H260WB - shore power/battery charging system

Status
Not open for further replies.
B

Bill P.

May be buying a used H260 that has a number of electrical systems but does not have a shore power connection for 115v or for battary charging. I didn't find anything in the archives. Wondering on thoughts on how involved the process was, what components are involved and best location for the plug. Any advice and words of wisdom much appreciated. Here comes spring!!! Fair winds, Bill
 
J

Jonathan Costello

Uh- Oh!

Nothing personal Bill. There have been some pretty lively discussions about shore power and doing it safely. I just can't recall if this topic or trailering has had more lively discussion. Look under 23.5 and 240 in the archives. Good luck.
 
R

Rick Webb

Is It Just For the Charger?

Are you going to keep it on a trailer or in the water?
 
C

Crazy Dave Condon

Shore power

Unless you know what you are doing, let someone else install a shore power system. It can be done. Are you looking to mainly be able to charge your batteries only?
 
C

Calvin

flexible solar panel

I have a 32 watt flexible solar panel that I keep on top of the bimini. It appears to keep the 2 gel batteries the previous owner installed completely charged. I do live in Ga where there is plenty of sun...
 
M

Mark

Same here

I need to add shore power to my 260. However how I thought about going about it was that: I have no need to operate 240 volt in the yacht/only 12 volt. So to achieve this my thoughts were to put in a shore power socket somewhere near the stern. The power from there goes thru a fuse or what ever is required and then is wired straight into a good quality battery charger. This in turn is wired to an isolation switch that can either charge one or both batteries. It can also mean that when at anchor I can run the yacht on just the one battery saving the other for starting if needed. When at home or in a marina I simply connect the shore power and charger one or both batteries while being able to run lights fridge and so forth. Anyones thoughts on this appreciated.
 
K

Kevin Jamison

Charger

Most chargers (like the 10 amp charger at West Marine) have two outputs, so there is no need for a switch to isolate the batteries. These new three stage chargers are smart and can charge indefinitely without overcharging.
 
C

Crazy Dave Condon

One major item you folks do not recall

Most regular deep cycle batteries have a fluid resivoir for water. Lately, I have been seeing batteries fail with the old two and the new three stage 110/120 volt chargers. The chargers are working fine but you still have to ckeck the fliud resivoirs on a regular basis as the fluids will go down. Just a fact to remember.
 
D

Don

Battery charger

My 260 has a battery charger mounted under the helm seat with an outdoor extension cord that I plug into the dock outlet. When I leave the dock, I unplug the cord from the dock outlet and store under the seat. Unless you are interested in 120v power aboard, this system works just fine.
 
B

BillP.

120v at dock

Some additional info. I'd also like to be able to run portable AC unit and other "stuff" TV, computer, the occasional blender, while at the dock - sort of my get away place and also to entertain the kids - this without running down my battaries. That use, plus the ability to charge the batteries at the dock. Yes, the boat, once splashed, will spend most of it's life in the water. I'll do some more archive digging as well - thanks for the thoughts - love to hear more! Fair winds,
 
L

Les

Give your local USPS a call

I am in the process of taking a USPS course (ME 101/102) in Marine electronics that covers AC and DC. It is telling me that standards (imposed, suggested, required)by ABYC for wiring on a pleasure craft. I agree with Crazy Dave that for AC wiring, you contact a profession since a wiring mistake can kill you. However, it is an excellent course and has been very worthwhile. By the way, after several classes, I would never use an outdoor extention cord again on my boat.
 
G

George Kobernus

H260 Shore Power

Order Don Casey's book on Sailboat Electrics. Even if you have somebody else do it, at least you have enough information to check the quality of their work. Just completed this project. Installed charger behind wall in aft bunk, Three 120 outlets in cabin (one in galley and two at base of table.) I have pics and can provide some advice. Its not cheap and takes some work but I'm very happy with the result. contact me: gkobernus@chartermi.net
 
B

BillP.

George - did you

get my email? I would love to see your photos and hear any words of wisdom from you. Fair winds, Bill
 
Status
Not open for further replies.