Shore Power

[Jfrano]

So we will be moving our R29CB from Perth Amboy, NJ to the Worlds Fair Marina in NYC, between LaGurardia Airport and my beloved Mets, in two weeks.

Will be utilizing boat mainly on weekends, should I leave it connected to shore power while gone or disconnect and power down everything?

Thanks

 

[gigharborite]

Connect to shore power.

 

[mjq1987]

Agree with connecting to shore power and would also recommend a galvanic isolator if you don't have one already.

 

[ixlr8]

So we will be moving our R29CB from Perth Amboy, NJ to the Worlds Fair Marina in NYC, between LaGurardia Airport and my beloved Mets, in two weeks.

Will be utilizing boat mainly on weekends, should I leave it connected to shore power while gone or disconnect and power down everything?

Thanks

Some of the answer depends on what you keep on when away from the boat. Last season we turned everything off, except the bilge pumps, when we were not on the boat and we didn't plug into shore power. The solar panel kept the batteries charged and our zincs looked just about brand new at the end of the season. When we went out, the first thing we did was turn on the refrigerator and we didn't have any issues. I am not sure why folks prefer to plug into shore power, unless you don't have a solar panel or your boat is under a covered slip.

 

[mjq1987]

Connecting to SP is a good source of redundant power. With an inboard engine and the continuous traditional shaft seal leakage, having a backup to the bilge pump power source is a good idea in my opinion. Even on a boat with a dripless shaft seal, the potential to lose the bellows seal exists. Based on the cell and pump manufacturers' specs, our solar panel can provide enough power to the battery bank to "run" a bilge pump for about 12 hours of pumping a day, which seems like a lot. But, that is with optimal conditions of sun angle, temperature, solar panel cleanliness/visibility, etc., being available every day for at least 5 hours. If the pump(s) are running a significant amount based on a leak or weather, the solar panel may keep up for a while, but it's a matter of time until the optimal charging conditions aren't met anymore and more amps will start being taken out of the battery bank than are going in. The only downside I see in having SP connected in the water is galvanic corrosion, but with the right set up, that can be mitigated.

 

[Red Raven]

There are many reasons to be connected to shore power when not using the boat.

- mjq1987 identifies maybe the most important one, unlimited bilge pump power. Others include:
- not all boats have solar panels.
- some boats are kept under cover (as pointed out)
- some folks like to leave the refrigerator turned on to keep a few cold beverages ready for arrival.
- the solar panel often does not get sufficient sun to fully charge the batteries. It is more of a back up charger than a full featured battery charger/maintainer.
- if something on the boat was left turned on accidentally (including the house battery switch) it could mean the end of your batteries. That combined with an issue needing a bilge pump (first issue above) could mean the end of your boat.

Everything about a boat comes with some risk. Connecting to shore power when not on the boat is not required, or may not even be an option, for many but I believe it reduces overall risk.

Curt

 

[ixlr8]

Prop shaft leakage was something I didn't think about since I have the outboard on my RT-27. I learn something every time I read this board.

 

[Martin610]

Here in the North East the solar panel won't keep up with the fridge for very long. Maybe just one or two days when you have cloud cover. Since I use the boat a lot I keep the fridge stocked with the necessities.

Bilge pumps etc are a consideration as well.

You do have to keep up with the zincs and make sure your RPI indicator (on panel) isn't on. Some marinas have some really crummy wiring.

-martin

 

[S. Todd]

Someone can correct me if I am wrong, but I thought that the shaft seal was not supposed to leak when the shaft was not turning. Mine never has leaked at rest.

 

[Red Raven]

Someone can correct me if I am wrong, but I thought that the shaft seal was not supposed to leak when the shaft was not turning. Mine never has leaked at rest.

Everything fails eventually.

 

[Jfrano]

Great ideas everyone!

 

[SgtAlf]

"You do have to keep up with the zincs and make sure your RPI indicator (on panel) isn't on. Some marinas have some really crummy wiring."

What is the "RPI Indicator"?

 

[Martin610]

Reverse polarity indicator. It's next to the light that indicates your shore power is connected. Essentially, it shows when electricity is leaking from neutral to ground. If you see that light up, you may not want to stay connected for any length of time.

 

[Martin610]

Actually, it can be different places depending on panel design. But all newer boats have it somewhere.

 

[baz]

I keep my R29 CB (and previous R27/OB) boat in a covered slip all year round. I only have shore power connected for a 24 hr period each week and sometimes once every 2 weeks. I disconnect the shore power at the dock's power pedestal while leaving the other end connected to the boat.

I turn all boat things off except to have refrigerator set on 1.

I can do this as I live just a few minutes from my moorage slip.

I use this method primarily to avoid my underwater zincs from being eaten at a fast rate. I do not employ a GFI as having used one in the past with boat in same marina as today the underwater zincs continued to be eaten at the same rate as before using the GFI.

Prior to adopting the ON/OFF shore power arrangement my underwater zincs had to be replaced every 3 month. After adopting this ON/OFF technique my under water zincs last longer than 9 month and are now approaching a 12 month interval before needing to be replaced.

My batteries remain in good shape between the 24 hr weekly or bi-weekly charge cycle..... and yes, I do have a solar panel.

I strongly agree with Jim (ixlr8) above.