Boat Electricity Basics

with

Jeff & Jean

Two Can Sail

You cannot understand your boat’s electrical system if you do not understand electricity. Learn what electricity is and how it works so you can take and understand the boat electrical systems courses. Learn voltage, current, watts, batteries, AC vs DC, and electrical safety in plain English using real-world boating examples.

90-Minute Live Session

On Demand Replay Available

Live Q&A

Modern boats depend completely on reliable electrical systems. Everything from engine starting to navigation, lighting, refrigeration, and safety equipment requires electricity to function properly. But without understanding the fundamentals — voltage, current, watts, resistance, and battery capacity — marine electrical systems can seem confusing and intimidating. This online class explains electricity using simple, visual examples, including an easy-to-understand water analogy, so you can clearly understand how your boat’s electrical system works and prepare for more advanced marine electrical training.

FREE

Boat Electricity Basics

Online class overview

Who is this online class for?

This online class is ideal for boat owners, sailboat owners, cruising boaters, new boat owners, marine students, DIY boat maintenance enthusiasts, and anyone planning to take marine electrical or electronics classes. No prior electrical experience is required.

What will I learn?

By the end of this online class, you will understand what voltage, current, watts, and resistance are and how electricity flows through your boat. You will learn the difference between AC and DC power, how to calculate power usage, how batteries store energy and how capacity is measured, why proper wire size is critical, how resistance can cause overheating and fire, and how to monitor your electrical system safely. You will also gain a clear understanding of how inverters, shore power, and onboard systems work.

List of topics:

Electricity explained using water analogy
Voltage, Current, and Power
Power calculations
Battery capacity and Amp-Hours
AC vs DC systems
Marine battery systems
Electrical safety
Resistance and overheating
Electrical monitoring tools
Digital Volt Meter use
Battery monitoring systems
Charging systems and charging stages

POWER WITHOUT CONFUSION

Understanding the Language of Electricity

Modern boats depend on reliable electrical systems, yet many owners feel uncertain about how those systems actually function. This foundational online class explains voltage, current, watts, resistance, and battery capacity in clear, practical terms using real-world boating examples and simple analogies. Instead of memorizing terms, you will understand how electricity moves through your boat and why each component matters.

Building Safe and Reliable Systems

Understanding AC versus DC power, battery storage, load calculations, and proper wire sizing is essential for safe operation. This online class explains how electricity flows onboard, how to calculate power usage, and why resistance and improper wiring can lead to overheating and fire. You will gain the knowledge needed to operate, monitor, and troubleshoot your electrical system responsibly.

A Foundation for Advanced Skills

Designed specifically for non-technical boaters, this course creates a strong conceptual base for marine electrical maintenance and electronics training. You will leave with the confidence to interpret electrical data, use monitoring tools properly, and manage your onboard systems safely and effectively.

Your Host

Jeff & Jean

Jeff has been actively sailing for over 45 years and Jean has been sailing since she was 12 years old. Both Jeff and Jean have extensively cruised the Caribbean, Bahamas and Florida on their Skye 51. Jeff holds an Electrical Engineering degree and has worked with almost all forms of electronic navigation from B-52 Inertial Navigation systems to modern integrated Nav Suites. Jean is a retired Accredited Marine Surveyor, and was a member of the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors and ABYC Standards Certified. Both Jeff and Jean are 100GT Masters and ASA Certified Sailing Instructors. Over 15 years ago, Jeff and Jean founded Two Can Sail to address the unique needs of couples cruising and to assist in couples realizing their sailing dreams. Together they help couples gain the perspectives and tools needed to safely pursue the cruising lifestyle while having fun and staying together!

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Online Class Registration

@ 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET (90 min)

Regular Price

ASA Member Price

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!

Online Course
Course*
- Boat Electricity Basics
ASA Certification
ASA Online Achievement Seal
- ASA Online Achievement Seal
  *recommended
  $19.00
By completing this entire course you can earn an ASA Online Achievement Seal - an official ASA seal that can be entered into your ASA Logbook!
Official ASA Logbook
- ASA Logbook
  $29.99
The ASA Logbook is a living document that chronicles your certifications and can also be used to keep a record of any and all sea-hours accrued along the way. If you chose to earn an ASA Online Achievement Seal and don't have an ASA Logbook then you *must* chose this option and purchase one.
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