See full version: Learning about my boat - how to use A/C, microwave, etc while under way? 04 FV 250
The big power hogs will run ONLY on AC power: air conditioner, microwave, water heater, battery charger, ice maker if you have one. Smaller systems run on DC power: stereo, GPS, VHF radio and so forth. There's one exception: most boat refrigerators take AC power, but can run on DC because they have a built-in inverter.
Not a dumb question . it's a common one. [links]
I know this is a dumb question, but how do I use the microwave and other power accessories in the galley while we're out on the lake? here
This past weekend, I decided to venture into the cabin to check out the microwave and other functions. I see the switch to turn shore power on/off. I haven't connected it to shore power yet to test that yet. more
The boat has two totally different power systems: DC and AC. DC power comes from your batteries or your engine. AC power comes from either shore power or a generator.
I bought my first boat late last year (a 2004 Rinker Fiesta Vee 250) and have now operated it for a few hours on Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. I had literally zero powerboat experience prior to this boat - never owned one, never operated one. I've taken it out three times now, just to get used to operating it, in and out of the slip, etc.
Terry & Jody. 2016 Dodge Ram 1500
2016 NuCamp 320 [email protected] Max S
[email protected] Road
Appleton, WI
Terry & Jody. 2016 Dodge Ram 1500
2016 NuCamp 320 [email protected] Max S
[email protected] Road
Appleton, WI more
In my [email protected] 400 I only have two wires connected to the batteries: one for positive and one for negative. That completes a single circuit. That set of wires will carry current into the battery and out of the battery. So the same wires will provide power to the DC circuits when shore power is disconnected and receive power from the converter to charge the battery while connected to shore power. That also explains why the DC circuits still operate when the battery disconnect switch is set to off - the converter is powering the fuse panel for the DC circuits. [links]
I also have the factory solar panel and the inverter. Both of these devices are connected directly to the battery without going through the battery cutoff switch. So the solar panel can charge the battery and the Sine inverter can be used with the battery cutoff switch set to off.
EEL (Easily Engaged Lock) System – this new system from Marinco does away with the old threaded sealing ring – replacing it instead with a one-handed locking system. It has a jaw clamp design providing a secure waterproof seal, along with an integral LED to help you plug it in when you come in after dark. The EEL also incorporates a secondary finger-activated lock for added security – and when engaged, the jaws cannot be unclamped. It uses heavy-duty, super flexible, tinned 10 gauge corrosion resistant 3-conductor cable with nickel-plated contacts and there is a built-in LED power indicator to show you the cord is active and power is flowing – so much better than their old design! here
On your dock there should be a tower of sorts – known as the “power pedestal”. This is where the marina has run an AC plug to which you can connect. Many marinas will have a connection rated at 30A with two female receptacles, along with some sort of hinged lid to protect them. There should also be a circuit breaker – which you will need to turn on when you are ready to use the power and should always turn off before unplugging your cord. The female receptacle may have a threaded ring, which when used, will ensure your plug is securely attached with a waterproof connection.
Both the EEL and the SmartPlug have a regular connection dockside, so you will be able to use these products no matter what marina you are in. We highly recommend either of these products as a valuable safety upgrade for your boat.
Adaptors that allow you to connect “mismatched” amperages are also available and smart to have on board as you won't always get your ideal slip choice. For example, these adaptors allow boats with 30 amp shore power systems to plug into a 50 amp dockside supply as well as allow boats with 50 amp shower power systems to connect to two 30 amp dockside receptacles. Lastly, if your boat is set up for 30A but that's not enough to run everything you need, it is possible to use TWO 30A cordsets as long as you have two inlet receptacles on your boat. Often boats that have installed air conditioning for use at the dock will need this extra cord.
For years, the majority of these cordsets and inlets have been manufactured by companies like Hubbell and Marinco , whose technology had remained unchanged for many decades. But as the industry has become more safety conscious and boaters are becoming more educated, there has been pressure to develop systems that are easier to set up, that will not loosen or corrode over long periods, and have higher resistance to harsh marine environments. more
22) Check fuse on grey AC power supply (4 amp 110V and 2 amp 220V). Is the fuse good? If Yes-Go to #22 If No-Go to #20
Similar to an RV Fridge, they will have a control board in the back of it, you need to gain access to see if the fuse is blown on the board, if not a fuse, then you will probably have to get a new control board. What brand and model, I can then look it up in some of my trouble shooting manuals and might be able to give you a trouble shooting path to follow.
6) Check batteries, wiring and connections to the refrigerator for fault, corrosion, proper wire sizing and correct the problem. Go back to #1 here
27) Replace grey AC power supply
Re: Fridge only runs on shore power now more
I hope this helps. If not, I'm sure there are a bunch of vendors that will be willing to sell you a new fridge.
I love your YouTube channel and have turned many friends onto it. I will be embarking on the catamaran shopping adventure next year. I know it will vary greatly from boat to boat, but I was curious if you would share what you paid for the dinghy davit system that also holds your solar panels. When I am shopping and comparing boats, it would be very helpful to know the range of value this adds to a boat. If I need to add it after purchase, and I know the general ballpark of cost, I can compare boats appropriately. If you don’t want to post publicly, but are willing to share privately, please email me. Thank you and I look forward to many more YouTube adventures from you!
Is the MAGNUM Hybrid Series Inverter/Charger you removed from the RV for sale?
Igor – August 28, 2017