Course Structure & Overview

Module 1 - Introduction

This is where we are right now. We will talk about the contents of the course and how to make the most out of it.

Module 2 - Basics of electricity

This module is specifically for beginners who do not yet have background knowledge about Volts, Amps, Resistance, Power and Energy. But even if you already know  these things, the relatively short and easy to understand lessons of this module might be a good refresher.

Module 3 - Components & Circuit diagrams

In this module we will dive into boat electrics by covering the most important electrical components we find on a boat. We will learn how they work and how we can represent them in a circuit diagram. We will use this knowledge when we learn how to design and plan a system at the end of the course.

Module 4 - Cable Selection & Installation

The fourth module is all about basic marine electrical wiring. We will learn what conductors are suitable for boat wiring and what are not, how to properly size conductors, and how to install them in a professional and reliable way. This module includes the topic of overcurrent protection, which is absolutely crucial if you want to prevent the risk of fires on your boat caused by overheated conductors.

Module 5 - Lead Acid Batteries

Here you will learn how lead acid batteries work and how to treat them in a way that enables them to reach the life expectancy for which they were designed. 

Module 6 - Charging Systems

In this module we will talk in detail about battery charging regimes and the right choice for a charging device.

Module 7 - Energy Systems Design

In the seventh module you will learn about systems design and how to plan your energy needs based on the devices you use and the charging sources you have. This will give you the peace of mind that you have an adequate system to meet your lifestyle expectations together with the necessary control over the way you store and manage the energy on your boat.

Module 8 - Case Study: Planning a Rewiring

In the last module we will put everything we have learned together in the form of case studies. We will do this by planning the complete DC-system for different scenarios on an imaginary boat.

Bonus Lessons

Over time, and depending on the feedback we get from you, we will add bonus lessons that cover some interesting related topics. Once you have signed up for this course, you will get access to this additional future content free of charge. We will send you an email as soon as new bonus content is released.

Using this course

We highly recommend that you do the lessons in the right order, because they build on each other. But of course you can always go back to a topic anytime you want.

Most of the lessons have a video at the top of the page. All the relevant information will be in these videos, so in theory you can learn all you need to know by just watching the videos.

We have provided lecture notes for each lesson. They are placed below the video. (What you are currently reading are the lecture notes...)

Here you can review the content at your own pace. The lecture notes are also a great help if you search for a specific topic. Just enter your term in the search bar on the top right of the page and you will find a list of all lessons where the term occurs in the lecture notes. 

Sometimes the lecture notes contain additional examples or provide more in depth explanations of certain topics than what we cover in the video. So in general it is a good idea to use both the video and lecture notes if you want to get the full benefit of this course.

Comments & Feedback

We also have a comment section under each lesson. If you have specific questions about the content or suggestions on topics that you would like to learn more about, please write a comment there. This way we can improve the course over time and also add bonus material if there is a need for it.

The Basis: ABYC & ISO Standards

Let's have a quick look at the standards that are the foundation and basis for this course. We designed the content to be compliant with the ABYC E-11 and the new ISO 13297 standards.

The ISO and the ABYC are the two organizations that write the principal standards governing small craft. That typically includes recreational boats up to 24 meters in length for ISO or 70 feet for ABYC. 

With respect to boat electrical systems the principal difference between the ABYC and ISO standards lies in the fact that the ABYC standards tend to be more detailed. In order to provide the most detailed information in our lessons, we follow the ABYC standards. Where there are minor disagreements with the ISO (only a handful) we point these out. 

The ABYC standards are not mandatory (the ISO are). But if something goes wrong, for example if a fault in the system sets your boat on fire, you will have a much easier time dealing with insurance claims if you can document that your system was installed according to the standards. 

Unfortunately, even on new boats it is not uncommon to find electrical system details that violate the ABYC and ISO standards. It is our hope that those who master our lessons will be able to do at least as good a job at designing and installing boat electrical systems as most professionals, and significantly better than many!