Boat Battery Basics
with Gio & Julie Cappelli | Pelagic Blue CruisingTake the mystery out of your boat’s electrical system with this essential guide to batteries, charging, and onboard power management.
Your boat’s batteries are the heart of its electrical system—storing, supplying, and safeguarding the energy you need to cruise with confidence. Yet for many sailors, battery care feels confusing or intimidating. This online class breaks it down step by step so you can understand your boat’s power system and take charge of maintaining it, whether you’re preparing for coastal cruising or an extended offshore passage.
REGISTER NOW
ONLINE CLASS OVERVIEW
In this online class, Gio and Julie Cappelli will guide you through the essentials of battery knowledge and care for cruising sailors. Starting with the basics of how batteries fit into AC and DC systems, you’ll learn about different battery types, their construction, and how to evaluate their health. From wiring considerations and safety features to practical tips on charging and extending battery life, you’ll gain the knowledge to make informed decisions and prevent costly mistakes. By the end, you’ll feel more confident in keeping your battery bank strong and your boat powered up—wherever the wind takes you.
Who is this online class for?
This series is designed for:
- Novice sailors who want to learn how batteries work as part of their electrical system
- Sailors who rely on batteries for starting their engines or powering devices and want to maintain them properly
- Cruisers eager to be proactive and self-sufficient in keeping a healthy battery bank aboard
What Will I Learn?
This online class will give you the confidence to understand, evaluate, and care for your boat’s batteries. You’ll learn how to identify different battery types, measure capacity and health, and apply best practices that maximize lifespan and reliability. You’ll also gain insight into modern charging solutions—including solar and other alternatives—that keep your boat comfortable and functional even far from shore power.
List of Topics:
SESSION 1: Building Your Battery Foundations
- Electricity 101
- Battery construction and chemistries
- Battery ratings and cycling
- Charging
- Evaluating your boat's batteries
SESSION 2: Powering Up for Real-World Cruising
- Battery challenges
- Installation
- Alternative charging sources
- Offshore and remote cruising best practices
Power Up Your Cruising Confidence
From Confusion to Confidence
Every cruiser knows: when the batteries go flat, so does the adventure. A weak start, flickering lights, or a dead fridge can quickly turn comfort into crisis if you don’t understand your power system. This online class takes the guesswork out of battery care by giving you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to keep your electrical system strong. With step-by-step guidance from Gio and Julie Cappelli, you’ll learn exactly how to troubleshoot, maintain, and extend the life of your battery bank, so you can cruise farther with peace of mind.
Practical Power
This isn’t abstract theory, it’s hands-on, practical instruction designed for everyday cruising. You’ll discover how batteries work within your boat’s AC/DC systems, what makes each battery type unique, and how to measure their health. From wiring and fuses to smart charging solutions like solar, wind, and hydro, you’ll gain the tools to manage your power confidently. Whether you’re upgrading your system, preparing for a long passage, or just want to avoid costly mistakes, this class shows you how to keep your boat powered up and ready for anything.
Power Management Made Simple
Perfect for new sailors still learning the ropes, cruisers who want to be proactive about maintenance, and anyone who depends on batteries for life aboard, this online class is your shortcut to becoming self-sufficient with your power system. If you’ve ever worried about losing power away from shore or wondered if your batteries could handle the load, this is your chance to learn the skills that keep your cruising dreams alive and humming.
YOUR HOSTs
Gio & Julie Cappelli
Pelagic Blue Cruising Services
Gio and Julie Cappelli took a “seabattical” from their careers as marine biologists in 2021 and opted not to return to terrestrial life. They’ve since graduated from Skagit Valley College’s Marine Maintenance Technology program, earned ABYC and NMEA certifications, and are USCG Masters. They’ve sailed 30,000 miles through the Pacific, plus 10,000 miles as expedition staff on National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions ships in Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington. They lead sail training expeditions in their favorite places across the globe that focus on preparing students for safe and comfortable bluewater cruising on their own boats. In addition to running Pelagic Blue, they teach offshore cruising workshops and classes with John Neal of Mahina Offshore Services and the American Sailing Association (ASA). When not at sea they enjoy hiking, fishing, planning their next cruise, and helping their clients prepare to set sail.
Gio Cappelli is an ABYC certified Marine Diesel Engines and Marine Systems Technician. He’s been working on cars, boats, and houses for decades and previously worked as a fish biologist and motorboat operator instructor for the Department of Interior. He loves a good mechanical or electrical challenge and is a champion spearfisherman. His life goal is to spearfish in every ocean on the planet. Brrr!
Julie Cappelli used to be terrified of electricity but is now ABYC certified in Marine Electrical and a NMEA certified Electronics and Advanced NMEA2000 Installer. She’s been trying to grow a set of gills her entire life, and has worked as a marine biologist, scuba instructor, and expedition leader. She loves a good electrical or cruising logistics challenge and is an absolute genius when it comes to tracking down the gremlins hiding in your boat’s networks. Her life goal is to meet every species of whale in every ocean on the planet. There are about 94 currently recognized species and so far, she's got 18!
ONLINE CLASS REGISTRATION
THurSDAY, NOVEMBER 6th
@ 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET (90 min)
Regular Price
$79
ASA Member Price
$59
ON-DEMAND ACCESS
All registrations include unlimited on-demand access to the recordings of the live online class. So if you are unable to attend live you can still register and watch at your leisure.
ASA MEMBER DISCOUNT
American Sailing Members can claim their discount in the Member Portal. If you're not a current member then for only $59/year you can join or renew today!
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Service apply.
