220V vs 110V shore power

[Kris V]

The boat we are thinking of making an offer on has 220V shore power. We plan to sail the Bahamas for the most part and keep the boat in the US. How much of an issue is finding 220V shore power in the US and the Bahamas? And are there ways to still use 110V shore power if there is no 220V available. Thanks!

[Jammer]

Many threads on this. Key points:


1) North American power is 60 Hz, most of the rest of the world is 50 Hz, no practical way to convert between them. Check any air conditioning and appliances you may have, many will accept either but not all. Washing machines are a common trouble spot and microwaves can be. Most (but not all) marine air conditioners will accept either


2) Most larger marinas that cater to international cruising boats will have 240v power available or will have portable transformers available that will change the voltage at the dock.



3) Some marine isolation transformers will also convert the voltage so that you can plug into either 120 or 240


4) A fact to consider is that 220v appliances are almost impossible to purchase in North America. There are a couple of specialty stores in the USA that will ship nationwide but selection is limited, and you can get dual-voltage travel oriented things like hair dryers. Trying to find a 220v frypan, vacuum, or microwave would be problematic unless you purchase one in Europe and bring it as baggage.


5) Finally many people adopt a cruising style that makes minimal use of shore power. If the only load on your boat that uses shore power is the battery charger then the problem is much simplified.

[Kris V]

Thank you very much! It's a pretty complicated topic and I appreciate you helping us unpack that info.