Do you have enough power available to run all the equipment you want to use on your boat? Here are some simple calculations to ensure you have all the power you need, when you need it.

Summary

New cruisers are often surprised by how much electricity it takes to live comfortably on a boat. But you won't be caught short if you know how to make a few simple calculations.

Let's talk about calculating your boat's power needs. The key steps for 12-volt devices include:

• Finding the power draw of the equipment, which is usually found on the package.
• If the power draw is expressed in watts, convert it to amps.
• Multiply the number of amps by the number of hours you expect to use it.

If you're looking at items that run on regular household current through your inverter, you'll need to estimate a bit. Multiply the number of amps it draws by ten to approximate the 12-volt draw once it runs through your inverter--round up.

Once you know the power draw of the equipment you want to run, compare it against the battery capacity available to you.

For more details and real-world examples, listen to the complete podcast or check out How to Calculate Boat Power Requirements.

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Today's episode of The Boat Galley Podcast is sponsored by MantusMarine.com, maker of the Mantus anchor, now available in models with and without a roll bar. Proven to set reliably in the most challenging bottoms, the Mantus anchor digs like no other, making anchoring safer and boating more enjoyable. Mantus Marine brings to market practical, durable and affordable marine products, including: anchoring gear, scuba diving accessories, and rechargeable waterproof headlamp for hands-free lighting and solar charging Navigation light. Visit MantusMarine.com and see for yourself!

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Music: "Slow Down" by Yvette Craig