Remember that the
capacity of the batteries
is limited and try to keep
your consumption to a
minimum. Avoid leaving
lights switched on
unnecessarily.
ELECTRICITY
R
12V electrical power
YOUR BOAT
Y
t
s
o
Electricity on board is provided by 12 volt batteries,
recharged by the engine or by shore power. One battery is
for starting, the other ones are for the domestic equipment.
To ensure that the batteries remain properly charged the
engine must run three to four hours each day (a little more
for a boat equipped with an electric fridge or air cooling).
All boats are equipped with a 12 volt cigar-lighter type-plug.
You can connect your adaptor lead for a mobile phone
or any other low power equipment with the appropriate
connection.
220V electrical power
Some boats are equipped with 220 volt transformers for
electric razors. You can plug in a mobile telephone charger or
any other low power appliance but nothing else. Do not use
them for hair dryers or irons.
Shore power
Some boats can connect to a power point on the quay via a
shore power cable. This provides 220V power to the boat’s
domestic equipment and recharges the batteries. Ports
equipped with power points are shown in most cruising
guides. We advise you to use them whenever possible to
boost the boat’s electrical system.
Some boats also allow the operation of 220V appliances
such as laptops while you are cruising. High wattage
appliances such as hairdryers and irons are not
recommended for use while cruising.
Battery cut-off switches
Remember to unplug the
shore power cable before
starting the engine and
pulling away from the
port. Lost or stolen shore
power cables will be
charged for.
Two big red switches enable the batteries to be isolated (for
example, in the event of a fire). In normal circumstances,
don’t touch them. If you have a general power failure on
board, you should first check that they have not been
switched off by mistake.
Fuses and circuit breaker
These protect your boat’s electrical circuits. In the event of a
partial electrical failure you should first of all check the fuses
or the circuit breakers. Your instructor will sh