INSTALLATION OF GALVANIC ISOLATOR

[denny]

I HAVE NOW PURCHASED a Galvanic Isolator for my R-25 which is keep in the water all the time. I bought a ProMariner 30 Amp isolator. Frankly, I was surprised to learn from Skipper Mac of Island Ranger (when he checked my boat on a USCG Auxillary visit to Port Ludlow) that my boat did not already have a Galvanic Isolator.
Now I need information on the best location to install this item, how to hookup the isolator and any tips you have about installation and use of the Galvanic Isulator?
THANKS IN ADVANCE! Denny

 

[CaptMac]

I cheated - Andrew installed the one on Island Ranger. He mounted it in the V-berth, starboard side right near where the AC power line comes into the boat. It was easy! (I didn't have to do a thing!)

Mac

 

[Andrew Custis]

I removed the carpeted panel behind the helm dash and installed it inline with the ground on the shore power inlet. Pretty easy install. Let me know if I can help in any other way.

 

[j&lgray]

My read on this issue is these are more important if your boat is in the water all or most of the time and is more important if in salt water. Also, some marinas are more "hot" than others.

I am wondering if I really need to do this if out boat spends its non-boating life on the trailer.

Any thoughts?

John

 

[CaptMac]

The only time a Galvanic Isolator does anything is when you are in the water and plugged into shore power and need protection from current coming from the other boats or the marina. I wouldn't worry about it for short visits.

Mac

 

[Ram]

I'd just like to add that I also recently installed a ProMariner galvanic isolator on my R25. As Andrew described, I opened the carpeted panel at the end of the V-berth behind the helm station, and also took out the AC panel to get easier access to the wiring. I made up a 3/4" plywood base for mounting the isolator, epoxied it and pre-drilled and screwed the isolator onto it so it would be easier to get it in after the base was installed. I glued the base to the inside of the hull just behind the AC panel using 3M 4200. After the glue set up I mounted the isolator, removed the ground wire from the shore power inlet from the AC panel and attached it to the appropriate end of the isolater (read the manual), and made up a short ground wire to go from the other end of the isolator to the AC panel. Probably the hardest part of this is getting the carpeted panel off and on. :lol:

As someone said, the main purpose of the galvanic isolator is to protect your boat in a "hot" marina if it's in the water a lot. Not that essential for someone who trailers or hauls their boat regularly.