Adding shore power?

[NewfieDan]

I have a new to me '07 Rinker Express Cruiser. When I bought the boat earlier this year I thought that it was odd the boat didn't have any shore power. I was thinking of adding power to the boat but was curious of which is the best way.

I have an RV with a converter that charges the battery and also supplies 12V to some of the amenities. I was thinking of doing the same to the boat. I would have a couple of 120V outlets. One in the cuddy and probably one in the engine bay for a trouble light. The converter I would wire to keep the battery charged when I am not using the boat.

Or I can get cheap and just put a 120V outlet in the engine bay to plug in a battery tender to keep the battery charged.

There are 2 reasons why I want to do this. One is to keep the battery charged. And second I think it would add value to the boat for any future buyers. I am not planning on selling the boat any time soon, but I have been around boats long enough to know about 2footitis.

What are the thoughts of those with and without shore power.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Adding shore power?

There are advantages to shore power, but if your boat sits in a slip or on a lift (with you hanging out a lot on the boat) then shore power is a good option. If you want it only for a battery charger and a trouble light, then there are easier ways.

Personally, if you just want it for minor convenience, I would install a battery tender in the engine compartment and wire it to the battery. Then install a thru-hull weather proof 110v connector. Plug in the boat as you would a shore power plug when not in use. Any trouble lights you may want should be 12v LED or battery operated LED and kept in a charged state in the engine room. No need for a 110v trouble light. If you want a couple of 110v outlets, easy enough to wire with a 12v to 110v inverter which only costs $100.