FAQs

Why does Pacific Yacht Systems use a systems-based approach?

If you treat your power system and electronic components as if they operate independently of each other, you might be compromising the performance of your vessel and, potentially, even your safety. Read More

Think of the power system as a good, strong foundation. You need to have safe, effective, and sufficient means to generate, store, and distribute enough electricity to meet your needs. If you want to add components to an existing system, we need to make sure your foundation can bear the load. And vice versa—if you're starting with the foundation, we want to make sure it can accommodate future growth.

Electronic components should also be integrated with one another. Autopilot and chartplotters can work independently at a basic level, but once they are networked, their value to you exceeds their individual capabilities.

Even if we are only adding only one component or fixing a malfunctioning one, we look at the whole system. Does your vessel generate enough power to service the component without adversely affecting existing electronics? Will the component be more effective if it is integrated with other components? Pacific Yacht Systems takes a big-picture approach to your boat.

Why can an electrical and electronic systems specialist like Pacific Yacht Systems meet my needs better than a general boat yard?

In the last few years, there has been an explosion in technical advances in the electrical and electronics fields, and rapid change continues. In 2008 alone, 25% of the ABYC codes changed. Read More These fields have become too specialized for a generalist to be able to help you take advantage of these advances.

What are the ABYC and NMEA?

The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) has been developing and updating the safety standards for boat-building and repair, including electrical systems, for more than 50 years. ABYC is actively involved with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). They offer training and certification programs for marine technicians. Read More

The National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) has worked since 1957 to promote the integrity of the marine electronics industry by developing industry standards and furthering the skills and qualifications of technicians through education, communication, training, and certification.

Our membership in and certifications by these two organizations indicate to our clients that we are dedicated to best practices and that we incorporate the newest technical advances into our work.

Why is it important to know the codes set by the ABYC and NMEA?

Current codes represent the boating industry's best practices. By knowing the codes, we can provide you with designs and installation that take advantage of the most recent technological advances while ensuring that whenever and wherever you need work done in the future, the knowledgeable technician will be able to understand your system quickly and accurately and will know how to work with it.

How are electrical systems and electronics different in the marine environment?

The marine environment will exacerbate weaknesses in your vessel's systems—and rarely at your convenience. It is important for your safety and comfort that your boat's systems are reliable. Excellent workmanship, quality components, and an integrated system are your best offence. Read More

Why does Pacific Yacht Systems work with more than one vendor?

In recent years, multi-vendor integration protocol (e.g., NMEA 2000) has been developed so that components from different companies can work together. This is good news for you, because the company that makes the best AC & DC panels doesn't necessarily make the best chartplotters. Read More Whether we are building a whole system or integrating with existing components, we can pick and choose the best components for you and your boat.

We work with quality marine components, such as electronics from Raymarine, Garmin, Furuno, Maretron, Lowrance, Simrad, and Icom, and electrical components from Ancor, Bluesea, Xantrex, and Mastervolt. Contact us for our complete list of vendors. 

Why does Pacific Yacht Systems bill by the hour?

No matter how big or small the job, we are committed to doing it right the first time, to minimize future expenses and loss of days on the water. Since each vessel is unique—shaped by existing systems, use, weather, etc—doing it right the first time can sometimes mean dealing with the unexpected. Read More

We provide an estimate, based on the expected number of hours, and keep in close communication with you throughout the project. If new factors are introduced or your needs expand as the project unfolds, we'll consult with you to determine how to proceed.

Where does Pacific Yacht Systems work?

Pacific Yacht Systems is based in Vancouver, BC. We provide our services to yachts throughout the Lower Mainland. Other areas of coastal BC are considered upon special request.  For your convenience, we come to your vessel. Read More

How does Pacific Yacht Systems work?

Pacific Yacht Systems' guiding principle is to give our clients what they need to make boating simple. Whether you want design, installation, service, support, or the whole solution you get professional attention based on: Read More

• Consultation and assessment
• Recommendation
• Implementation
• Follow-up

What types of projects does Pacific Yacht Systems work on?

We work on powerboats and sailboats. No boat is too large or small. No job is too large or small. Each job is unique. What they have in common are our clients. We work for people who value professional expertise, client-focused service, dependable workmanship, and quality components. Read More

What are the benefits of having my Garmin and Raymarine electronics installed by a professionally certified dealer such as PYS?

Owner-installation, or installation by a non-certified third party, limits the warranty on your electronics to product replacement or repair. Read More Installation by a certified installer, such as one of the professionals at PYS, gives you additional coverage for onboard labour and also includes some travel and mileage costs.
 
In addition, the rigorous certification process ensures that certified dealers are trained and tested for both installation and service on the manufacturers' latest products and technologies.