Marine electrical and electronics: diagnosis by measurement, documented installation

With an electrical fault, the most expensive method is trial and error by swapping parts. At Care every job starts with measurement: battery capacity test, leak scan and voltage readings are reported - and if it isn't needed, we say so plainly. On installations the unit's serial number, test results and the updated wiring diagram are logged to your file.

Marine electrical and electronics: diagnosis by measurement, documented installation

Scope

Battery & energy systems

Capacity testing, AGM/gel servicing, lithium conversion projects

Charging systems

Charger unit, alternator, shore power line and isolation checks

Solar & inverter

Sizing based on a consumption calculation, MPPT and inverter installations

Wiring & panel

Leak detection, renewing corroded runs, fuse and panel layout

Navigation electronics

Raymarine, Garmin, Simrad installation and service coordination; autopilot, radar, AIS

Lighting & systems

Navigation lights, LED conversion of interior lighting, windlass and flush-deck electrical work

Specialist pages

How it works

01

Measurement

Capacity, leak and voltage readings are taken with instruments; the result is reported in numbers.

02

Written quote

Unit make/model, cable cross-sections and labour as separate line items; alternative pricing is possible.

03

Documented installation

The serial number record, function test and updated wiring diagram are added to your file.

Tools

Calculation, not guesswork

Calculator

How many watts of solar, how many amps of battery do you need?

Enter your daily consumption; based on Göcek summer conditions, let's calculate the recommended panel power and battery bank. This is an initial estimate; precise sizing is confirmed with an on-site consumption measurement.

107Ah

Daily consumption

332W

Recommended panel

320Ah

Recommended battery

Values we base a daily 1,280 Wh consumption on: Göcek summer sun ~5.5 hours, system losses ~30%, battery bank 50% usable depth and ~1.5 days autonomy. Output drops on cloudy days and in winter; if panel area is limited, the difference an MPPT regulator makes is worth a panel.

Values are example/initial estimates; shading and real consumption are measured on-site.

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Calculator

Does switching to lithium really pay off?

Not for every boat. Let's compare the 12-year total cost based on your battery bank and usage intensity. Prices are sample/indicative; the exact figure is confirmed with a current quote.

Battery bank
Usage intensity

Your current AGM setup may be enough

For this usage, lithium's extra cost does not pay for itself over 12 years.

12-year total

AGM (~4 yr life)1.320
Lithium (~11 yr life)1.527
Sample/indicative prices (AGM ~2.2 €/Ah, lithium ~7 €/Ah). The real price varies by brand, capacity and the current market.

The decision depends on your consumption profile; not a guess, it is calculated with your own numbers.

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Comparison

Battery types side by side
FeatureLead-acidAGMGelLithium (LiFePO4)
Usable depth~50%~50%~50%~80-90%
Cycle lifeLowMediumMediumVery high
WeightHeavyHeavyHeavyLight
Upfront costLowMediumMediumHigh
MaintenanceTopping up waterMaintenance-freeMaintenance-freeMaintenance-free + BMS
The right type depends on the consumption profile; not every boat needs lithium.
A boat's distribution panel, breakers, battery bank and a multimeter
Electrical work starts at the panel: if load distribution and cable sizing are wrong, every device you add makes it worse.

See the proof

Real job: charger unit replacement

Diagnosis: output 12.1V (low). Victron unit installed with its serial number logged; handed over with a charge-curve measurement, the difference refunded.

Approved 740 € → actual 698 €Charge-curve test12-month warranty
Review the full job file →

FAQ

Has my battery really reached the end of its life?+

It's measured with a capacity test and reported as 'needed / not needed / can wait'. If there's a recommendation you're unsure about, get an Independent Second Opinion - the first measurement is free and the report is yours.

Should I switch to lithium?+

Not for every boat. We work out the numbers against your consumption profile: on some boats lithium pays for itself in three years, on others the existing AGM setup is enough. You receive the calculation and our recommendation in writing, with reasons.

How many panels do I need for solar?+

It's set by a daily consumption calculation: the fridge, appliances and autopilot hours are added up, then a shading allowance is applied. Calculation, not guesswork - the expected output is written in the quote as a number.

My electronics are old - does it all have to be replaced?+

Usually no: staged upgrading is possible via NMEA bridges. First we draw up an inventory of what works and what doesn't, then offer a phased roadmap to suit your budget.

What do I have in hand after the installation?+

The unit invoice, serial numbers, test results and the updated wiring diagram - all in the job file on your panel. For the next craftsman or surveyor, your boat's electrics are now documented.

What should be done for the batteries in winter?+

A charging setup is arranged and monthly voltage tracking is added to the winter checks; a dead battery is the most common bill of a neglected winter. In the wintering programme this is standard.

On this topic: guides & glossary

For those wondering about the terms: the guide and glossary entries below explain this service in depth.

Let us see your boat on site

Start with a free introductory check; both the quote and the decision in writing.

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