Boat with 220?

[Jebtrois]

Hi Gang.
We are evaluating a boat that is nicely outfitted. However, it is a Euro spec 220 electric version. Evidently it has the transformers to permit it to plug in to US pedestals. We are pretty handy on most boat projects, but we are not familiar with this electrical setup. For example, if we need to replace stuff like a refrigerator or electronics does that need to be Euro spec? Is it reasonable to use adapters in all of the receptacles? So most of our cruising will be US and Caribbean for the next 5 years or so. Is this more of a hassle than it's worth or should we keep this boat on our radar?
Thanks,
Jebtrois

[Zanshin]

Most of your on-board electrical equipment will be 12V DC. The fridge/freezer and navigation electronics are almost certainly 12V DC

My boat is 220V AC with standard 50Hz. The U.S. is 110 with 60Hz. The wiring on 110V docks allows paralleling the legs and getting 220V, but at 60Hz. My charger has no problem with that, and I have A/C which can also deal with differing Hertz by running about 15% faster. Some chargers don't handle that.

If the shore power goes straight to the power plugs, the attached devices would need to be able to handle 60Hz. Typical items like PC power supplies and even TVs can deal with that. An alternative is to run the charger to charge the battery bank and then use an inverter from the battery bank to power any AC devices with the correct 50Hz.

Every second island in the Caribbean is French so getting cheap 220V household electrics items is easy, and many of the ex-British islands also still use 220V but have the big U.K. 3-pronged plug.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by Jebtrois

For example, if we need to replace stuff like a refrigerator or electronics does that need to be Euro spec?

As Zanshin correctly notes upthread, most of these items will operate off the DC system (12 or 24 volts) and will be unaffected by shore power voltage.

Is it reasonable to use adapters in all of the receptacles? So most of our cruising will be US and Caribbean for the next 5 years or so.

Most electronics will run on 220v without modification. Check the label. You may need a new cord to fit your receptacles.


What you will have to watch most closely are:

• Heating and air conditioning. 230v is readily available in the USA but in many cases you have to order one or the other.
• Microwave. 220v hard to find in the USA but you can do it.
• Hair dryers, curling irons, etc. Use travel ones that will run on either voltage. Change out the plug if necessary, or use an adapter.
• Kitchen appliances. You will have to get European versions from Amazon or similar or buy them while traveling in countries that use 220v.
• Washing machine (if you have one). Get careful advice, ones that run on 220v 60 Hz (which is what you will have) are hard to find anywhere.
• Power tool chargers, which are not usually dual voltage. You will have to either get DC "car charger" versions or European versions.
• Corded power tools, if you use any

During the purchase, it would be wise to ask for as many of these items as possible to be included in the sale, if the seller already has them.

Is this more of a hassle than it's worth or should we keep this boat on our radar?
Thanks,
Jebtrois

If it were me I'd still consider the boat.

[Jebtrois]

Thank you both for your feedback. It sounds as though a US spec boat would be better for our near term usage , but with patience a 220 boat can still meet our needs. We won't rule it out if it is as nice in person as the pics.
Appreciate your help.
Jeb

[CharlieJ]

@Zanshin

My boat is 220V AC with standard 50Hz. The U.S. is 110 with 60Hz. The wiring on 110V docks allows paralleling the legs and getting 220V, but at 60Hz.

This is simply not correct.

@Jebtrois
You simply have not provided enough info to advise you properly. USA 240/120VAC//50A shore power is significantly different than Euro 230VAC//32A shore power.

At least provide the label plate data for the transformer that you mention.