2 minute read
SHIP’S LIBRARY
by theensign
The sailor’s doctrine on boat systems
BY TOM ALLEY, BOAT SYSTEMS COMMITTEE CHAIR
►The fourth edition of John Payne’s “Marine Electrical and Electronics Bible: A Practical Handbook for Cruising Sailors” is a considerable work. Weighing in at nearly 3 pounds with over 650 pages of text, tables, graphs, drawings and photographs, it impresses with its depth and breadth. The book is neither a tutorial nor a reference, falling somewhere in between (hence the word “handbook” in the subtitle) There is enough information about each subject to provide a basic understanding of the topic and to set context but not enough to guarantee a thorough understanding for readers who may not be acquainted with a particular topic Numerous diagrams, graphs and tables provide more depth, conveying information needed to maintain a modern recreational vessel.
The book has two sections: Marine Electrical Systems and Marine Electronic Systems. The first section examines the systems used for power generation and storage, with some brief (and not-so-brief) forays into instrumentation, corrosion, lightning protection, marine diesels, heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing and tankage, hydraulic systems and other systems topics The second section is even broader, the common theme being boat systems that are usually powered electrically. This includes topics such as electronic charting, GPS systems, AIS, system instrumentation, autopilots, safety systems, communications, radar systems, onboard computing and entertainment systems. The section wraps up with numerous troubleshooting and maintenance suggestions.
I had the pleasure of corresponding directly with the author as some inevitable questions came up while reading his book. He was approachable, eager for feedback, and generous with additional knowledge and insight when he was asked to explain the occasional section of the book where wording might not have been clear This book contains a summary of courses offered by America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons and provides information and guidance on many other topics In this reviewer’s opinion, it’s an excellent book worthy of space on the reference shelf of your boating library.
