Engine breakdown and electrical failure are the two problems that make a boat or yacht stop unexpectedly. Electrical systems help power navigation lights, entertainment devices, and communication gadgets like smartphones. Any system component could fail, from the battery and cables to bulbs, fuses, and electrical outlets.
Whether only a few or all system components fail, troubleshooting skills can help the boat owner or electrician fix the underlying issue quickly. This article highlights a few common marine electrical issues and how to solve them.
A dead battery can cause total power failure in the boat or yacht. If electrical equipment fails due to power issues or low voltage, disconnect the battery, and leave it to settle for some time before measuring the voltage. If the boat has two batteries, charge each separately until fully charged.
The battery should indicate 14.4V+ and about 12.5 when left to settle overnight. Use a headlamp bulb to check how long it takes for the battery to discharge 50% of the power. If the batteries are working as they should, consider replacing the old wires with 10 Gauge Marine Wire since they might be worn out.
Signs of a faulty battery include getting hot, swelling, gassing, and drying out. Since only one cell of the multiple battery bank is often severely affected, ask repair technicians to remove or replace the cell. Faulty batteries can be useful but not ideal for boats since they might fail unexpectedly.
The batteries might have full charge and power is reaching the switch panel, but the devices might not work. This indicates a cabling problem. Faulty cables break the circuit connecting the switch panel and the electronic devices. Before replacing the wires, check the connection at the terminals and switch.
If the wire has power at one end, it could be losing power at a circuit breaker, dodgy junction, or a blown fuse. The wire might also be too small for the load, especially if you install too many power devices without replacing the cables.
If a blown fuse is the reason behind the cabling problem, determine whether the carrying capacity of the cable can support the maximum load. If not, reduce the load or replace the cable with a bigger one that can support the load. Remember to replace both the positive and negative wires.
The alternator charges the battery as the engine runs to provide a continuous power supply to all electrical devices. If the battery has a low voltage and the engine has been running for some time, the alternator could be the problem. The battery should have 13.5v whenever the engine is running, and both batteries should charge simultaneously.
Some yachts have external power regulators to control the current flow from the alternator to the batteries. If the batteries fail to charge, the alternator could be the problem, but the issue could be the power regulator. Electricians can bypass the faulty power regulator, but it involves applying inside knowledge, so you should hire an electrician.
There are many components of a marine electrical system that could fail and affect the power supply to various devices. Therefore, boat and yacht owners should learn these basic troubleshooting tips to solve the problem. However, you should always leave complicated electrical work to competent marine electricians.
