverter goes into protection mode, fearing a serious fault. In reality, in most cases, it is an automatic safety response  designed to protect the system and the batteries. Main Causes of Inverter Protection: Overload: The inverter interrupts the current when the connected load exceeds its rated capacity. This is a safety mechanism to prevent damage to internal components and connected devices. Incorrect Battery Voltage: Voltage that is too hi

Charge controllers are essential to optimize the energy produced by solar panels and protect the batteries on board. The two main types are MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking)  and PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) . Main Differences: PWM Controllers: Connect the panel directly to the battery when the voltage is appropriate. Simple, reliable, and low-cost. Best choice only for small systems with compatible panels and batteries. MPPT Controllers: Adjust the panel voltage to the bat

Sometimes, solar panels on board fail to properly charge the batteries, causing frustration and reduced autonomy. In most cases, the causes are not irreversible faults but issues with installation, connections, or maintenance. Main Causes of Non-Charging: Shading: Trees, boat structures, or sails can reduce sun exposure. Even partial shading on a panel can drastically reduce output. Electrical Connections: Undersized cables or loose connections cause voltage drops. Check and

Switching from AGM lead-acid batteries to LiFePO₄ batteries offers significant advantages in terms of energy density, lifespan, and performance, but it requires careful attention to avoid costly mistakes and risks to the electrical system. Most Common Mistakes to Avoid: Underestimating the BMS (Battery Management System): LiFePO₄ batteries require a BMS to balance the cells and ensure safety. Ignoring this component can cause malfunctions, reduce lifespan, and create electric

Many boat owners notice that the lithium battery seems to “turn off” at night, causing interruptions or reduced autonomy. In reality, in most cases, this behavior is normal and related to battery chemistry and the management of loads onboard. Main causes: Internal battery protection: LiFePO₄ batteries have protection circuits that disconnect the current when the voltage drops below a certain threshold to prevent damage. Nighttime parasitic loads: Electronic instruments, senso