Adding shore power to a 205 sundowner?

ric · **Posted:** Mon Jul 02, 2012 6:00 pm

When I finally get this boat in my driveway there's a few things I would like to install... The first being 120v/shore power to power up a battery charger, and to power onboard AC that I will later install in the cuddy. The boat will also be equipped with at least 1000w inverter to power AC while engine is running.

This is something I'll have professionally installed but I would like to hand pick my parts to give to the installer.

The goal is:
-To power the AC (plugged into shore or gen) when not being powered by inverter off engine/bat.
-To power battery charger when boat is being stored/docked.
-To provide one 120v outlet in cuddy for whatever might require 120v

What's going to be needed to accomplish this to keep nice USCG standards and look pretty? It would be nice if there was some kind of automatic switching capability for when shore power was on it automatically switch to that circuit and off the inverter.

ric · **Posted:** Mon Jul 02, 2012 6:20 pm

Looking at something like the Xantrex IP1012 that is ignition protected (install in big dry engine compartment) and can do 3 jobs. Inverter, battery charger, automatic shore switching. Discontinued but still can be found.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/XANTREX-IP1012A ... 687wt_1139

The marinaire mirca AC only draws 650w maximum running and maximum of 900 surge starting. The IP1012 is rated for 1000w continuous and 3000 surge.

I also understand I will be sacrificing a cuddy storage compartment ( gotta do some measurements to make sure it will all fit ) for AC, breaker panel, and AC controls and that they will be at feet level, unless there is a room on the back side of the 205 driver's panel to install the breaker/control.

97_245_sd · **Posted:** Tue Jul 03, 2012 9:18 am

Ric,
Here is a link to a shore power install. He did it similar to the way the factory did but it will give you some ideas.

http://www.boat-project.com/electra/sp-main.htm

ric · **Posted:** Tue Jul 03, 2012 10:28 am

Nice read, thanks!

I'm considering the idea of going inverter-less, but that would limit me to shore/gen power only for AC. For small or quick trips where I want to cool the cabin down for a short period of time busting out the gen would be a real PITA.

Graham R · **Posted:** Tue Jul 03, 2012 4:27 pm

Ric,

My 2004 Sundowner has the factory shore power installation ( ironically, it has never been used at all; heating would be appropriiate here rather than A/C !). If you want me to look at any parts so you can source them at supplier prices rather than FW, let me know ( may be some delay though), Absolutely c**p weather here now; 15 deg. C and raining. Still, the first ( maybe last\!) 2012 outing a week ago we came across a pod of about 40 dolphins moving along with the tidal flow ! With them for about an hour.

Swansea · **Posted:** Tue Jul 03, 2012 4:35 pm

Wow - AC in a 205 cuddy....Never thought of that, as we use a small fan at night for sleeping that seems to work fine. Where would you put it?

ric · **Posted:** Tue Jul 03, 2012 4:57 pm

Swansea wrote:

Wow - AC in a 205 cuddy....Never thought of that, as we use a small fan at night for sleeping that seems to work fine. Where would you put it?

The marinaire micra ac/heat pump is 10"x10"x16in. Anywhere really.

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

The AC would make for some good sleeping I would imagine....your area gets as hot as it does here and closing off with AC is just as much about being able to keep the skeeters and other sleep killing bugs out. How much longer before delivery of the new ride? I was looking at adding a mister to the fish better. August brings some HEAT.

www.iFourWinns.com

Adding shore power to a 205 sundowner?

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