Customer Reviews

Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm and Electrical Engineer and FCC licensed for radio and radar operation and repair. I read the book expecting to be disappointed--I now use it as my main reference.

The subject is complicated, but Payne keeps things simple, clear and concise--well suited for the layman and the expert. The appropriate references--everything you need is included in the book.

If you plan to maintain, or upgrade your yachts electrical system yourself, in whole or in part, this the book you want.

Read it once a year because you will not be able to digest and retain it all in one reading.

It was very hard to tell from the description or the reviews that the book is almost exclusively designed for the wind-borne sailor. For example there is very little on multiple alternator charging systems and all pictures of boats are of sailboats.
As a result I have a brand new copy for sale.

"The Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible" is an immensely-practical and easy-to-follow reference for sailors and powerboaters. John C. Payne's 1998 edition has been expanded to cover email services and system components; Web addresses for nautical books, magazines, software, and charts; new training and simulator software written for laptops; GMDSS Distress Call (Alert) Sequence; and current radio frequencies. In the Foreword, Payne writes: "If you wish to keep your boat healthy and safe you must have an electrical system based on sound principles." He goes on to give the essentials of those systems--everything from Batteries and DC Electrical Equipment to Radar and Entertainment Systems. Each chapter has concise instructions, simple illustrations, and easy-to-read printing. And the occasional set of equations is presented with plenty of white space. In the back of the book, there is not only a fine index, but a list of addresses of marine electrical suppliers in the U.S., United Kingdom, and Australia. Kudos to Payne and Sheridan House for publishing a new edition of this classic reference.

I really enjoy reading this book as it is just what is required when speccing out a boat. In particular the focus on keeping things as simple as possible is helpful as well as giving one the names of supliers and products that really reflect best practice. Every yachtowner with a technical interest should have it. If only more builders had read it as well!

10 years ago I used this book to engineer and install the electrical system on an old 60's vintage sailboat. Since then, the boat has been sailed extensively and the system has performed flawlessly. The information on batteries, energy management, and charging is invaluable.

I work in a boatyard, and can honestly say that because of this book there are not many boats that are wired as well as mine.

It took me a bit to get used to the format of the book, its all outline style, point 1, 1a 1b etc. I did catch some mistakes in some tables... it seemed that wiring sizes in one table were different than another table. I wish some areas had more detailed infomration. But there is a LOT of information here, and he covers every category I can think of. I am currently in the process of rewiring my DC and it is very helpful. I use it in conjunction with Nigel Calder's book, and each has good info. Over all I prefer Calder, but like having both.

After just a few moments of reviewing the book it becomes clear that the author has elected to present the "theory" of marine electrical and electronics systems without much information on practical applications of this information. Although this book would make good course material for anyone studying the subject, the term "bible" implies practical information and guidance which is NOT provided in this book. If you are interested in understanding the theory behind the subject, the book could be helpful, if you need practical information on how to diagnose and solve real problems encountered with existing marine electrical and electronic systems, making new installations, or avoiding electrical problems, you'll probably want to look elsewhere.

This book will show you how to understand the electrical power systems of your modern marine vessel. Better than that, the info is readily applicable to RV/mobile power systems as well. If you want to be a superior electrical power technician get this book.

I found this book to be extremely informative and complete.

I was impressed with the high regard placed on the need for quality and intregrety of electrical/electronic equipment and systems. In particular the emphasis placed on using proper types of batteries, and their maintenance.

Sound equipment, installation, and maintenance were highly encouraged by the author throughout this book.

This book diffinently belongs in my technical library.

Must have for all boaters and workers in the industry.