110v boat and 220v shorepower

[captmikecoin]

Having recently bought a US yacht with all systems running on 110V and with 2 shorepower inputs, I am having it brought over to Europe. When it arrives I will have the problem of connecting it all up to European shorepower but want to have both 110v and 220v sockets supplied from the shorepower or the 110v generator.

The local electricians have absolutely no idea how to do this as they normally wire houses but are able to install an independent 220v breaker panel and sockets. No linkage to the 110 system though. Are there any reference books or articles anywhere that I might refer them to?

Cheers,

Mike

[simonmd]

Can't point you to reference books but I have two options for you.

1. Replace any 110v items with the euro equivelant. A bit extreem but the proper way to do it. At least your wiring would be fine as 110v wiring is thicker than 220/240 due to the higher amp loadings. (a euro boat going to the us would have to have its entire AC wiring replaced also!)

2. This is probably simpler and cheaper, Seperate the two supplies by fitting a 110v Inverter and having it switchable so that your boats AC sockets run only off it or your 110v genny. This way, you'll only need to get a 220v battery charger that the shore power would connect to, thereby charging the batteries and allowing you to run 110v in the boat. You may also be able to get a step down transformer to convert the 220v to 110v as well but i'm not sure how expensive or reliable these are.

[Jentine]

Use the search function and you will find a plethora of information concerning european 220v, 50Hz transformation.

[sdowney717]

easiest way to do this is use a voltage convertor transformer
along these lines
likely a marine version will break the bank.

http://www.voltage-converter-transfo...FQhahwod0ExdmA

[Pete7]

110 volts is a popular voltage in the UK for garage equipment and tools so drop boxes from 220 to 110v are available, however, the frequency between US and EU are also different.

Here is one solution:

Voltage converter | Voltage Transformer | step up and step down | 110 volts 220 230 240 volts | Buying guide resources & instructions

Is the boat staying in Europe, if only temporary then just using a 12v charger as simonmd suggests looks a cheaper solution:

Sterling Power Products: ProCharge Ultra

Pete

[GordMay]

See Jack Tyler’s (s/v “Whoosh” & CF Member “Euro Cruiser”) excellent articles on Cruising Europe (& more)
➥ Whoosh

Including: Using European AC Power Aboard
➥ European Power Onboard

[Zoomer]

A transformer will not help you if you have the usual equipment. 50/60 Hz issue. See my post on;

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...d-38004-2.html

There is a lot of other good info on the thread.
Searching the Cruisers Forum is my default solution to problems.

[captmikecoin]

Thank you to all for the various bits of advice and links. I think a complete conversion is probably the best with new compressors and pumps. The fridge/freezer is my main concern which needs about 4hrs/day of mains voltage at about 800W. Too much for an inverter and battery bank I fear particularly when away from shore supply for any length of time.
Cheers,

Mike

[btrayfors]

Easiest way would be to install a new battery charger with "world power" capability, such as the Sterling or ProMariner Ultra 60A chargers.

Doing this for one of my customers now who's in the same situation, I.e., taking a 120VAC/60cycle boat to Europe.

I'd really think twice about a "complete conversion""..... Prohibitively expensive and most likely not necessary.

Bill

[Snore]

Like many I have traveled in Europe... "The admiral" must have HER hair blower, etc. to accommodate her, there are many ways to connect a single phase device to a two phase service. Hardware stores in Vienna even sold them. I would check with shore power cable suppliers, they may have an adapter that goes onto the cable.

[simonmd]

Originally Posted by btrayfors

Easiest way would be to install a new battery charger with "world power" capability, such as the Sterling or ProMariner Ultra 60A chargers.

Doing this for one of my customers now who's in the same situation, I.e., taking a 120VAC/60cycle boat to Europe.

I'd really think twice about a "complete conversion""..... Prohibitively expensive and most likely not necessary.

Bill

Agreed, unless you are keeping the boat in Europe permanantly, this is by far the easiest and cheapest solution.

FYI, a 600w fridge/freezer can EASILY run off an inverter. I personally have a 3000w Inverter on my boat connected to 4x185ah deep cycle batteries, supplimented with 300w of solar and a wind gen' and only need to run an engine or my own genny once every couple of days to top them up. I'm not light on power usage either, having a domestic combination microwave, full sized tv, home PC, etc.

Remember, it's not drawing power all the time for a start and if you need to top up the batteries when not connected to shore power, your 110v genny should be able to cope with that no problem.

Sure, the combination charger and inverter isn't the most efficient setup but chnaging the entire boat including your genny will cost 1000's.

I'd only do the complete conversion if I intended to put the boat up for sale in Europe in the future as a 110v boat would be harder to shift.