Common problems, sorted out
Downrigger keeps tripping the fuse
Often old, corroded, undersized wire. I replace it with heavy 8AWG so it stops cutting out.
Battery won't hold a charge
Finding the cause: parasitic drains, charging problems from the alternator, or faulty wiring.
New system installs
Building new electrical panels from scratch, with clean wire routing, labelling, and testing, so everything is easy to service later.
Adding solar
Solar installation and integration with your existing system so it actually keeps your batteries topped up.
Lights, pumps, or gear dead for no clear reason
Troubleshooting that finds the root cause instead of replacing parts until something works.
Messy or worrying wiring
Rewiring and tidy-up: proper fusing, solid connections, and wiring that's labelled and secured.
Also: DC and AC systems, shore power, and lithium battery upgrades (LiFePO4). If it's electrical and on a boat, ask.
Simple, and no shop visit
Message me
Tell me what's going on. Photos help.
I come to you
At the marina or in your driveway. I bring the tools and parts.
You pick how to pay
Hourly, or a fixed quote if you'd like the total up front.
Done tidy
Neat, secure installs, and I leave the boat as clean as I found it.
Downrigger wiring upgrade
Stop the fuse tripping when you're fishing. Per downrigger socket:
- New heavy 8AWG wiring
- Proper fuse or breaker
- Corrosion cleaned off battery posts
- Tidy, secure install
Upgraded plugs and connectors available.
Clean installs
Straightforward pricing, your choice
Pick whichever suits you. If you're not sure, tell me about the job and I'll suggest one.
Pay by the hour
Best for troubleshooting and jobs where the scope isn't clear yet. I'll give you a rough estimate and let you know before it goes over.
Fixed quote
Best when you want to know the total up front. Send me photos or a description, and for bigger projects I'll give you a written, itemized quote. Some jobs I'll need to see first.
Not sure what's wrong? I usually start hourly to track down the problem, then can quote the repair as a fixed price once I know what it involves. Because I come to your boat, you skip hauling costs, shop rates, and wait times.
Hi, I'm Joe
I'm an electrical engineer by training, and I've been in the marine industry since 2023. I started Galactic Boatworks to give Campbell River boaters a straightforward alternative: someone who shows up, finds the real problem, fixes it properly, and charges a fair price.
I live aboard, so I know firsthand how much it matters when the electrical system on a boat just works.
On top of my electrical knowledge, I have a background in construction and aluminum boatbuilding, so I can ensure my installations are structurally sound as well.
When I'm not working on boats I enjoy sailing, hiking, cooking, traveling, music, and gaming.
Got an electrical problem or project?
Send me a quick message describing what's going on.
If you're here from Facebook, the above buttons won't work. You can copy my email/number to another app, or simply use the form below.
Good to know
Do I need to bring my boat to you?
No. I work at your boat, whether it's in the water at the marina, in your driveway, or in storage.
What areas do you cover?
Campbell River with no travel fee. I also travel to surrounding areas; a travel fee applies. Message me with your location and I'll let you know.
Will you tell me the cost before starting?
Yes. If you choose a fixed quote, you'll have the total price before I start. If you choose hourly, I'll give you a rough estimate and check with you before it goes over.
Can you work with parts I've already bought?
Often, yes. Let me know what you have and I'll tell you if it's a good fit for the job.
What kinds of boats do you work on?
Fishing boats, sailboats, powerboats, and aluminum builds. If you're not sure, just ask.