boat electrics

[theguvnor]

Has anyone any experience of up-grading boat electrics? My brother-in-law is about to buy his first boat (Atlantic 24ft with a 15hp 4 stroke Honda) Boat is mint but only has electrics for the starter. As the proposed Marina has a shore power hook up he wants to revamp for interior lighting/fridge/battery charger et al. (Cost / feasability / engineers) I've had my boat for 4 years I'm supposed to be an expert - so any input gratefully received. I hope he buys it so I can drink his sodding beer for a change

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[Kevin]

Hi

not sure if it will help but i have been told to add shorepower/wiring for fridge etc would be about £1200. but cant be 100% on that it was while ago. I cant think it is going to be hugely difficult but then i have only ever put an isolating transformer dropping volts from 240 to 110 on a boat and that was easy job.

im not sure on the wiring and routing of wiring itself but the installing of a circuit breaker onto the boat where the shorepower comes in and relevent wiring to fridge etc shouldnt be that much of a headache. Parts needed are available readily and most manufacturers use the same shorepower bits and bobs.

thing im not sure about is insurance companies and their desire to make sure everything is done correctly and possible costs that that might incur.

kevin

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[Talbot]

for £1200, I will come and install it. Should be MUCH less. You will need a marine battery charger, (abt £150) an RCD mains breaker box - get it from a caravan shop for abt £50, a galvanic isolator (dont know price), and appropriate cabling - not solid core, plus shore power cable and connector (again from caravan shop). Why not install a 12v fridge (will run at abt 3.5 amp/hr if using a keel cooler) as you can then use it a bit more frequently. suggest contact with <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.penguinfrigo.co.uk/default.shtm>Penguin</A>

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[Kevin]

that £1200 was including the fridge, charger, stove, water heater and various mains appliances, as i say it was a fair while ago. either way i personally wouldnt pay anybody to do it!

if that still seems expensive i suggest you steer clear of the small ads at the back of boat mart mag thats where i got the company from.

kevin

 

[Mollari]

As a Marine electrician actively campaigning for improved electrics both aboard boats and in marinas, I would recommend that you get a qualified electrician to carry out the work if you don't fully understand electrics. It could keep you safe.

http:\\mysite.freeserve.com/leisure_marine_elec


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[tcm]

i agree. Much safer to let the lectricain do the bang ouch ooer 240 volty stuff.

Mind you, poncing about changing 12v bulbs should be alright, altho the low downlighters on our boat have really strong ouch eek springs that can give you a nasty nip.

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[tripleace]

I rewired Triple Ace : great job that needed to be done :

Reason:

after many years of use the electrics had been added to and added to and the 12volt earths were a mess, nobody could work out want went through what.

Sealine cabling (along with most manufacturers) is rather light and "only just" up to the job.

Anode wear caused by earth leaks.

Poor starting of engines and generator.

Sealine display panels worn out / those stupid switchs that are under a piece of plastic that cracks.

Conclussion.

Improved the boat 200%,

reduced my wallet

did not improve value of boat




<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.boating-ads.co.uk/boating-ads/Froggie1.htm> Broom 38 details</A>

 

[Johnnygil]

Hi triple
What type of cabling did u use, obvious multi core but what size? also did you use crimpjoints, or the connection strips and taped them up.

I am only refering to the internal lighting, water pump, running lights and the such not firdge but would be interested to know what size diam used there.

May be also size of wire used for Bilge pump, oil light, fuel gauge, Ammeter.

Sorry to be a pain

Thanks

By the way loved your posts re the trip around the Med sounds like u had a great time , my dream one day.

Cheers

Johnnygil

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[nwclegg]

Merlin Equipment of Poole do various "kits" where all the bits can be supplied as bits or mounted on a board for relatively easy installation - they also provide installation instructions. A full electric installation for a twin engined boat including shore power would be bout £1200 as I recall plus your labour. That cost includes 2 start batteries, a dmostic battery, 16 way switch panel etc plus a Dolphin 15A Battery charger. These kits come with premium quality bits that should last - BEP & Blue Seas.

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[Mollari]

I personally use 1.5mm throughout for all domestic appliances with heat shrunk crimp connectors as they are water tight. Not the cheapest but through experience the best to use

http:\\mysite.freeserve.com/leisure_marine_prep

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[seaboy]

Do you use standard auto cable, such as multi-strand copper or tin-plated cooper for marine where there maybe moisture/damp.

Which is the best to use. ????

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