Have a question regarding NO shore power and cabin power.

R

reedickyaluss

New Member
Dec 29, 2010
19
Erie, PA
Boat Info
1989 Sea Ray Sundancer 280
Engines
4.3 Mercruisers
Hello all, I recently just purchased a 1989 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer. I am in love with the boat and it is in impeccable shape.. But here is my question.

When the boat is plugged into shore power, I have FULL cabin power, microwave, frig, stove, outlets etc etc...

When I unplug shore power and just run off the batteries... All of the switches on the switch panel turn off, and I just have cabin lighting.

Here is what my switch panel looks like.

3583156_20110412084651_4_LARGE.jpg


So my question is first... is this what is supposed to happen?

By the way I havent had the boat in the water yet, Will I ONLY have cabin power if SHore power is plugged in?

What if the boat is running?

Id like to be able to have outlet, microwave power while the boat is off or not plugged in.. say if Im at the beach.

I do not have a generator... I currently have 3 batteries.

Is there anyway to use the batteries to power the cabin appliances? At least for a little bit? I realize using enough of the appliances could run the cabin battery dead.. but at least for a minute would be nice?

Thank you to any and all tips, recommendations, answers...
 
The microwave and outlets run off of 110v only. Since you do not have a genny then these items will not work unless hooked to shore power. Your freshwater pump, head, fridge and cabin lights will work off the battereis though.
 
Ok well, you see all those switches there right? NONE of them light up, including refrigerator when shore power isn't connected. So it doesnt appear to me that the frig is being powered while disconnected from shore power. Also, I am installing a TV and Playstation in the cabin and it would be nice to be able to watch it while the boat is actually on the water... do I have ANY options? Besides spending 5 grand on a generator? I mean as long as the boat is running, the alternator is keeping the batteries charged... can I use a converter or?

Any help at all would be appreciated
 
reedickyaluss said:
Ok well, you see all those switches there right? NONE of them light up, including refrigerator when shore power isn't connected. So it doesnt appear to me that the frig is being powered while disconnected from shore power. Also, I am installing a TV and Playstation in the cabin and it would be nice to be able to watch it while the boat is actually on the water... do I have ANY options? Besides spending 5 grand on a generator? I mean as long as the boat is running, the alternator is keeping the batteries charged... can I use a converter or?

Any help at all would be appreciated
Click to expand...

reedickyaluss said:
Also, what is the AC/Converter switch for?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

You could install a 2000 Watt inverter and run some limited AC items.

The AC/Converter is the battery charger while on shore power.
 
By the way, your post made me laugh my ars off.

Every one of us went thru what you are going thru at some point in our history.

Due to the information in this post you are just over the denial stage, after all, your car air conditioning works from the engine, right? So why can’t the boat do that?

Now you are on the looking for an alternative stage.

Boating is a sickness that becomes a addiction.

I’m 6 years into my boating addiction.

BTW, I got a super deal on my generator, only $8,500 installed, far less than the $11,000 Sea Ray wanted.
 
If I had an 03 Sea Ray 280, I would consider spending 9 grand.... ubt Im not spending half of what I paid for the boat for a generator.
 
reedickyaluss said:
Ok so I can at least get an inverter and have that option...
Click to expand...

We keep a small cheap inverter onboard for small items.

Regarding a play station, you could get a TV that runs off of 12V DC and use the inverter for the play station. I did not go this way. I got the 12V TV/DVD player but I got each kid a I-touch.

Check your refrigerator. It should be dual, meaning it can run from shore power or 12V DC. Do you have a 12V DC switch labeled refrigerator?
 
So If I install an inverter... Is there anyway to run through the circuit board? So when off shore power, I can still switch the microwave on for a minute through the switch panel?

Just trying to get specifics answered here, thanks again guys.
 
Presentation said:
We keep a small cheap inverter onboard for small items.

Regarding a play station, you could get a TV that runs off of 12V DC and use the inverter for the play station. I did not go this way. I got the 12V TV/DVD player but I got each kid a I-touch.

Check your refrigerator. It should be dual, meaning it can run from shore power or 12V DC. Do you have a 12V DC switch labeled refrigerator?
Click to expand...

On the last page I uploaded a pic of my switch panel... it doesnt say 12v... it just says refrigerator.
 
reedickyaluss said:
So If I install an inverter... Is there anyway to run through the circuit board? So when off shore power, I can still switch the microwave on for a minute through the switch panel?

Just trying to get specifics answered here, thanks again guys.
Click to expand...

Is it possible? Sure. Is it practice? No

A microwave is a power hog.
To do it right you need a big BIG and very expensive inverter connected to a set of golf cart batteries.
To do it right you are half way to the cost of getting a generator.
So you then say, hey I just spent thousands. I want to run my air conditioner…..
It just keeps going.

Keep it simple. Use your cigarette lighter for your inverter for very small items.

If you really want 120V at sea, sell this boat and get one with a generator.
 
The day I sell it? lol


I am still very happy with the boat, its in perfect shape for its year... I guess as a rookie you sort of ASSUME all these nice appliances would work out on the water?!?!

Well Ill see if the frig works on DC... the stove is electric or propane.. so I can get some propane and still be able to cook... and maybe just an inverter for TV and PS3...

Not worried about A/C... YET lol.
 
Just so you are for warned of your steps in this power during boating addiction process, you will soon get this idea to bring a portable Honda generator onboard you boat. To save you time it’s a bad idea due to carbon monoxide, lack of ignition protection, space and noise.

Again, I went thru all this so I’m like a core addict talking to a person who is in the early stages of addiction.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,119
Messages
1,426,565
Members
61,036
Latest member
Randy S
Back
Top