Dealing with Boat Electrical Problems: A Brief Troubleshooting Guide

If you own a boat, it’s helpful to have DIY skills that might assist you with maintenance. However, there are also things that can go wrong with your boat that might be more complex. Electrical problems often fall into that category.

There are problems that only require a little boat wire and for you to watch a couple of YouTube videos to know how to fix them. Other electrical-based issues will be more labor-intensive. Let’s talk about boat electrical problems in this quick troubleshooting guide.

Check the Switches

Let’s say one of your boat’s electrical components doesn’t seem to be turning on like it should. The first thing you need to do is check the switches. That might sound overly simplistic, but looking at the switch corresponding to that part of the boat’s electrical system should always be your first step. You never know if it got switched off accidentally. 

Take a Look at the Battery Bank 

If all the switches are in the proper positions, checking the battery bank should be next on your list. It should register 12.0 volts at a minimum. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to charge it.

Use Your Multimeter

Next, you will want to disconnect the item that does not seem to be getting power from the wire. Use your multimeter on the wire. That will reveal whether power is getting to the item that doesn’t want to turn on.

Let’s assume the item is getting power, but the voltage is low, like less than 12.0 volts. If so, then you’re probably dealing with a wire that is too small, corrosion, or a poor connection. Checking for each of those problems should be next on your agenda. 

What About if the Item is Getting No Power?

If you use your multimeter and it shows that the item in question is getting no power, it could mean there is a fuse in the wire, and it has blown. You can always replace the fuse, but you also need to figure out why the blowout happened, or it could occur again. 

If you’re replacing a fuse, it’s helpful to look at the manual for whatever piece of gear you’re trying to fix. What size fuse does the manufacturer recommend? A fuse that is too small is a common cause of boating equipment not getting sufficient power or any power at all. 

You need to substitute the right-size fuse if that’s the issue. A too-small one means the gear you’re fixing won’t get any power, but one that’s too large can cause a fire. 

If any of this is sounding too difficult, then you might need to bring in a professional. There are electricians who specialize in boating equipment, and finding one who can take a look at your vessel will be in order. Most professionals will have special equipment, like boat lift systems, that can help them access hard-to-reach areas and thoroughly inspect electrical components. By relying on experts, you can be confident that your vessel is in good hands and that potential electrical hazards are addressed before they escalate.

Remember that safety should be your priority, and if you feel like electrical issues on a boat are too demanding, this is one time when DIY probably isn’t the best option.