MF695 onshore power option

[ryanlion]

I'm considering the onshore power option for an MF695, but at almost £1,000 it does appear a little pricey for what they describe as a socket and battery charge when for £40 I can buy a triple socket lead with usb ports to connect to the metered onshore power lead.  I do plan to spend some days and nights on it in the marina and other marinas so mains power would come in handy.   Apart from using the marine toilet option which I will have fitted I won't be using any other battery power (I can use lighting from the power lead or basic battery or usb powered lights).

[charlies]

I can't say what is involved with the on-shore power.   In my mind, we are talking 1) water and 2) electricity. 

I think it is a safe judgement to say to yourself: "I will not worry about the cost of having the builder install the electrical.   I can make flooring, curtains or even put in a head."

Best wishes for the new boat. 

[fritz]

Yes, it's easy enough to do yourself. I have been considering putting a second power hook up on the port side. However... keep in mind they are wiring the boat while it's apart. Pulling wire through a completed boat is a PIA, they do not install wire chases. A endoscope and a wire snake will set you back $200 US.

My two cents, shore power is a must have and best installed by the factory. 

[zaphod]

Certainly if you are comfortable with electrical work you could DIY, but installing shore power is not like simply installing an outlet. There are considerations like wire sizing, over current protection, GFI, bonding etc.

If you don't know what you are doing, what could go wrong? Fire, electrocution, galvanic corrosion....

I work with electricity on land all the time,and I am qualified to do so, but I am going to hire a marine electrician to help with my inverter/charger installation.

[ryanlion]

Thanks for the replies all and I will pay to get shore power fitted by the factory.  Like zaphod I'm also a qualified electrician but I have zero knowledge of boats electrical systems or where to run cables (plus I don't want to drill holes in my new boat).  

[zaphod]

Sept 18, 2020 7:57:31 GMT ryanlion said:

Thanks for the replies all and I will pay to get shore power fitted by the factory.  Like zaphod I'm also a qualified electrician but I have zero knowledge of boats electrical systems or where to run cables (plus I don't want to drill holes in my new boat).  

Good plan. My big concern is the interface between AC and DC. The charger/inverter I am looking at is a 2000w inverter and 100a charger. My battery bank is capable of putting out massive amps. Certainly not something I want to screw up!

The way I see it, people pay big money for my skills as a qualified tradesman, so I fully understand why a qualified marine electrician expects the same! You get what you pay for!