Hooking up to shore power

[markm58]

I've just purchased a new electric start outboard for my 1992 Mac 26S. This means I need to re-charge the starting battery. Apart from using the engine's alternator, I plan to use a battery charger. The boat does not have an AC electrical system wired in. If my main use of shore power is for the battery charger, do I need to go through the work and expense of a complete AC system installation with a boat inlet through the hull, an AC distribution panel, wiring, receptacles etc. or can I just plug the charger into a shore power cord fitted with a straight blade adapter?

 

[Len]

GCFI protection

I use a manufactured shore power cord with a GCFI (ground fault) receptacle whip. You can buy a manufactured whip or make one using a ground fault receptacle , a 12/3 grounded electrical cord and an outdoor rated receptacle box, just make sure you are ground fault protected. You can run the cord into the boat through the small gap at the top of the galley way door and below the pop top.

 

[Ramblin' Rod - Mac 26D - SeaQuell]

Here's what I did

1. Mount a 15A "charger" receptacle in the coaming. ($15)2. Mount a double gang plastic ($2) box in the galley front above the settee.3. Purchase a cheap sheet metal encased power bar ($6).4. Scavenge the lighted power switch and 15 A breaker.5. Purchase a double gang plate, blank on one side, receptacle on the other ($3).6. Mount the switch and breaker on the blank slide of the plate.7. Mount a GFCI receptacle on the other side of the plate ($12)8. By a 25 foot 15 amp outdoor power cord ($12).9. Run a cut length of the power cord hot from the charger receptacle, through the breaker, through the switch, to the hot side of the receptacle.10. Run the power cord neutral to the power switch neutral (for the light) and then to the receptacle neutral.11. Run the power cord ground to the receptacle ground.12. Use the remaining power cord to tap off the protected terminals of the GFCI to another plain receptacle in a weather proof plastic box, where the charger and battery are to be located.13. Buy a 100 ft 15 amp outdoor power cord, and two short 15 amp power cords. ($30).14. Buy a 20A and 30A male marine plug. ($40).15. Make cheater pigtails out of the short power cords and the marine plugs.Now we can plug into the power box at any marina, whether they have 15A household, or 20A, or 30A marine receptacles. When plugged in, not only can we charge our battery, but also run any 110Vac electrical appliance (think blow dryers, laptops, portable DVDs etc.) while tied to shore without killin' the battery, risk of shock, or overloaded circuits.Pretty civilized and the total cost was about $120.

 

[Ed]

Here's what I did

Mark,It really depends on your needs and situation. I like Rod's idea, but my needs are not that great. I have found that the engine will charge the battery just fine if you take it out once a month or so. If you need a charge, just run a good extension cord out to the marina power outlet and run your charger from that. You may need a converter for the plug. Don't overcharge. Use an automatic charger that will switch off or go low when the battery is charged. I like the little float chargers. Solar works good too. Overnight will usually do it. Another thing, at marinas it is not a good idea to leave the charger plugged in for long periods of time with the motor in the water. This can lead to excessive voltages from other boats and corrosion.You will like the electric start option. Also, if you put a cigarette lighter outlet on the battery, you can plug in all sorts of gadgets like gps, fish finders, cell phones, lights, etc.Have fun!