Where to locate Shore Power Input on a Hunter 26?

[abk]

I saw a modular shore power kit with 2 outlets, a plastic input for the shore power main connection and a 110 v panel breaker board and all the electrical wires for each outlet...

Now having all that, where is your 110v input located. Was it factory, dealer or self installed?

Any tips, photographs, directions, guidance or experience you have will help! Also good are you thoughts and opinions...

Thanks in advance,

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Installing shore power on a Hunter 26/260 for my customers, I always put two on the galley unit, one forward and one at the rear for rear berth. In addition, I would run the wire around the starboard side tucking it up underneat the settee with one outlet forward on starboard side just under the leading edge of the starb oard V berth cushion. Continue with the wire wrapping around to the port and if you want you can put an outlet underneath on the front wall of the seat and then one to the bathroom.

Make sure you use marine grade 12-3 wire as it is more flexible than house wire. Also, use a GFI around on one of the two at the galley unit. Where wire is exposed, I added the split loom or split black plastic to dress it up but really for additional protection. Blue Seas makes a good little electric panel for on and off. I think it now comes with illumination light but you may want to forget that if you intend to be gone for long periods of time to keep the battery from draining. As for the shore power inlet, I would put it on the transom out of the way and the side depends where the shore power station on the dock is. I generally put it on the port side.

as for the shore power blue seas panel, I installed it on the back side of the galley as way up as possible AND MAKE SURE YOU PUT A COVER OVER IT SO THE BACKSIDE OF THE PANEL IS NOT EXPOSED.

crazy dave condon

 

[Canonshooternb]

Thanks Dave for the update, think I will look into doing this on my Hunter 25.5. Are there any watchouts for breakers or fuses, receptacles or boxes ?

Thanks
Paul

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

on the boxes, I used what the color is blue and there ar e flaps that fold out to hold it in place by screwing it tight. Again use 12-3 marine grade as it is more flexible and not house romex style cable. Never splice that cable between the boxes either.

crazy dave condon

 

[John23883]

Here' my install

Because I am almost always bow in, I put the connection on the bow. This also makes it easy to run the wires under the seats to the gally sink area. I used an old shore power cord that had a ruined end on it for the wiring. The rules say 10 feet from the outlet to the breaker and I am probably 18 feet. But it works for me. The breaker box is under the sink with short wires to the 2 GFCI outlets. Pictures: Outlet location in bow. Hole in forward bulkhead for wire and water lines. Outlet location. There is another outlet opposite for the berth area. Followed all the boat rules, no. Still safe, yes. And for safety, I do not have ANY connection to the 12v system.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

John;

I would be cautious to advise putting any outlet on the bow for many bows have a tendancy to be damaged during docking and other boats hitting the area. This is why I always suggested the transom. As for battery chargers if installed correctly with a single or dual battery system, they are safe but the only suggestion is to turn that off when leaving the boat to keep the batteries from being "cooked." You have to understand I installed more shore power systems on the 26 and 260 than any other dealer in the world and probably sold more than 25% of the production line for both due to my involvment.

crazydave condon

 

[Sailvayu]

A couple of points.
Always use maine grade wire.
The main breaker must discount the hot and neutral, in other words a 2 pole breaker and must be within 10 feet of the inlet.
The main panel needs to have a power indicator light as well as reverse polarity lights.
The ground needs to be connected to the DC ground. and this in turn should be connected to something in contact with the water, this is important to prevent shock hazards.
It is also recommended that you install a Ground isolator.
GFIC outlets are required in all wet locations. might as well make them all outlets or piggy back off a GFIC outlet so all are protected.
Wires should be secured every 8-10 inches

Capt. Wayne Canning, AMS
www.projectboatzen.com

 

[abk]

John;

I would be cautious to advise putting any outlet on the bow for many bows have a tendancy to be damaged during docking and other boats hitting the area. This is why I always suggested the transom. As for battery chargers if installed correctly with a single or dual battery system, they are safe but the only suggestion is to turn that off when leaving the boat to keep the batteries from being "cooked." You have to understand I installed more shore power systems on the 26 and 260 than any other dealer in the world and probably sold more than 25% of the production line for both due to my involvment.

crazydave condon

Where should the Power Inlet receptacle be located? The transom, in the cockpit? etc.

As for bow placement I see what you mean... It isn't an option as the accessability factor isn't very good either...

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Wayne;

your suggestion to connect the DC ground to the water regarding AC involved is one that will be debated and I for one would not do it as AC is not DC. To each his own on this one.

 

[Sailvayu]

Dave
There is no debate on this one. It is a ABYC recommendation and a serious safety issue if not done. AC will find a path to ground and if it is not provided in the wiring it may find that path through a person, possibly killing them in the process. All I can say is if you are installing AC systems and not doing this you are opening yourself to some serious liability issues. Advising others to not do it is reckless as well. When it comes to AC power around water safety is an important factor. I have been shocked more than once on an improperly wired boat. If you are ever in court and it is found out you do not follow recommended standards and marine practice you will find yourself out of luck and quickly loose your case (and possibly everything you own). Safety should always be the first concern of a marine professional. Your personal opinion is not as important as your customers safety!

Capt. Wayne Canning, AMS
www.projectboatzen.com

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I will not comment as it has been some time since I put an air conditioner on. AS for GfI, I installed them long before it became standard. I am confused but again I am out of the industry and from some of your description, I would question but each to his own.