H26 Shore Power Adapter

[Wind Dreamer]

Hey y'all,
I'm gonna be working on my boat out of the water for the next two weeks before launch.
In that time, I'd like to test the electrical system (lights, bilge, radios) of the boat if possible.
Obviously, I can hook up the battery, but I won't be running the OB to charge them, and I don't have my solar panel installed yet. Instead, what I would like to do is temporarily connect the boat at home with an extension cord.
As we know, shore power receptacles don't mate with standard 110 extension cords - but - they have these nifty adapters:
Parkworld 691685 Shore Power Adapter Household 15A 5-15 Plug to RV Twist Lock 30A Socket L5-30 Receptacle with Locking Ring (Adapter) - - Amazon.com

seems like it should do the trick, especially since the boat has very minimal electrical appliances inside, but I had a few questions before i go pick one up:
- I don't have the boat in front of me, does anyone know if the '96 hunter 26 had a 30A or 50A plug? I'm guessing 30A
- is there any reason why I should not use one?
- assuming my H26 has stock wiring, will my battery get trickle charged when the boat is plugged in with this adapter?

thanks for helping a rookie out!

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

If you are talking about installing shore o power on board or simply trying to run a power chord over. Nearly all marinas have regular outlets at the dock. As for 30 amps you will need to get a chord for that but concern will whatever you plug into wiilvbe too much for the appliance? Installed many shore power systems on board

 

[Rick Webb]

or you could just make your own

You just need a 30 amp plug and an old power cord like an old computer cord.

It aint rocket surgery

 

[Wind Dreamer]

Thanks for the quick responses

Dave - Just trying to connect the boat to power before I get to the marina. I won't be at the water, I'll be in a backyard. Won't be running any crazy tools or appliances through the boat, I'll just plug those in directly at the house outlet.

Rick - dig the DIY suggestion. might try that.

Just curious, does anyone know if the H26 has a battery charger built in that keeps it topped off when plugged into shore power? Or is the alternator in the O.B. the only thing keeping my battery charged?

 

[rgranger]

You can buy the 30 amp plug at Lowes and cut the end off an extension cord.... or buy the adapter.

 

[Benny17441]

Yes, your boat will have a 30A shorepower plug. That inexpensive adapter is all you will need to be able to test your 120V circuits. As far as the batteries getting a trickle charge it depends on whether you have an inboard charger and if it is wired and turned on. I'm sure you understand that your DC 12V circuits and AC120V circuits run independently so if you do not connect the batteries you cannot test the lights, bilge pump and any other 12V instruments and fixtures. The AC 120V circuits will basically drive your outlets and power a battery charger. You could avoid usage of the batteries by installing a step down converter from 120V AC to 12V DC but a half way decent converter will run $50 which might be a little steep for just a test. Go ahead and connect your batteries and plug in a battery charger to replenish whatever little power you use for the test. Be aware that to recharge batteries to 100% will take 4-5 hours no matter how little power you use. This is because the batteries acceptance rate declines incrementally as they approach 100%. To learn quickly about boat electrics there is a book, "Sailboat Electrics Simplified" written by Don Casey which has very good explanations and diagrams.

 

[Doug J]

I like the $17.99 adapter. I assume you'll leave batteries, trickle charger, etc., all connected. Use the adapter, plug it in you'll be good to go. I do the same all the time with my boat on the trailer at home. Everything inside, running lights, etc., work and batteries always fully charged.

 

[Ron20324]

You can buy the 30 amp plug at Lowes and cut the end off an extension cord.... or buy the adapter.

Around here it is in the marina rules that any part of an AC supply system must be rated as the same amperage of the supply fuse- usually 30 amps in this case.

 

[Thaniel]

Just curious, does anyone know if the H26 has a battery charger built in that keeps it topped off when plugged into shore power? Or is the alternator in the O.B. the only thing keeping my battery charged?

On my boat the shore power was added after it left the factory. I expect this is the same with many. With that being the case each boat could be very different. On my boat there was no AC to DC converter of any kind and the alternator/stator was how the batteries were charged. I added a Yacht battery charger to the system and so when plugged in I can run the DC system (basically just lights) without depleting the battery and also ensure we are fully charged before the next outing. But what your boat has will best be found by looking at the boat.

I too bought a Shore power to 110V adapter for plugging in at home. There are risks and things one can't do but sounds like you have a handle on those. But expect many will remind you anyway