Longevity of standard electronics?

[Dave-Zim]

Greetings all,

I've had a fair amount of experience on coastal ski boats and small sport fishing boats but we're now gearing up to taking the step up to a liveaboard sized yacht.
We all know, and hate salt
I'm just wondering with many people using "standard" electrical and electronic items onboard, how do they hold up in a yacht?
I'm thinking things like laptops, computers, non waterproof phones and tablets, washer / dryers and especially inverters and chargers, even fridges and freezers?
Many people use standard consumer grade washing machines, microwaves, laptops, inverters etc.
I would be very interested to hear news and info on how well they survive at sea? Assuming they remain dry and inside. Obviously if anything takes a swim it's toast. How do things fare in general?

Thanks in advance

Dave

[Pete7]

Dave, we have had our Moody for 16 years with a variety of yacht type equipment like battery charger and inverters etc. We also have a number of domestic mains electric items like hoover, tv, tools and cooking appliances etc.

The only failure we had was when a green wave came over the boat going through a race when the saloon hatch wasn't dogged down tight. A large quantity of salt water came in, landed on the saloon table soaking my wife and the dog. Neither were impressed. I was rather busy dodging the wave behind the sprayhood and the boat hook which was torn from the lashing holding it on the cabin roof and projecting it through the sprayhood starboard window past me and out the back of the boat. Without realising it, the water splashing off the saloon table soaked the tv and it went "puff" with magic smoke coming out when later turned on.

Our mains battery charger is now 15 years and continues to work perfectly as does the original mains circuit breakers which date from 1989.

The wiring is a mixture of tinned copper and plain copper in both 12v and 230v circuits. Again there hasn't been any problems with wiring.

Worth pointing out we don't have water in the bilge and if a window or chain plate starts to leak it is dealt with promptly. The result is a dry boat. So keep the water out and solve leaks so you don't have water sloshing around inside creating a damp boat. Open hatches when cooking or showering. Use a dehumidifier a few times in the winter. It will smell nicer too.

Pete

[SailingHarmonie]

Expect for cheap things like cables, we have not noticed shorter lifespan on household electronics in 25 years of boat living. But a key point like Pete7 makes, a dry boat is key to that, and to general comfort.

[sailorboy1]

Except for things that get water on them when leave hatch open I have not noticed any difference on boat. My old Apple Mini 2 tablet is still working after 6.5 year on the boat and it was already way old. My standard 40" tV has been on boat 6.5 years and working. My phones/laptops/tablets are are OK and my phone even got wet 3 years ago and got over it.

[Oceanride007]

My electrics are 32yo, so this is pre tinned copper, they are fine. My domestic stuff and Laptop much the same as land based.
But your electronics, I recommend keeping your MDF out of the sun, and otherwise all electronics out of reach of rain, I've started to remove electronics from Cockpit when leaving yacht for extended time. But remember you got to terminate/seal any open cables. Or decent cable glands where you can withdrawal the cables.

[Dave-Zim]

Thanks all for the feedback.
Yeah, I've been looking around at new and used boats and it's really been quite a depressing affair. I had the impression piracy only occurred at sea but when going over the price of optional extras on new boats it really blew my hair back.

Just take a look at some of these...all prices in USD

Splendide 110v washing machine $7,150
Splendide Dryer 110V $7,150
Wine cooler GE Deluxe wine centre 110V $1,350
Ice maker - GE 15-inch Nugget Ice maker $6,240

Another manufacturer want USD7000.00 for the optional Teak cockpit table.

If that's how much buyers are being lashed on a washing machine, I dread to think what's going on with the standard equipment and the build?

I don't know if it's because I'm only just starting out on the "shopping" experience but this is giving me very long fingers. To the point of putting a real damper on the initial enthusiasm!

I've heard the term BOAT....Bring out another thousand but please!

What do you folks do about this. Any advice? I was hoping to buy a new boat but it's very quickly looking like good second hand it is!

Cheers

Dave

[mvweebles]

Originally Posted by Dave-Zim

Thanks all for the feedback.
Yeah, I've been looking around at new and used boats and it's really been quite a depressing affair. I had the impression piracy only occurred at sea but when going over the price of optional extras on new boats it really blew my hair back.

Just take a look at some of these...all prices in USD

Splendide 110v washing machine $7,150
Splendide Dryer 110V $7,150
Wine cooler GE Deluxe wine centre 110V $1,350
Ice maker - GE 15-inch Nugget Ice maker $6,240

Another manufacturer want USD7000.00 for the optional Teak cockpit table.

If that's how much buyers are being lashed on a washing machine, I dread to think what's going on with the standard equipment and the build?

I don't know if it's because I'm only just starting out on the "shopping" experience but this is giving me very long fingers. To the point of putting a real damper on the initial enthusiasm!

I've heard the term BOAT....Bring out another thousand but please!

What do you folks do about this. Any advice? I was hoping to buy a new boat but it's very quickly looking like good second hand it is!

Cheers

Dave

I assume $14k for a washer and dryer includes the cabinetry, plumbing, electrical, and venting needed for installation.

Your list of doo-dads are pretty common goodies for powerboats. Service life seems similar to land-based items.

A couple of thoughts. First, make sure items are a common size for replacement, and that replacement will fit through the hatch/doorway/companionway when the time comes. Many large appliances are installed before the interior is finished.

Second, in my experience, small batteries (AA, AAA, 9-Volt, etc) are homicidal. They have kamikaze tendencies to kill not only themselves but whatever device they are installed. I avoid them when possible, remove them when I remember, and loathe them when I forget. Hot and humid climate definitely exacerbates the problem.

PCs and such become obsolete long before environment kills them.

As far as nav electronics, they seem pretty durable so far. The Furuno CRT radar I replaced a few years ago was 20-years old when it died. I have not heard complaints about the premature death of modern N2K devices, probably because they generate far less heat than their predecessors. I have heard more complaints about Garmin radar/MFD systems becoming functionally obsolete than other major brands, but that is second hand information. I have no direct experience.

[michaeld]

We don't carry a wide range of electronic do-dads on Imagine, but we are on our third chartplotter in 18 years and the second AIS transceiver in three years.

Sent from my moto g power (2022) using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Chotu]

There is only one thing I find has problems on a boat.

Phone charger cables and the receptacle on the phone itself.

These seem to corrode quickly. Sometimes you can sand the problem away. Other times, you need a new cord or phone.

Anyone want to tell me how to keep my motorcycle rust free on deck? Any tips? It won’t see direct water splashes, but still concerned. The Chinesium it’s made out of rusts pretty freely just from freshwater rain

[pcmm]

Originally Posted by Dave-Zim

Thanks all for the feedback.
Yeah, I've been looking around at new and used boats and it's really been quite a depressing affair. I had the impression piracy only occurred at sea but when going over the price of optional extras on new boats it really blew my hair back.

Just take a look at some of these...all prices in USD

Splendide 110v washing machine $7,150
Splendide Dryer 110V $7,150
Wine cooler GE Deluxe wine centre 110V $1,350
Ice maker - GE 15-inch Nugget Ice maker $6,240

Another manufacturer want USD7000.00 for the optional Teak cockpit table.

If that's how much buyers are being lashed on a washing machine, I dread to think what's going on with the standard equipment and the build?

I don't know if it's because I'm only just starting out on the "shopping" experience but this is giving me very long fingers. To the point of putting a real damper on the initial enthusiasm!

I've heard the term BOAT....Bring out another thousand but please!

What do you folks do about this. Any advice? I was hoping to buy a new boat but it's very quickly looking like good second hand it is!

Cheers

Dave

You must be looking at some pretty large boats to fit that list of items on. But depending on your location may impact the prices. But you prices for all the those items seem to be at least double the google-able prices for those items. Do those prices include installation and any cabinet work?

[CaptainRivet]

Originally Posted by Dave-Zim

Thanks all for the feedback.
Yeah, I've been looking around at new and used boats and it's really been quite a depressing affair. I had the impression piracy only occurred at sea but when going over the price of optional extras on new boats it really blew my hair back.

Just take a look at some of these...all prices in USD

Splendide 110v washing machine $7,150
Splendide Dryer 110V $7,150
Wine cooler GE Deluxe wine centre 110V $1,350
Ice maker - GE 15-inch Nugget Ice maker $6,240

Another manufacturer want USD7000.00 for the optional Teak cockpit table.

If that's how much buyers are being lashed on a washing machine, I dread to think what's going on with the standard equipment and the build?

I don't know if it's because I'm only just starting out on the "shopping" experience but this is giving me very long fingers. To the point of putting a real damper on the initial enthusiasm!

I've heard the term BOAT....Bring out another thousand but please!

What do you folks do about this. Any advice? I was hoping to buy a new boat but it's very quickly looking like good second hand it is!

Cheers

Dave

Simply don't tick the mannufacturer boxes and install that all yourself.

2nd they are much better options out there, eg. wall hanging washing machines from Korea. Look at Daewoo mini washing machine wall hanging...
Yes they are small with 4kg but have a step motor + small pump, thats all. Need more install 2. Very sturdy longlasting, simple and you need a 50cm x 50cm space on the wall to install them. In my old mono Daewoo Mini was hanging above the toilet (drill 4 holes,put M12 bolts through and tie down,finsihed hanging), in my cat 2 of them (one washer dryer 4kg and 3,5kg only washer) on the wall in the V-berth cabin acting as storage/workshop/ household room.
From cheap Daewoo mini 701 only washing for 350$ till 4kg washer/dryer for 800$ and no fancy ventalation needed. Weight is a 1/3 of a standard washer.
My ice maker cost below 100 bucks,
wine cooler is a unnecessary power honk and your bilge best place for red wine and white wine is in an 15l isoterm colling drawer for 600 bucks together with beer and tonic for gin tonic sundowners :-)

Microwave look for the one that have flat bottom inside and no rotating glass plate. Put a baking silicon mat in it on the bottom and nothing move around anymore...on passage or bumpy anchor spot.
Can highly recommend the pricier Panasonic all in one microwaves with inverter oven, BBQ and steamer incl. Which replaces fully your gas oven. My Panasonic NM-CS 598S dor 600$ is 7 years old and works like a charm, stainless case. This is top notch microwave, you find simple one for 300...but its 4 in 1 so actually saves money and space.
Actually the 2nd one, same works in families vacation home since 9 years.
Important besides a dry ship is a good clean sinus inverter, suggest to buy top notch Low frequency from Studer, Victron, Mastervolt, Xantrex or Schneider. Order named is high end to very good...you cannot go wrong with any of them but studer has highest surge capability and lowest standby. If you use a lot 230V go with a 5kw @24V one, minimum a 3kw/12V one, not smaller.

All standard house hold appliances hold up well on a Yacht too. When i buy them i look for that they have a much plastic or stainless as possible and avoid metal as due to salty are the get rust stains...more an optical thing, they still work.

[CaptainRivet]

Originally Posted by pcmm

You must be looking at some pretty large boats to fit that list of items on. But depending on your location may impact the prices. But you prices for all the those items seem to be at least double the google-able prices for those items. Do those prices include installation and any cabinet work?

All that fits on a 35ft mono if you chose the right applainces, see my list above. That was all on my pilot house 40ft ketch and now on a 40ft cat.

[CaptainRivet]

Originally Posted by Chotu

There is only one thing I find has problems on a boat.

Phone charger cables and the receptacle on the phone itself.

These seem to corrode quickly. Sometimes you can sand the problem away. Other times, you need a new cord or phone.

Anyone want to tell me how to keep my motorcycle rust free on deck? Any tips? It won’t see direct water splashes, but still concerned. The Chinesium it’s made out of rusts pretty freely just from freshwater rain

Correct. I use this magnetic cables.
Aviwis Magnetic USB Cable, Magnetic Fast Charge and Sync Data Cable with iP Micro USB Type C Magnet Adapter For Android Galaxy S9 S8 S7 S6 S5 A3 A5, Huawei, Honor, Oneplus, Xiaomi https://amzn.eu/d/1myy1zL

You put a plug into phone/tablet, also sorts out the different connectors and that keeps from corroding. The magnet you clean once a month with WD40...on my helm station tablet that magnetic insert is glued in with hot glue making tablet 100% water proof while permantly charging. Wireless charging doesn't keep up with consumption when BT,Wifi and screen on full brideness to be readable in direct sunlight.

Motorbike: well i have the same challenge with my electric folding bike. Solution replace all you can with stainless or plastic or powercoat all metal stuff. A total watertide cover is a must too. A wipe down of metal parts frequently with WD40 helps too as this leaves a protective cover. PtFE lube for all moving parts too.

[Dave-Zim]

Originally Posted by pcmm

You must be looking at some pretty large boats to fit that list of items on. But depending on your location may impact the prices. But you prices for all the those items seem to be at least double the google-able prices for those items. Do those prices include installation and any cabinet work?

Hi, I'm in Zimbabwe, as we're a landlocked country, my nearest builders and ports / marinas worth any mention are in South Africa. So I'm looking to either have new built in SA or to shop further afield in the Med perhaps for good second hand. Prices for off the shelf consumer grade appliances in SA are not much different to anywhere else in the world. But it seems boat electronics are always more expensive. Transport and duty in to South Africa adds up. Yeah, I did the same google seaching and found the same. I'm not sure if the price includes installation and cabinet work. But the ones I've seen so far, the cabinet work is already done with power outlets installed. I will find out more in October when I visit them again.
Having a love for the ocean and living 2000 miles away from where I want to be is a real curse.

Thanks for your feedback.

Dave

[Dave-Zim]

Originally Posted by CaptainRivet

Simply don't tick the mannufacturer boxes and install that all yourself.

2nd they are much better options out there, eg. wall hanging washing machines from Korea. Look at Daewoo mini washing machine wall hanging...
Yes they are small with 4kg but have a step motor + small pump, thats all. Need more install 2. Very sturdy longlasting, simple and you need a 50cm x 50cm space on the wall to install them. In my old mono Daewoo Mini was hanging above the toilet (drill 4 holes,put M12 bolts through and tie down,finsihed hanging), in my cat 2 of them (one washer dryer 4kg and 3,5kg only washer) on the wall in the V-berth cabin acting as storage/workshop/ household room.
From cheap Daewoo mini 701 only washing for 350$ till 4kg washer/dryer for 800$ and no fancy ventalation needed. Weight is a 1/3 of a standard washer.
My ice maker cost below 100 bucks,
wine cooler is a unnecessary power honk and your bilge best place for red wine and white wine is in an 15l isoterm colling drawer for 600 bucks together with beer and tonic for gin tonic sundowners :-)

Microwave look for the one that have flat bottom inside and no rotating glass plate. Put a baking silicon mat in it on the bottom and nothing move around anymore...on passage or bumpy anchor spot.
Can highly recommend the pricier Panasonic all in one microwaves with inverter oven, BBQ and steamer incl. Which replaces fully your gas oven. My Panasonic NM-CS 598S dor 600$ is 7 years old and works like a charm, stainless case. This is top notch microwave, you find simple one for 300...but its 4 in 1 so actually saves money and space.
Actually the 2nd one, same works in families vacation home since 9 years.
Important besides a dry ship is a good clean sinus inverter, suggest to buy top notch Low frequency from Studer, Victron, Mastervolt, Xantrex or Schneider. Order named is high end to very good...you cannot go wrong with any of them but studer has highest surge capability and lowest standby. If you use a lot 230V go with a 5kw @24V one, minimum a 3kw/12V one, not smaller.

All standard house hold appliances hold up well on a Yacht too. When i buy them i look for that they have a much plastic or stainless as possible and avoid metal as due to salty are the get rust stains...more an optical thing, they still work.

Great feedbck, that you Captainrivet. Yes, I am thinking along the lines of not ticking the boxes and just asking them to do the cabinetry and plumbing / electrical. It's given me a lot to chew through and research. On the subject of inverters, I'm with you on the Victrons. They are very good, the software is excellent and they're pretty hard to kill. I install a lot of them in land based scenarios. And with a systems critical thing like power. It's one thing I won't be saving money on.