Increasingly advanced electrical systems are now found on board boats and yachts. The management of individual devices has given way to complex, smart and integrated systems, and the technical support provided by expert is increasingly important
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On-board electrical systems have undergone an impressive evolution in recent years: today one can no longer speak of electrical systems but of integrated electrical systems.
Thanks to electronics, they have become increasingly efficient, rational and flexible, but also more complex to design, install and manage. Advanced technological content, increasingly sophisticated customer requirements, and integration with apps and computers make high-level technical support crucial.
A reference point
We talked about it with Diego Volpi, General Manager of Power Group: distributor of brands such as Mastervolt, CZone, Blue Sea System and today one of the reference points in the nautical sector when it comes to electricity, power electronics, digital electrical distribution, equipment and accessories for electrical systems, and electric propulsion.
The company, founded in 1997 as Mastevolt Italia, caters for shipyards, designers, captains and owners. Its activity is not limited to the supply of products but also includes a series of pre- and after-sales services aimed at providing complete and customised solutions.
Power Group brands
The historic brands distributed by Power Group – Mastervolt, CZone, Blue Sea System – are now joined by new partnerships that extend the company’s reach into electric and hybrid propulsion.
Since late 2024, the company has distributed Integrel’s E-Drive and E-Power systems.
- E-Drive is the solution that takes Power Group into hybrid propulsion solutions: it consists of a generator mounted on the shaft (which can also be retrofitted) that generates up to 30 kW. While the engine is running, it charges the batteries, and when the engine is off, it acts as an electric propulsion system. Designed primarily for sailboats, new models for motorboats are also in development.
- E-Power is a high-power DC generator that quickly and efficiently recharges a battery bank, which in turn powers on-board systems. Being mounted with brackets on the engine or, with a new model coming out, on the shaft, it takes up minimal space, weighs little, and replaces a diesel generator. It is designed for sailing boats and catamarans, on which 2 can be mounted (1 per engine). Power outputs range from 9 to 30 kW.
Power Group is now a dealer for Simrad and Lowrance electric outboard motors, which are particularly effective for fishing.
Other novelties concern navigation electronics: new entries are the Simrad, B&G and Lowrance brands, which integrate with Mastervolt and CZone systems, and CMap cartography
Also, Atwood, with an extensive range of accessories from pumps to stainless steel components; Marinco with shore power outlets and searchlights; Anchor, with tinned electrical cables which are standard in the U.S.
Why is technical support so crucial when dealing with technologies as complex as yours?
There are several factors that must be considered when designing an electrical system, such as the sizing of components, the right proportion of power in play and energy sources, communication between the various system components, interfacing with other on-board equipment, monitoring, and more.
However, the component that most needs to be taken into account is the application, i.e. what the system must do and according to what objective. Since the requirements differ from owner to owner, it is essential to study them in depth and shape the system accordingly.
Almost all equipment that provides comfort on board is connected to the electrical system, which becomes essential to enjoy the boat to the fullest during periods of use.
With the increasing use of smart technologies, what are the biggest challenges in design and installation?
Technology helps improve the quality of life on board, streamlines systems and makes them ‘smarter’. Apps or computers help the owner to easily manage all, or almost, the systems on board, to connect with the boat remotely to check if everything is in order, and more.
For everything to work properly, however, the equipment must be installed correctly and programmed to work as required. The programming of a technologically advanced system cannot be entrusted to untrained personnel because you run the risk, not only of malfunctions or breakdowns, but also of jeopardising safety.
How do you manage all this?
All our equipment has a communication system that keeps them interconnected and manages the parameters according to specific needs, without anyone having to intervene. Mounting equipment of different brands, perhaps just because you may initially have small saving, risks causing a babylon where nothing communicates properly, requiring frequent technical intervention. We offer a complete range of interconnected equipment that integrates seamlessly with the vessel, forming a true “system”. In sports terms, we “play as a team”, because teamwork leads to success.
What kind of support/advice do you give to shipyards and designers?
Our Gold Service department supports designers, installers or owners at a preliminary stage. We always strive to understand the customer’s needs, identify the onboard equipment, and determine its intended use. Based on all this information, and in collaboration with the customer, we develop a comprehensive electrical system design.
This includes energy sources such as batteries, battery chargers, inverters, generators and various accessories, and the digital distribution of the system itself, using our home automation system. Once the project is approved, in addition to all the electrical schematics, we proceed to implement the programming of the various control units, the graphics to be displayed on the on-board plotters, and perform the tests in our laboratory. During commissioning, we can perform final inspections either remotely or on-site.
Is ongoing support after the purchase of advanced technological equipment important?
Our equipment does not require much after-sales support, as it is very reliable. We are often asked to intervene to solve problems related to incorrect use that creates anomalies: failure to fully recharge batteries is one of the most frequent cases.
Our service network is widespread not only in Italy but, through distributors and dealers, all over the world. For us, this is a strong point: when a shipyard sells a prestigious boat, it must be able to ensure service everywhere.
Another strong point is the possibility for any of our partners to easily connect with the on-board system via a PC and immediately understand how it is composed, what the parameters are and what the faults are, and this anywhere in the world and without having any electrical schematics.
In addition, using the same PC, we can – if required – remotely connect to the system, see what has happened and, if there is no faulty equipment, restore functionality.
