The essentials in 30 seconds
- Three families coexist in 2026: classic mechanical circuit breakers (BEP, Blue Sea, the pleasure-craft standard), CZone (Navico, B&G/Simrad/Mastervolt integration), EmpirBus (Mastervolt, full MasterBus integration).
- Advantages of digital switching: consumption monitoring by circuit (fridge, autopilot, etc.), smartphone control, scenario automation (Night = everything off except navigation), data history.
- Drawbacks: hardware cost 3-5× higher, configuration complexity, electronic dependency (CPU failure = total failure), training required for service.
- Workshop verdict: classic BEP for 70% of 30-45 ft pleasure sailboats (~ 500-800 € VAT-excluded installed). CZone for 45+ ft yachts already equipped at build. EmpirBus for 50+ ft yachts with a full Mastervolt ecosystem.
- Budget for a complete 45 ft sailboat digital switchboard: 4 000-8 000 € VAT-excluded hardware + 6-12 h workshop installation.
The electrical switchboard is the sailboat’s energy nerve center. It distributes power to circuits, protects against short circuits, and allows circuits to be switched on/off. The digital generation (CZone, EmpirBus) adds monitoring and automation but costs 3-5× more. This article distinguishes the applications.
The three switchboard families
Classic — mechanical circuit breakers
Pleasure-craft standard since the 1970s. Thermal-magnetic circuit breakers (Blue Sea, BEP) mounted on a panel with ammeter/voltmeter. Robust, simple, economical.
CZone — Navico digital
Navico digital switching system, integrated with B&G/Simrad/Mastervolt ecosystems. Distributed I/O modules + central interface via chartplotter or dedicated display.
EmpirBus — Mastervolt digital
Mastervolt’s complete digital system, integrating switchboard + battery monitoring + equipment control. Proprietary MasterBus architecture.
Classic BEP — the pleasure-craft standard
Skysat distributes the BEP range (Blue Sea sub-brand) with 6-12-24 circuit breaker panels:
- 12 V DC 8-circuit vertical breaker panel ~ 325 € VAT-excluded.
- 12 V DC 12-circuit horizontal breaker panel ~ 503 € VAT-excluded.
- CSP6 PTC 6-way watertight panel ~ 172 € VAT-excluded for cockpit.
- Color DC Monitor with shunt ~ 635 € VAT-excluded for consumption monitoring.
CZone — the Navico/Mastervolt ecosystem
Distributed architecture: I/O modules near loads + central interface on Zeus/Vulcan chartplotter or dedicated COI display.
- COI Combination Out Interface ~ 2 410 € VAT-excluded for an 8-controllable-output module.
- I/O modules 6/12/24-way, ~ 800-2 500 € VAT-excluded each.
- Central interface via Zeus 3S or dedicated display.
- iOS/Android smartphone app for remote control.
EmpirBus — full MasterBus integration
Mastervolt system for high-end yachts with a complete Mastervolt ecosystem (Alpha Pro alternator, MultiPlus, MLi Ultra).
- NXT Touch modules (integrated display), NXT Lighting (lighting), NXT Switching (outputs).
- Native MasterBus integration: lithium bank monitoring + switchboard in a single interface.
- Complete system budget ~ 6 000-12 000 € VAT-excluded for a 50+ ft yacht.
Technical comparison chart
| Criteria | Classic BEP | CZone | EmpirBus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-15 circuit panel price | ~ 500-800 € | ~ 3 500-5 500 € | ~ 6 000-9 000 € |
| Circuit/post consumption monitoring | No (global shunt) | Yes | Yes (MasterBus integrated) |
| Smartphone control | No | Yes (B&G/Simrad app) | Yes (Mastervolt app) |
| Scenario automation | No | Yes | Yes |
| CPU failure = total failure | No (mechanical) | Yes (manual backup possible) | Yes |
| Maintenance | Circuit breaker 30 € if faulty | Module 800-2 500 € if faulty | Module 1 500-3 000 € |
| Target program | 30-45 ft pleasure sailboats | 40-55 ft yachts | 50+ ft yachts with Mastervolt |
Workshop verdict by program
30-45 ft pleasure sailboat — classic BEP
Skysat’s standard workshop solution. 12-circuit panel (~ 500 € VAT-excluded) + separate battery shunt monitor (BMV-712 at 215 € VAT-excluded). Total ~ 750 € VAT-excluded installed. Robust, easy to maintain.
40-55 ft new yacht already equipped with CZone — keep it
If the yacht is delivered with CZone by the builder (Bénéteau, Jeanneau, Hanse), keep it and enhance it during refit. Migrating to classic would mean losing integration and heavy work.
50+ ft yacht with a Mastervolt ecosystem — EmpirBus
If a complete refit includes MLi Ultra + MultiPlus + Alpha Pro, EmpirBus provides perfect integration. Relevant only with a majority Mastervolt ecosystem.
Installation and configuration
Workshop rules — switchboard installation
- Accessible position: standing height, within easy reach, near the saloon.
- Ventilation: 5-15 W dissipated depending on active loads. Not in a closed locker.
- Consistent wiring: strict color code (red = positive, black = negative, yellow = ground), labeling on each circuit.
- Final documentation: annotated electrical diagram, user manual, emergency procedure (main battery cut-off).
FAQ — Electrical switchboards
Can a classic switchboard be converted to CZone?
Yes, but it’s heavy work. Remove classic panel + install distributed I/O modules + central integration + software configuration. Allow 4-6 days + 4 000-6 000 € VAT-excluded for a 40 ft sailboat. Often not relevant vs a full winter refit.
What to do if a CZone module fails?
CZone allows a "manual backup" mode (physical bypass switch) on some modules. Otherwise, replace module in 1-2 days + 1 500-3 000 € VAT-excluded for the part. Plan for continuity in case of dependency.
Real energy savings with digital switching?
Yes, on the annual balance. Circuit-by-circuit monitoring detects hidden consumption (fridge cycling too often, screen left on unnecessarily at night). Typical savings of 15-25% on total consumption.
Is the smartphone really useful day-to-day?
Yes for 3 cases: (1) remotely switch everything off after leaving the boat, (2) monitor from the dock to check battery status in winter, (3) simple automation (turn on the fridge 2 h before boarding).
6, 8, 12 or 24-way circuit breakers?
30 ft sailboat: 8-way. 35-40 ft: 12-way. 45+ ft: 16-24-way. Always allow 20% reserve for future upgrades (adding equipment).
Skysat distributes BEP, CZone and EmpirBus. 2026 VAT-excluded prices are indicative distributor rates.
