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Narragansett Sailing school

Boat Systems Course

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR BOAT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

If there is one area that mystifies boat owners it is the electrical system (not to be confused with electronics!). Most things on a boat are black and white… plumbing either leaks or it doesn’t, a furler works or it doesn’t. Marine electrical on the other hand has many ā€˜ā€gray areasā€ depending on how charged up you are, how big the battery bank is, how many amp hours you use, and many other variables.

How is the class taught?

The class runs for two consecutive days from 9am to 5pm.

Like all our classes, we prioritize hands-on learning. The class takes place around an electrical panel representing a typical boat system.

You will find breaker panels, batteries, water pumps and bilge pumps and switches, the exact same equipment you find on all boats

Each piece of equipment is wired on the table.

The instructor will explain a few theories about electricity and circuitry and you will then be able to wire your own electrical systems, measure voltage and current and troubleshoot the systems.

What are the electrical systems

This course is two days of intensive instruction about boat electrical systems and all the ā€œgray areasā€:

  • Ā Batteries
  • Wiring
  • Charging
  • Ā Alternators
  • Ā Inverters
  • Ā Generators
  • Ā All the various parts
  • Ā Power management
  • Ā Different types of battery configurations
  • Ā Power monitors
  • Ā Amp hours
  • Ā Watts…

At the end of the two days you have a good feel of how big your battery bank should be, how many amps your charger should be, how long your battery bank will give power and why.

- COURSE OVERVIEW -

Boat Winterization Class

3 Days - 9am to 5pm

30’ boat with a wheel

4 students max per instructor

Women only courses available

Starting at: $955

Package Option

ASA 101 Basic Sailing

Price: $955

ASA 101 Basic Sailing

Price: $955

Price: $1719

$1910

Related Courses

Marine Diesel Engine Course

2 days

Hands-on in a classroom

5 students max per class

Women only courses available

Starting at: $590

Boat Winterization

1 day in the fall

Classroom and Hands-on in boat

4 students max per class

Starting at: $290

TESTIMONIALS

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The class starts with very basic electrical theory so it is good for anyone. You do not need to have any prior electrical knowledge. We will guide you through the necessary knowledge for your boat.

The class has an entire module dedicated to battery and solar panels calculations. You will be given the perfect step by step process that can be applied to your own boat. If you have a bot, please bring your data and we will try to help you design your system

Hands-on! You will be able to wire the system and use proper tools, wires and connectors. All that you need to know for a boat.

The instructor will explain how to troubleshoot the system. He will create faults and ask each student to find what is wrong using proper methodology and proper meters like ampemeters and voltmeters.

Most electrical systems are similar between sailboats and powerboats. You find water pumps, bilge pumps, lights and battery chargers on powerboats and sailboats. This class is definitely good for both.