Understanding Boat Batteries and Battery Charging

by John C. Payne

Overview

From John C. Payne, one of the foremost international authorities on marine electrical systems and electronics, comes an easy-to-understand yet thorough treatment of boat batteries and charging.

Concise, compact, and fully illustrated for easy reference, Understanding Boat Batteries: 2nd Edition has been fully revised throughout. This guide offers a comprehensive coverage of the following major topics:

• Lithium, lead acid, AGM, and gel batteries
• Battery ratings and selection
• Safety and maintenance
• Installation
• Charging
• Alternators and regulators

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781574093643
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	05/06/2025
Series:	Sheridan House Guides to Boat Maintenance
Edition description:	Second Edition
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

John C. Payne is a professional marine electrical engineer and surveyor, with a career spanning more than forty years in commercial shipping, the offshore oil industry, and yachting. He is a qualified technical writer and author of fifteen marine electrical and electronics books and numerous magazine articles. John has been involved with everything from submarine sonar systems and oil rig operation manuals to military helicopters. Currently, he is a commissioning manager for some of the world's largest and most complex offshore oil production and drilling installations. He has built, restored, and cruised several yachts and lives aboard his own boat. He is a member of the ABYC and the Cruising Association.

Table of Contents

1. Batteries 2. Lead Acid Batteries 3. AGM Batteries 4. Gel Batteries 5. General Information on Battery Types 6. Battery Ratings and Selection 7. Safety, Installation and Maintenance 8.Charging, Alternators and Regulators 9. Charging Circuit System 10. Battery Chargers 11. Alternative Charging, Solar and Wind Index

Editorial Reviews

This is another little gem from Payne, and complements perfectly his book entitled Understanding Boat Wiring. Again, it is not a large book almost pocket-sized, in fact yet it will help you not only understand the subject but assist you in solving difficulties.

From general information, the author deals with the different types of battery, their rating and selection, safety, installation and maintenance. There are also sections on alternators, regulators, and alternative charging, from wind and sun.

Sailing and Yachting

Clear, succinct instructions for ABYC-compliant electrical systems.

Wooden Boat