Shore power with engine?

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bcollis

bcollis

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Apr 16, 2010
79
88 Hunter 30 Solomons, MD
I don't leave my shore power hooked up, so the first thing I do when I get to the boat is plug in.

While waiting for my friends to show up, I thought about starting the engine, but wasn't sure how the alternator would like having the battery charger running at the same time. I would think that the regulator in the alternator would take care of any voltage issues, but I don't want to bet a new alternator on it.

I have the 2gm20f, and a standard 10amp batter charger. Could there be issues with running the engine while plugged in?
 
D

Donnybrook

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Apr 2, 2011
185
Catalina 27 Niceville, FL
My charger manual says not to. Probably because of the big load from the engine starter. So I don't.
 
Rick D

Rick D

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Jun 14, 2008
7,204
Hunter Legend 40.5 Shoreline Marina Long Beach CA
Ditto, generally not recommended. Some chargers and smart regulators may handle it, but it isn't worth the risk.
 
B

Benny17441

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May 24, 2004
7,215
CC 30 South Florida
I keep my boat connected to shorepower as I like to keep my batteries charged and the refrigerator pre-cooled. I have ran the engine with the charger on for years with no problems. The last thing I do before casting off is to disconnect shorepower. Perhaps because the batteries are full the output of the charger and the alternator are at a low level which causes no problems.
 
FastOlson

FastOlson

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Apr 8, 2010
2,238
Ericson Yachts Olson 34 28400 Portland OR
Benny17441 said:
I keep my boat connected to shorepower as I like to keep my batteries charged and the refrigerator pre-cooled. I have ran the engine with the charger on for years with no problems. The last thing I do before casting off is to disconnect shorepower. Perhaps because the batteries are full the output of the charger and the alternator are at a low level which causes no problems.
Click to expand
Same operating procedure for me.
I have never worried about this potential issue since we bought our first inboard vessel in '94.
Doesn't seem to be any harm.
 
B

Benny17441

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May 24, 2004
7,215
CC 30 South Florida
Warming up the diesel before putting a load on it is a good idea. It is also good to allow for a cool down period before shutting the engine off.
 
John Nantz

John Nantz

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Jul 1, 1998
3,062
Hunter Legend 35 Poulsbo/Semiahmoo WA
Run the Hot Water Heater

Since we have a dehumidifier on the boat it is connected directly to the shorepower with a 30A > 15A adapter. For clarification, the shorepower cord is not connected to the boat's electrical system.

In particular, on cold days, when we arrive at the boat I'll connect the shorepower to the boat's system and run the hot water heater. This has the advantage of being able to warm up the engine faster once the engine is started and the thermostat opens up. The engine has a heat exchanger. The inverter/charger also helps to top off the batteries and this has the added benefit of reducing the load on the alternator which is another drag on a cold engine.

Not sure how much this helps but at least the engine spends less time heating hot water.

Oh, almost forgot, and as for casting off it's a good idea to always remember to disconnect the shorepower cord before the docklines! :)
 
Rick D

Rick D

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Jun 14, 2008
7,204
Hunter Legend 40.5 Shoreline Marina Long Beach CA
Second That!

John Nantz said:
Oh, almost forgot, and as for casting off it's a good idea to always remember to disconnect the shorepower cord before the docklines! :)
Click to expand
Don't ask me how I know :redface:
 
C

Calif. Ted

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Jun 8, 2004
3,012
Catalina 320 Dana Point
Oh, almost forgot, and as for casting off it's a good idea to always remember to disconnect the shorepower cord before the docklines! :)
Click to expand
So i'm not the only one who's said: we're gonna need to remember to disconnect that or get one 30 miles long.
 
Les

Les

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May 8, 2004
375
Hunter 27 Bellingham, WA
Hey, John. That is a good idea heating your hot water first before starting the engine. I never thought of that. Bet that would help in winter.
 
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