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Why would you want to do this?
Russ: Why would you want to do this? If you boat has 12vdc and 110vac you really have the best of both worlds. Do you just need to add 120vac to the boat?
Russ: Why would you want to do this? If you boat has 12vdc and 110vac you really have the best of both worlds. Do you just need to add 120vac to the boat?
Inverter
I’m going to make an assumption here – that you want 110v on your boat while away from the dock. That can be done with an inverter. Keep in mind that running an appliance that uses 1 amp at 110v will pull about 10 amps from your 12 volt batteries. Ie. – takes lots of battery storage.
I’m going to make an assumption here – that you want 110v on your boat while away from the dock. That can be done with an inverter. Keep in mind that running an appliance that uses 1 amp at 110v will pull about 10 amps from your 12 volt batteries. Ie. – takes lots of battery storage.
adding
just looking to add shore power to keep the batts from going dead, I would be nice to have at least one 120 volt outlet on board
just looking to add shore power to keep the batts from going dead, I would be nice to have at least one 120 volt outlet on board
Shore Power for H260
You need to think through how you will use shore power. As noted, just to get AC is possible with an inverter, but then you have to figuure how you'll recharge your battery. I did this project last winter and it cost about $800. but you can do it for a lot less. I added several 120v outlets, circuit breaker, charger, switches, and an additional battery and lots of wire. I've put together an outline of what I did at my webpage. http://webpages.charter.net/gkobernus/H260_web/electrical.htm
You need to think through how you will use shore power. As noted, just to get AC is possible with an inverter, but then you have to figuure how you'll recharge your battery. I did this project last winter and it cost about $800. but you can do it for a lot less. I added several 120v outlets, circuit breaker, charger, switches, and an additional battery and lots of wire. I've put together an outline of what I did at my webpage. http://webpages.charter.net/gkobernus/H260_web/electrical.htm
A bit of a laundry list…
You would need to install a 30 amp inlet on your boat, purchase a 50 foot 30 amp shore power cord (a 25 foot is OK if you know it will suit your needs at your dock – and never go anywhere else), a 110v distribution panel with at least 3 - 15 amp breakers (charger, wall outlet and a spare). And finally, a charger that has the “intelligence” not to over-charge your batteries, and the capability to charge with different channels – assuming you have more than one battery on the boat. The “True Charge 20” is a great charger. Not really difficult to install all this – makes a great winter project. Lastly, don’t let people convince you that it’s OK to just throw an extension cord over the side and plug in. There are many articles about stray currents and the harmful effects they cause.
You would need to install a 30 amp inlet on your boat, purchase a 50 foot 30 amp shore power cord (a 25 foot is OK if you know it will suit your needs at your dock – and never go anywhere else), a 110v distribution panel with at least 3 - 15 amp breakers (charger, wall outlet and a spare). And finally, a charger that has the “intelligence” not to over-charge your batteries, and the capability to charge with different channels – assuming you have more than one battery on the boat. The “True Charge 20” is a great charger. Not really difficult to install all this – makes a great winter project. Lastly, don’t let people convince you that it’s OK to just throw an extension cord over the side and plug in. There are many articles about stray currents and the harmful effects they cause.
Another option
Another consideration from the "thinking outside the box" department; Buy a Honda 1000 watt portable generator. 1. They are small enough to hide inside the area beneath the cockpit seat. 2. VERY easy pull starting 3. Quieter than most outboard motors 4. Provides 12 VDC output to charge batteries 5. Provides VERY clean 110 VAC power, suitable for running expensive electronics 6. Will provide 110 VAC power out in the middle of the water, beyond the reach of your shore power extension cord. They are available for about $700 if you search around. In my opinion, a very versatile option. For that matter, the 2000 watt version is not bad either. Tougher to get it beneath the helmsman seat, and the 3000 watt definitely won't fit. Mike Davis Love & Luck
Another consideration from the "thinking outside the box" department; Buy a Honda 1000 watt portable generator. 1. They are small enough to hide inside the area beneath the cockpit seat. 2. VERY easy pull starting 3. Quieter than most outboard motors 4. Provides 12 VDC output to charge batteries 5. Provides VERY clean 110 VAC power, suitable for running expensive electronics 6. Will provide 110 VAC power out in the middle of the water, beyond the reach of your shore power extension cord. They are available for about $700 if you search around. In my opinion, a very versatile option. For that matter, the 2000 watt version is not bad either. Tougher to get it beneath the helmsman seat, and the 3000 watt definitely won't fit. Mike Davis Love & Luck
shore power
Shore power is an easy installation if you know where to run the wiring. I usually install a panel on the back side of the galley and the first outlet should have a GFI on it. You can use a pigtail to tie in with the Honda generators which works well.
Shore power is an easy installation if you know where to run the wiring. I usually install a panel on the back side of the galley and the first outlet should have a GFI on it. You can use a pigtail to tie in with the Honda generators which works well.
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