Thanks to you and PassageMaker I have slowly improved my independence in making and diagnosing repairs on my trawlers.
The sense of accomplishment and time and money saved is substantial and rewarding.
Electrical and electronic gear are the most challenging to cope with and I will add a c-clamp V.O.M. and infra-red remote sensor to my onboard toolbox this winter. There are too many units on the market for me to make an informed choice. I am not interested in getting the least expensive ones available; I would rather get units that are reliable and user-friendly even if I must pay a bit more.
You must have favorite units that you use and trust. I would greatly appreciate make and model #s. Also please recommend any texts suitable for an amateur like me to read this winter while the boat is on the hard.
Thanks,
Bob Borges
Thanks for the note and questions. I find it hard to believe when I think about it, however, I’ve owned the same digital multi-meter for over 12 years. I suppose it may be a testament to its advanced design at the time (or my love of familiar tools!), and ruggedness, that it’s remained useful to me and I’ve rarely wished I had one that did more. It’s a Fluke ET-88 DMM. This is a limited edition model that was branded for MAC tools. The current model, the 88V, doesn’t appear to have changed much (battery replacement is much easier), it has all of the same features and then some and if I were to purchase a new multi-meter today, this would be the one. It carries a limited lifetime warranty. I’ve abused mine, dropped it, stepped on it, gotten it wet many times and it still works perfectly. The 88 is designed specifically with automotive troubleshooting in mind, which means it’s ideally suited for marine engines, charging systems and generators (it measures frequency and true RMS voltages) as well. One of the most valuable aspects of Fluke meters is the veritable endless assortment of accessories that are available; including some very nice soft and hard cases (I use the latter for the added protection and water resistance). The 88 can use, among many other things, vacuum probes (PV350), a variety of temperature probes, all of which I purchased in the days before infrared pyrometers, and an inductive tachometer pick up for gasoline engines and outboards. It also accepts a variety of current clamps. The two models that will measure AC and DC current are the i410 and the i1010, which handle 400 amps AC/DC and 1000 amps DC/600 AC respectively. The current clamp I own, which is the same vintage as my meter and it works as well as the day I bought it (don’t store it with the batteries in it for any length of time, leakage will kill the contacts). None of this gear is inexpensive, the 88 retails for about $350, while the current clamps are between $175 and $275. There’s no doubt, however, that I’ve gotten my money’s worth out of these tools.
My digital infra red pyrometer presents a much simpler story. My preference is for a Fluke 62 Mini. It has the range you’ll need for most onboard troubleshooting and service, -20 to 932F and a handy dual display which shows both the current and maximum temperature. It lists for about $95.
Less expensive versions of all of the above-mentioned tools are available and they work well, although I can’t personally vouch for their reliability, accuracy or ruggedness. The Craftsman Professional True RMS AC/DC Clamp Ammeter, model 73755, has it all. In addition to inductively measuring AC and DC amps, it also measures voltage and it has a built in infrared pyrometer. Its ranges aren’t as great and it doesn’t sport a rugged rubberized case, however, I know professionals who use and are pleased with its versatility. Raytek and others manufacture infrared pyrometers for as little as $69. Raytek was the first IR pyrometer I purchased several years ago and it too is still going strong.
Finally, the electrical text I recommend (until mine’s available that is) to both professionals and novices alike is Charlie Wing’s, “Boat Owner’s Illustrated Electrical Handbook” 2nd edition. Its large format is clear and easy to understand and it will walk you through a variety of troubleshooting and familiarization issues.
Steve D'Antonio
Technical Editor