First 24v Boat, much different from a 12v one ?

Andrew M

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Hi,

It is looking more likely that we will be getting a new, to us, motor boat in the next couple of weeks. This one has 24v circuits on it. I have only ever had 12v boats, is there anything much to watch out for on a 24v system ?

Will the entire boat be wired either 240 or 24 v the same as on all previous boats where everything was either 12v or mains 240v. I am fairly handy with most things mechanical or electric but never owned anything with 24v on it before. Any hints, tips, guidance much appreciated

Thanks,

Andy
 
Hi,

It is looking more likely that we will be getting a new, to us, motor boat in the next couple of weeks. This one has 24v circuits on it. I have only ever had 12v boats, is there anything much to watch out for on a 24v system ?

Will the entire boat be wired either 240 or 24 v the same as on all previous boats where everything was either 12v or mains 240v. I am fairly handy with most things mechanical or electric but never owned anything with 24v on it before. Any hints, tips, guidance much appreciated

Thanks,

Andy

Wiring separation will be the same; the short answer with 24v versus 12v is simply twice the volts = half the current. What's the new boat?
 
Wiring separation will be the same; the short answer with 24v versus 12v is simply twice the volts = half the current. What's the new boat?
+1, half the current == thinner cables all around.
Mind most nav equipment are 12V, same with stereo, so there will be a dropper somewhere and 12V circuits around the helm area (but possibly not everywhere)

cheers

V
 
Thanks, that's what I'll have to learn, it was the radio/cd that made me start wondering if anything was still on 12v. So do you reckon ceiling lighting be 12 or 24 ? I'm just be inquisitive/lazy asking that as once we get her I'll have to check everything with the muti meter to learn my way around .

We are after a 2006 Pearl 60.
 
lights will be 24V, if they are LED, they'll operate from 12 to 30 odd Volt anyway.
The dropper I mentioned will be limited in capacity, so unless there's a dedicated bank of 12V batteries with own charger + an extra 12V alternator on one of the engines, the 12V loads will be minimal, stereo nav and that's about it.

V
 
There's no difference you'll notice much. If it is well built everything will be 24 with exception of things you can only buy in 12v namely VHF cameras stereos kvh sat TV and n2k backbone. The 12v probably comes from a dropper on this boat. Some boats have separate 12 v battery and charger and dropper from one of the alternators.
 
24 VOLT will start better, the winch will pull easier, and the ancillaries will work for longer. Most marine gizmos are 12 to 32 volt no worries there, the wifes hair dryer could be problem.
 
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