Master class: problems with electricity on board

Electricity on board

Let's do without lengthy introductions about the importance of electricity and how deeply it is integrated not only into everyday life, but also in yachting (and in shipping in general). A real problem that can be encountered while cruising is electrical failure. The problem is annoying, but solvable. 

There are several approaches to preventing or resolving electrical problems on board. Naturally, the first step before any cruise or going to sea is to check the performance of the entire yacht. The presence of any problems with electrical equipment should alert the yachtsman. Some wiring defects, alas, cannot be found even with a comprehensive check. In any case, a preliminary check and timely maintenance of electrical appliances on board will help you avoid sudden problems.

Interestingly, most of the electrical appliances on board the yacht (with the exception of navigation lights, starter batteries or electric motors) are optional. We explain what we mean - a century ago there were no chartplotters, GPS-navigators and other delights of electrification. And this did not stop people from going on a trip around the world. 

Why remember the distant past? Because in case of problems with electricity, you will have to use the “grandfather” navigation methods. The harsh truth is that the ability to use a paper map, compass, direction finder, navigator's ruler and pencil is not an option, but a necessity.

Redundant power supplies

In order not to lose contact with land in the event of a failure of the main batteries or generator, take care of backup power sources. A smaller spare generator and / or batteries, power banks for recharging phones, GPS devices - this is the minimum set of what needs to be provided. 

Remember that one of the most important tools on board in case of any problems is the radio. Your VHF radio must be in good working order and always ready for use. In the event of a complete electrical failure, warn the coast guard that you have problems - for example, the engine is also electric - and you will not be able to enter the marina on your own. Experts will help you get to a safe place. But what to do if it is not close to the shore?

Navigation without electricity

Losing orientation in the sea without navigational instruments is quite simple. However, bearing in mind the experience of ancestors, getting to the shore in such a situation is more than a real task. A compass, stars, wind and a map will come to your aid. If you are in the coastal zone, then you consider yourself to have won the jackpot. Thanks to the coastline and landmarks on it, it is relatively easy to get to any point you need. 

What do you need to bring with you? Paper maps of navigation areas, compass, navigation ruler, almanacs with information about the tides. This is the minimum you will need. In addition, the most important thing you should have with you is your experience. Basic knowledge of navigation without electrical navigation equipment is good, but it is not enough to successfully complete a cruise without electricity.

In order to improve your navigation skills, you can enroll in the appropriate courses. In addition, you can try small sections of the path yourself without the help of a chartplotter and GPS, that is, simply using your eyes, ears, paper and pencil. It can also be useful - so you gradually learn to feel the movement of the yacht, its behavior on the water, the influence of currents and wind. With a little practice, you'll be surprised how accurately you can chart a course. It is better to practice in a safe environment than to undergo a baptism of fire “as is”.

Man proposes, but God...

It is clear that in the event of a failure of electrical equipment, your cruise plans will change dramatically. How to be? To begin with, it is worth determining your location using analog navigation devices. Then you should plot a route to the nearest marina or harbor, where you can get in touch and request help. 

While you are sailing to your destination, you need to alert the coast guard, who will escort you to safety. If you are in a not very busy area, where there are few yachts, and the destination is far away, then you can anchor so as not to go into the night without electricity. 

If for some reason some of the devices on board continue to work, then leave only the most necessary - your task is to save energy in the most important equipment for as long as possible. Going without navigational devices is of course a fascinating experience, but if it is possible to somehow determine your location in space more accurately than “by eye”, then it is better to have such an opportunity. 

In case of electrical problems, all non-essential elements of the system must be turned off. The most important thing on board was and still is the electronic navigation system. Autopilot, refrigerators, etc. Those are the things that need to be turned off. 

It is good practice to keep a record of the power consumption of each of the systems on board. This will help you determine how much battery you need and what can be turned off to conserve power.

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We solve problems as they come

You have leveled course, moving at a stable speed, an internal combustion engine is installed on board, but there is still no electricity on board. While the sea favors and the weather is good overboard, you can try to find out the cause of the malfunctions.

It's great if your team has a person who understands electrical equipment. If this person is you, then transfer responsibility for the safety of the yacht to your “chief officer”. This way you can go deeper into solving electrical problems, and the assistant will be fully occupied with managing the boat.

It would be nice to have a voltmeter on board and be able to use it. When searching for problem areas on board, the voltmeter is your reliable friend and comrade. The only sure way is to gradually and methodically check every part of the electrical system on board. From batteries to a cockpit chartplotter. Divide the entire system into sections and check their performance. If there is a panel with cut-off switches for all systems on board, this will make the task easier.

In any case, you may not find the reason for the lack of electricity. Then all your attention should be on navigation and trying to get in touch with the Coast Guard. Navigation without appropriate instruments, although it is a non-trivial task, there is nothing overwhelming in this. The main thing is not to panic.

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12.08.2023