installing shore power for Hunter 26

[SHADS]

I want to install shore powre capability for our 1994 Hunter 26. Just looking for some advaice on where to palce it and items neede. also, I have a 10hw true power power by Stat Power. I think it is some kind of a batttery that stores energy or evens out of the power to two batteries.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

In addition to the socket that mounts on the boat, you also need an AC breaker or master switch. Marine versions of these have an indicator light that shows correct power from shore. (not a given)

Of course, you need wire of significat gage to cary the power from the socket to the master braker.

Distribution on our size boat is usually simple. An outlet or two. A battery charger.

 

[Kermit]

The dealer who sold my boat to the original owner installed the shore power connection and battery switch inside the port cockpit seat hatch. It's with the emergency tiller. I've seen pictures posted of the battery switch on other boats way the heck in the back of the rear berth. I really like where my connection and switch are on my H260.

The shore power breaker is just inside the rear berth adjacent to the galley cabinet. Works well by keeping the switch from being thrown by accident but easy to access.

Oh, the dealer was our very own Crazy Dave Condon.

 

[DJN51]

Try EZ AC DC.com.they make a kit.Great price.Installed on my 23.5 Works great.Couldn,d buy parts for what kit cost.Easy install.

 

[Benny17441]

Have had a trailer sailer for many years and a 10 gauge extension cord with a 30A adapter has done great.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I was a dealer and installed many shore power installs on the 26 and to be blunt, I installed the first one on those boats.

First, I suggest a simple Blue Sea panel on and off switch with reverse polarity light. I use to put those on the right side of the galley unit. You will need a back cover over that. Use of marine grade 12-3 is suggested as it is more flexible versus what you can purchase at a regular store due to construction. I placed that there as it was out of the way and if at night you had to turn it off, it is right there where you can reach for it quickly. If the reverse polarity light ever came on after hooking up somewhere, I would tell my clients to consider that electrocution and immediately unhook from that dock and get the heck away from there and then report the issue.

As for placement of the outlets, that will be left up to you but do tuck and secure the electrical lines so they will not lie loose. I asked my customer where they planned to dock and put the connectors on that side transom. Later on, I started placing it in the cockpit storage locker port side as on Kermit's boat as an added safety protection from the weather.

Add a GFI at the galley unit and that sir is a must. Hope this helps.

 

[SHADS]

Thanks to everyone's advice

 

[John23883]

OK, this is what I did.

I get grief for this but we are always bow-in and so the logical place to add the power inlet is is the bow. Otherwise I need an extra 25 feet of shore power cord. Once you get into the bow, you can cut a hole in the forward bulkhead, bring the wires through the seats on the starboard side, into the galley, add a breaker and outlets and you are done.

I used a 25 foot shore power cord that had a burned out outlet for my wiring to the breaker. No one fixes these, they just get another so it was free. Total cost, less than a $100. The shorepower breaker and marine wire for the outlets was $69 at Skipper Bud's.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

From experience as a dealer over the years who installed over a thousand shore power systems, just a few comments. Never put the shore power inlet on the transom due to water intrusion. If you can relocate it above the hull to deck joint, I would suggest doing that. In addition, if it came off and the plug was hot falling into the water with someone in the water nearby, it would be quite dangerous.

As for lines running thru holes, in time it will chaff and wear thru. I suggest that you attaché the split loom or cut black corrugated plastic to the hole to prevent that.

I am glad to see the reverse polarity on the distribution panel but please make sure you have a cover plate on the back inside under the main sink area.

 

[John23883]

Dave

The electric inlet has been there for 10 years and no water has ever come in the boat. After a rough water sail only a few drops ever come out when I lift the lid to attach the electric. I always have a wrap on both sides of the bow pulpit and the plug is held to a few inches below the inlet if the ring somehow unscrewed. I will add anti-chafe to the bulkhead opening, even though I don't see any wear to be safe.

 

[Sublime]

Try EZ AC DC.com.they make a kit.Great price.Installed on my 23.5 Works great.Couldn,d buy parts for what kit cost.Easy install.

I used that kit. Really made it easy to install. You can pick out how many outlets you want inside your boat. I installed the plug on the starboard side under the armrest forward of the bench seats. From there it's easy to run into the cabin and make it look clean and also in a safe place so it won't get hit a lot.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Kermit;

Please chime in and let them know where your outlet is with photo and reasons why I put it there. Sometimes folks do not realize I have experienced and do things a certain way as discussed.

In addition I will never recommend adding shore power inlet or connectors on the transom. Like I said, I experienced a lot in all types of weather and that includes a hurricane two or more in my time.