24v electrics

[Robin]

Numpty mode again so not sure if this is for mobo forum or PBO, but some of the boats I'm looking at say they have 24volt fridges, bow thrusters and windlasses. I can understand the logic of preventing reduced voltage drop for large consumers and indeed engine starting but how does this plan out in practice? Are there separate 24v and 12V circuits or just voltage droppers installed at strategic places where simple 12v stuff is needed?

 

[jrudge]

The whole boat will be 24v.

Usually there will be a small number of centrally located droppers to power the 12v appliances installed at build where no 24v version exists. Electric seats, stereo etc. I have 3 droppers In the area of the electric panel powering a 12v “ring main “ for a few bits and bobs.

 

[Hurricane]

I agree with jrudge but, essentially the batteries are wired as a 24v source. This being the main supply.
As a result, the wires can be smaller for the same power.

 

[Robin]

Thanks guys so not such a numpty question after all. I like the idea of reducing voltage drop but just wondered how much 'stuff' was either unavailable or stupidly expensive if not 12v

 

[vas]

whole boat the only 12V things are the VHF (oddly Garmin wont run at 24V although plotters, fishfinders et al do!), the NMEA2000 bus and the car radio.
Considering that most gadgetry nowadays is charged via USB (5V) I think you should be okay. To be safe I've built a 24V->5V converter at the back of each USB plug I've installed in each cabin. So effectively I don't need 12V anywhere in the cabins, just around the helm.

V.