Items Every Boater Should Have on Their Vessel

  

Note: If there is more information available, Click on image or corresponding "Click Here" to view related FAQ.

ZRD HO 2nd Alternator   ZRD DC Generator   ZRD Second VHO Alternator & DC Generator

These are the two most significant items EVERY boater must have on their vessel in today's environment. It makes your voyages simple, pleasant, as inexpensive as possible, and ultimately safer. The reduced carbon footprint these items allow are a win-win for everybody including planet earth!

Battery Monitor   Battery Monitor

This is probably the most significant item (tool) EVERY boater must have on their vessel in today's environment. It is used to tell you everything about the condition of your battery bank. Defining the amount of energy available in a battery is a complex task since battery age, discharge current and temperature all influence the actual battery capacity. High performance measuring circuits, along with complex software algorithms, are used to exactly determine the remaining battery capacity. It displays voltage, charge and discharge current, consumed AH, remaining battery capacity and the time remaining of your battery bank. This specific unit provides also displays the start battery voltage when needed. This is a MUST, not an option.

Regulator On/Off Switch   ZRD Regulator On/Off Switch   Regulator On/Off Switch

This small item allows the boater to be the master over his electrical system's charge cycle. A simple On/Off switch and an assembled ZRD TSP (Fuse, Light Switch, Box) Regulator Switch Kit are shown. For additional information, Click Here to see the pertinent FAQ.

Multimeter     Multimeter   Multimeter

This is the starting point. NO Boat should EVER be without one. The photo on the left shows a slightly more advanced model with a built in clamp-on ammeter to measure AC and DC amperages. It is perfect to verify proper operation of an alternator's output, a battery monitor's displayed information, or as a backup in the event of instrumentation failures. For additional information, Click Here to see the pertinent FAQ.

Heavy Duty Battery Load Meter   Battery Load Meter

On a large battery bank (800+ Ah) one is usually able to pull 30-50 amps with a worn out/exhausted battery or battery-bank for 1 to 3 years after the battery or battery-bank should have (already) been replaced. That same exhausted battery bank will not be able to supply a high draw (100-150amp) load such as running Air Conditioning. This is usually the first time a user "discovers" that his battery bank is going bad and "needs" replacing. In reality, the battery / battery-bank typically went bad 1 to 3 years in the past, but the boat owner never knew it because he never performed load tests (at least quarterly), kept records using his battery monitor, does not have a battery monitor installed, or ever even used/ran high loads from his battery bank as part of normal operation. The photo to the left show a variable (up to 500 amp) load meter. ZRD has found this type of tester to be the absolute best when needing to know the EXACT condition of an individual battery or complete battery bank. The low price (Item# 91129 at Harbor Freight - apx $49) is worth it. Click Here to see this Must Read FAQ.

Belt Tension Gauge   Belt Tension Gauge

This tool is used to set and check the tension of your belts. It works on v-belts and serpentine belts. If you set your belt tension only by feel or eye, IT WILL NOT be correct. Usually, it is on the low side and not close. A belt that is too loose will cause equipment damage due to excessive heat generation. A belt that is too tight will cause equipment damage due excessive side loading and possible pulley or bearing failure. For additional information, Click Here to see the pertinent FAQ.

TIF780 Infrared Phototachometer   Infrared Phototachometer

This tool is required for many new or replacement installations. Any time you need to know the accurate rpm of a rotating object as an input into calibration, synchronization, initiation, ... this is a must have item. The image is of a TIF Model #780, 785, ... Many companies and models are available. For additional information, Click Here to see the pertinent FAQ.

Infrared Thermometer   Infrared Thermometer

This tool is required for many new or replacement installations. Anytime you need to know the accurate temperature - such as to verify alternator Stator or engine operating temperature, ... this is another must have item. There are many types and manufacturers to choose from.

Silver/Silver Chloride Probe   Silver/Silver Chloride Probe

This tool may be used with any simple multimeter to test vessel bonding. For additional information, Click Here to see the pertinent FAQ.

NAPA Thread Sealant with Teflon   Best General Purpose Fitting Sealant (Teflon Paste)

NAPA's Thread Sealant with Teflon exceeds all others that ZRD has used over the years. It is perfect for many applications. It is a 4oz bottle with a brush in the cap. The sealant sets up extremely fast so connections must put together without delay. Also, the top must be closed (screwed back on) between each application/use (not after job completion) or the bottle container will set up and be non-useable. It works in areas non accessible to teflon tape. Its' Chemical Working Temperatures is -65 Deg F To 300 Deg F. The NAPA Item # is 765-1188 and its Part Number is BK 7651188.

ZRD Brochure   ZRD Brochure

ZRD is obviously biased, but verifiably so. This may be at the bottom of this web-page, but it may be one of the most important items for you to have on your vessel along with our business card. Our contact and product information is consolidated in an easily stored format. It is always available on the web - All you have to remember is ZRD and add the usual dot com (.com). We constantly get calls and emails from vessels under way that have important questions they need answers to. Click Here to download and save a copy.



To Be Continued



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