Systems and Engines Questions

  • Green machines

    How to hook up a solar panel and a wind generator while sailing and still enjoy a full battery when starting out. More

  • Reconfiguring chargers for TPPLs

    How will Odyssey TPPLY AGM batteries affect a reader's particular charging system. More

  • Preventing zinc corrosion

    Nigel Calder explains to a reader how to measure a zinc guppy’s effectiveness and measure galvanic current. More

  • Strike out

    How will lightning affect a boat plugged into shore power? More

  • Power packs

    A reader who is overhauling a boat asks if a marine verter will work with a wind generator and solar panel. More

  • Oil and water

    Nigel Calder explains why the engine of a Perkins 4-236 could have drops of water on the dipstick after use. More

  • Surging Power

    A reader wonders if he has a defective switch ora normal cross current. More

  • Nuts over terminals

    A reader asks why not use a brass nut instead of a stainless-steel nut for a terminal post. More

  • Curious Zincs

    Nigel Calder explains what is causing the corrosion of the zinc anodes on a Volvo Penta. More

  • Charge it up

    A reader asks for advice on using a multimeter to check a battery’s voltage and interpreting the readings. More