| By the time a boat gets a few years old, it will | | | | electrical system. Sometimes there are quite a bit. In |
| probably have a number of things in the electrical | | | | most cases, the owner may not even be aware of |
| system that need to be updated or replaced. When | | | | why things are constantly breaking down. Usually he |
| an insurance surveyor comes along, he may end up | | | | blames it on the pump or motor when actually faulty |
| handing the owner a long, and costly, list of things | | | | wiring is the problem. You should be aware that on |
| that need to be corrected. | | | | boats with poor electrical systems, the cost of |
| An electrical system for a boat is much different | | | | straightening it out can be pretty high. |
| than that of a house or even a car. Sea water is a | | | | Electrical systems don't last forever. Over time boat |
| fair conductor of electricity. Therefore, there are | | | | systems degrade, particularly when it comes to the |
| some additional rules about the materials and | | | | effects of corrosion. It is recommend that a boat |
| methods of installation when it comes to boats. | | | | have an electrical system survey once every 5 years. |
| Materials & Equipment - It is important that only | | | | This does not take long and does not cost a lot of |
| equipment and materials rated for marine application | | | | money. In fact it may save you hundreds of dollars in |
| be used. The American Boat and Yacht Council has | | | | unwelcome headaches. In most cases, the survey will |
| very stringent standards for this. Things like common | | | | reveal the effects of corrosion which may need to |
| household wire and wiring devices, as well as electrical | | | | be cleaned up, along with a few minor repairs. The |
| equipment and appliances should not be used on | | | | advantage is in not allowing these problems to |
| boats. These things are not properly constructed, | | | | accumulate to the point that it becomes a big, costly |
| insulated or grounded and could either start a fire, or | | | | job. |
| worse, result in an electrocution. Federal regulations | | | | Adding New Equipment |
| require that all electrical devices that are used in the | | | | Most boats, particularly smaller ones, are not designed |
| engine compartment or bilges be "ignition protected" | | | | with the idea of adding new equipment, even though |
| meaning they won't create a spark that can cause a | | | | nearly everyone does. But the primary reason why |
| fire or explosion. | | | | systems get so messed up is a result from the |
| Buying Older Boats - When buying a used or older | | | | attempt to force something in where there is no |
| boat, one of the things to pay close attention to is | | | | provision made for it. |
| how much rigging and alterations there are in the | | | | |