The 12-Volt Bible for Boats Paperback – November 11, 2002

The book was not quite what I was looking for and went into far more theory detail than I could stay awake for. Probably a good book, but bogged me down and had me running to the kitchen for more coffee.

This comprehensive review of boat batteries is quite useful beginning with the basics of electricity including Ohms Law etc. There is an entire chapter on charging batteries and the basic electricity behind lighting systems and circuits is carefully analyzed. Bear in mind that the writer and published are English so when he mentions a torch we in the west think of a flashlight. A few other little details like that are amusing but easily accommodated. I suppose my quibble is that I found the discussion on boat vs automotive batteries to be a little confusing when that topic should be discussed at greater length. There are 194 pages that contain many diagrams and photographs. I do recommend the book and especially appreciate it for covering the topic at a very elementary level yet adding to the complexity as you go along so that it may be of use to more advanced boating enthusiasts.

I just received this , and already have learned more than I already knew. Thinking about moving onto a live aboard boat in the future, I wanted to learn as much as I could about the 12 volt system, as It will be the power used. It seems to be written well a be it dated. But still good BASIC information . As I said, I just received it ( yesterday) so I haven't read the entire book, I say this because , being dated, I dont think it includes lithium batteries , or lead carbon batteries. But from what I read on the boat forums, it seemed to be a good reference book to have " on board" .Good sailing.

I bought this book about 6 months ago to learn how to wire my old 35 year boat properly. It deals a lot with theory, and how DC current works. Not a great deal with adding terminals, routing wires etc. It explains in good detail on what size wire to use for what application, such as lights or windless depending on power consumption. This is one of the books strong points. I was disappointed with the book, for what I was looking for. I find the Time Life Books much better for practical use. I haven't opened the book since I read throw it the first time and have donated it to a local leading library. I may review the book again for some of it's technical points, so it is worth having in your library if you plan to have more than one book on DC current

Even if you've never worked with electricity, but now need to because you have a boat, "The 12-Volt Bible for Boats" is a great introduction that covers more than just the basics. The early part of the book covers all of the beginner introduction to batteries and electricity. It also explains the differences between 12-Volt car systems and boat systems. This book helps you determine what gauge wire you need for what current demand of your new piece of equipment and length of the wire run. The later chapters cover specifics of how to hook up particular equipment such as solar panels and wind generators. The final section covers test equipment you can build yourself. This book is definitely worth the price.

Exceptionally valuable info on 12 v systems. Bought it to prepare for reworking circuits in boat, found it equally very useful for automobile restoration projects.

I bought this book hoping to learn more about Boat batteries but it did not deliver... It does review the basics of electricity, batteries wiring etc and I found a lot of information to be very educative and interesting but the book overall did not answer the most important questions:1. the 20h battery power was mentioned perhaps once or twice. This is the most important point when it comes to boat power... What does it mean is not enough.. I wanted to know how to calculate the consumption of the various elements.. can i keep the radar on while on battery and for how long? etc...etc...2. How to charge a battery, how to pick an alternator. Again nothing.3. What batteries to choose for a sailboat, depending on length equipment etc.. What is the difference between the house batteries, windlass battery and starter battery... All these points were missed.So in other terms the title is misleading and the book is far from being a bible!!! It should be a 5$ book that you read in one day and discard.. this is not a reference..

This book starts off with the very basics and builds upon them in great detail. This is a very well rounded and organized book. The author structures this book correctly and has given detailed feedback based upon his experience(s). This is a great book if you are building your own boat and can methodically organize your wiring system the correct way. If you have bought a boat and have to dig into the wiring system, this will give you the principles on how to find and fix the very common issues. I recommend this for anyone to have in their collection.

Good all rounder. I am not a sparky of any sort so this has helped to understand the systems onboard.

Not bad,have redNot bad. Apart from the claim that an isolating transformer has an EARTH????

Great book for everybody who wishes to build their own 12V wiring.

Getting a bit old, could do with an update to cover modern devices. Otherwise interesting

This is a really good introduction to electrics for pleasure craft, written in clear language.