6
To connect to shore power, plug the power cord into the dock receptacle. Check the power rating/plug
size of the nearest dock receptacle (that is 30 amp, 20 amp, or 15 amp). If necessary, add a cord
adapter located in the Nav station drawer. Secure the cord around the shore power electrical
receptacle tower and off the bow. Turn the dock power on. Then check to see that the breaker switch
in the port stern lazaret (where the power cord connects to the boat) is on.
Then go below and find the AC electrical panel. You will find it below the Nav table behind the
inverter. Turn on the AC Circuit breaker. Check for reverse polarity. Then turn on appropriate
breakers for battery charger, water heater, etc. Watch your amp meter for load. If the load is
exceeded, it will pop the breaker. If you are not getting power to your outlets, check to ensure one of
your breakers has not been tripped. If this occurs, wait to turn on one of your systems (i.e. water
heater) until the use of power decreases.
The boat also has an
inverter
that provides limited 120-volt AC power when the boat is
away from shore power. See Inverter under Electronics. Page 12.
12-volt DC System
House Battery Bank & Switch
Two
battery banks support 12-volt DC power: 1) engine battery 2) two house batteries.
The battery switches are located above the starboard berth in a nook behind the fire extinguisher.
Normally, leave all switches in the on position while running.
Note -- Do not change the position of
the switches while the engine is running or the alternator diodes will be damaged. Only change their
positions with the engine off.
Your 12-volt DC panel shows all the systems supported by your batteries. Primarily you will be
turning on the breakers for your lights, water pressure, electronics, etc. Interior lights are also
powered from a circuit breaker on this panel but many have individual switches at each fixture. #2
Bilge pump light is always on. Breakers such as the LP gas breaker should always be turned off after
every use.
The house battery bank provides power for all DC systems except the engine starter. When
disconnected from shore power, all 12-volt devices drain the house batteries.
Battery systems will lose their charge while ANCHORED or MOORED. Avoid this by using power
sparingly at anchor. Turn the refrigerator off at night. Use only one or two lights at a time. Turn off
systems not in use such as instruments, VHF, stereo, etc. If you do not need the cabin heater, turn it
off. If you stay moored for more then a day, run your engines just above idle to recharge your
batteries. WATCH YOUR VOLTAGE! The DC voltmeter on the DC panel can be switched between
your battery banks to measure battery voltage. Typically the bank should read from about 13.0 to
14.5 volts when being charged. While at rest, your voltage will drop as indicated in the figures
below.
Voltage (Wet Cell
Battery)
Battery
State
12.65 volts 100%
12.47 volts 75%
