Wiring

mcrandall · Post by **mcrandall** » Thu Apr 28, 2011 2:40 pm

Is there a governing body for doing electrical work on non-comercial pleasure boats?

I'm an EET, so I understand wiring certainly, but don't necessarily have training in any code. I do have electronic installation experience from the military and get cornered by my buddies to help re-wire the rat's nests that I find in their boat--all from previous owners (wink-wink, nudge-nudge) I'm sure.

I'm thinking of hanging a shingle out for a little beer and sailboat parts money, but don't know if there are certification/legal issues involved.

Anybody know?

trev · Post by **trev** » Thu Apr 28, 2011 4:05 pm

mariner · Post by **mariner** » Thu Apr 28, 2011 4:47 pm

ABYC is as close as your going to get, the new standards are available on line for purchase....

https://www.abyc.com/committees/.%5CE-11.pdf

Tommy Monaco · Post by **Tommy Monaco** » Fri Apr 29, 2011 8:19 am

I was recently reading an article in Passagemaker Magazine on electronics installation, by Peter Swanson (very knowledgeable guy, the Technical Editor/Writer Steve D'Antonio is also quite good). Swanson mentioned that the NMEA, National Marine Electronics Association, is affiliated with ABYC as the organization which sets the standards in regards to electronics and electronics installations. Unfortunately, they're handbooks are not free. http://www.nmea.org/
You could certainly start doing the electronic work for money as a side business. If you operate as a 'sole proprietorship' you don't need to file with the state as a registered business unless you want to operate under an alias or company name. You are essentially a 1099 contractor and need to file your taxes accordingly based on any income generated from your business. Or, as accordingly as you want the Gov't to know about. You may have liability concerns if your work were to fail or have catastrophic results. As a Sole Proprietor you are personally open to any litigation. Which means all your property is too, including your much beloved Chrysler vessel. Establishing an LLC would protect you from this to a point.
Now, I'm not an accountant or attorney and all this is just how I've understood it as someone who operates their own Sole Proprietorship. I could be wrong and any correction would be welcome. Much like yourself, I took an opportunity to make a little dough for parts and beer when I noticed I was getting asked to help people out with a marketable skill.

mcrandall · Post by **mcrandall** » Sun May 01, 2011 7:15 am

Thanks for the replies, Fellas! Info is a little limited and fairly pricey, sad to say.

Any knowledge on a good (relatively cheap) source for materials? Also, if anyone knows of a source for wire that's indexed (numbered)?

Thanks again!

Mark

lecker68 · Post by **lecker68** » Sun May 01, 2011 7:18 am

We got it from School bus parts now I use label maker and make flags at access points.