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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

AC inlet location

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Jody
1st Mate

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USA
33 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/02/2004 : 08:15:12

I'm getting ready to install AC on our boat (gosh, I hate making holes in our boat!). I've noticed the inlet plug is located outboard and forward of the port side combing on some boats and well aft on the starboard cockpit wall on other boats. The breaker panel will go next to the DC panel behind the sink. Is there a reason to put it in one place over the other?

My thoughts so far:
I guess the factory put it on the combing.
That is a convientent place to step when boarding.
The "unprotected" run of wire will be shorter.

On the cockpit wall it will be out of the way but the "unprotected" run of wire will be a bit longer in the boat. I also don't need another way to srcape ankles while moving about in the cockpit.

What are yuor thoughts?

Thanks in advance,

Jody Larrow, Efficacious, '84 SR/FK

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 06/02/2004 : 10:34:30

Shore Power is a wonderful addition to a boat, Sunday night I had the following plugged in:
1 power strip
3 fans
1 Air-conditioner
1 refrigerator
1 battery charger (the primary reason for shore power)
1 pest control module
2 CPAP sleep machines
1 light

Use the stock port outside coaming position, buy the heavy duty chromed socket, not the cheapo plastic socket. I added a 4-plex on the power wall, I already had the stock duplex's, one on each settee shelf. I wish I had one around the vanity somewhere and will probably add that this winter, one in the vee berth would be nice too. There are others on the site who will comment about the "specs" you should observe. If you are a blue water sailor then heed their advise to the letter.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 06/02/2004 : 12:48:14

I find the power inlet on the forward port coaming to be a very good location. With the inlet in this location, the shore power cord can be routed out of the way along the side deck. Additionally, access to the inside of the inlet from the portside locker is relatively easy.

Edited by - on

deastburn
Captain

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USA
334 Posts

Response Posted - 06/02/2004 : 20:49:47

On the por coaming where it angles toward the bow. And purchase a fifty foot line--that will give you plenty of slack whether you back into your berth or go in forward.

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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 06/03/2004 : 01:21:57

Jody,

My 1979 C-25 came with the factory installed shore power, and I have since upgraded that considerably. Here are a few thoughts in response to your questions based on my experience and related head scratching.

The stock shore power connection location near the fwd end of the port coaming seems to work out OK for me with two exceptions.

1.) I dock stbd side to, so I have to run my power cord across the cockpit. It's not a big deal, I route it under the companionway, and it's not in the way much at all.

2.) In upgrading my electrical system, I relocated the distribution center to the stbd side just aft of the main cabin settee. That makes for a long run from the port side power inlet to the circuit breakers. A separate main breaker near the galley would make for a more text book installation.

3.) Here's an alternative to consider. RV stores sell a male version of the sort of household recepticle one might install outdoors -- the kind with a hinged and gasketed cover to protect it when not in use. These are typically used for "shore power" hookups on conversion vans and the like. You could install one of those inside your port cockpit locker. The shore power cord could enter through a notch in the aft lip of the locker, allowing the lid to close normally with the cord in use. This may sound like a crude hack job, but take a look at how it would work out before rejecting it out of hand. I temporarily routed my outboard fuel line and electrical cable that way, and found it a surprisingly clean solution.

In any event, I suggest you read up on boat wiring before diving in. Shore power in particular can kill you if it's not done properly.

Even if you don't injure yourself, having to redo poor work later is painful (at least to me

).

-- Leon Sisson

Edited by - on

Jody
1st Mate

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USA
33 Posts

Response Posted - 06/04/2004 : 09:10:38

Thanks for all the input!

I did get the good metal entrance receptical, a 50' cord, a 3 circuit breaker panel, and marine grade wire. Now I need to purchase and figure out what outlets I'll put where. Thanks for the tips there Frank.

I hadn't thought about putting the receptical in the locker (a very good idea, Leon). I also run my gas line out through that slot but moved the battery connections away from the gas line. "Efficacious" has the seperate fuel tank locker. I thought that the potental for heat and/or a spark, that close to fuel, was an unacceptable risk.

For the same reason, to keep electricity away from fuel, and for the positive comments on the factory location, I think I'm going to use the factory location.

Oh, and beleive me -- I take electricity <b>very</b> seriously, especially around water.

Edited by - on

Greg Jackson
1st Mate

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84 Posts

Response Posted - 06/05/2004 : 12:06:41

The later models put the AC power in inside of the little cubby that is built into the cockpit, where people normally stuff the winch handles and sun cream.

I like that spot because it keeps the rain off the connection.

Edited by - on

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.