Question about providing shore power to another boat.

Bridog

Bridog

Well-Known Member
Oct 4, 2006
4,961
Gulf Shores AL / Brick NJ
Boat Info
2016 19SPX OB
Engines
Mercury 150 4S OB
OK, not "shore power" but...can you (generator optioned) provide power to a boat that is without a generator? Are you able to run that boat's power? Example, AC/Heat? What adapter do you need to do that? Is it safe? I'm planning an overnight soon with a boat without a generator and thought this might be a good way of providing power to the AC/heat without having to run a extension cord to a portable heater. It's getting cold here. Thoughts? Anyone??? Thanks, Brian
 
Yes, I did this.

I am NOT saying its safe, just saying what I did.

We plugged into our 120 volt outlet in the cockpit a "120V standard to 30 Amp twist lock" adapter made my Marineco, part # MAR-83A about $60 from West Marine or around half that online.

8616.jpg


The other boat plugged their shore power cord into that. Actually, I don’t think it was long enough. We plugged our shore power cord into the adapter then their shore power into our shore power cord.


We both only ran the A/C, nothing else from the generator.
 
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Presentation said:
Yes, I did this.

I am NOT saying its safe, just saying what I did.

We plugged into our 120 Volt outlet in the cabin a 120V standard to 30 Amp twist lock made my Marineco, about $60 from West Marine.

The other boat plugged their shore power cord into that. Actually, I don’t think it was long enough. We plugged our shore power cord into the adapter then their shore power into our shore power cord.
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Thanks Doug. Actually I was just about to send you a PM because I remember you saying you did this. Do you think this is unsafe?? Brian
 
Bridog said:
Thanks Doug. Actually I was just about to send you a PM because I remember you saying you did this. Do you think this is unsafe?? Brian
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Unsafe?.....well…….there are those at this site that say sleeping with a marine generator running is unsafe. I do that often. One prominent member here feels any gas marine generator is unsafe. Of course, we sleep away from the marina often.

I guess I’ll answer this question from my perspective only.

In my opinion, using precautions like multiple CO detectors on both vessels, making sure the load is protected via circuit breakers and the second vessel is protected via a GFCI on your boat and their boat is on the non-exhaust side of your boat, keep a extra fire extinguisher in the cabin, a smoke detector in the cabin, run the exhaust fan, the danger is reduced to the point where it’s less dangerous than pulling a child in a tube, another activity I do that puts my family at risk.

It is certainly more dangerous than not doing it.
 
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Doug, I am one of those who feel that a generator can and should be used away from the dock. And.... dare I say it...while sleeping. I have paid Brunswick Corp 10K+ for that option and I'm dam well going to use it! I have a built in CO detector in the cabin as well as 2 back up battery powered CO detectors. 1 in the cabin and 1 in the cockpit as well. I'm not worried about that part. So you just plug it into any AC outlet? I have a 5KW Kohler unit.
 
My concern would be over-tasking your electrical system. If your Heat is on, and their's comes on, during the initial start up, the power draw jumps significantly. I would be surprised if your genny could stand that type of load, but it may.

Additionally, I would be surprised if your cockpit outlet is rated to stand the spike of a compressor turning on.
 
Hampton said:
My concern would be over-tasking your electrical system. If your Heat is on, and their's comes on, during the initial start up, the power draw jumps significantly. I would be surprised if your genny could stand that type of load, but it may.

Additionally, I would be surprised if your cockpit outlet is rated to stand the spike of a compressor turning on.
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Thanks John. Curious. What would happen? Would a circuit blow or is there a risk of fire?
 
Hampton said:
My concern would be over-tasking your electrical system. If your Heat is on, and their's comes on, during the initial start up, the power draw jumps significantly. I would be surprised if your genny could stand that type of load, but it may.

Additionally, I would be surprised if your cockpit outlet is rated to stand the spike of a compressor turning on.
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the breaker would trip if this happened, it's safe. the electrical system has protection for over amperage. I've done it before as well.
 
When I ran a gas genny (and even now), I do and have slept with teh genny running. I do have some very common sense advice that does not preach. When you are on the hook your exhaust "should" be carried away to the stern of your boat. I slept in mine so many nights I can't count it.

I would not sleep in your boat with a genny running in the following conditions:
Tied to a dock.
Anchored with a stern anchor
Rafted with too many boats that restrict free movement
In a strong current condition that may keep the boat from swinging into the wind


And of course watch the boats that are upwind of you. I am sure there will be many anecdotal reports of the dangers of CO, however everyone one that I know that have died or got sick were in one of the conditions above.

:End of Sermon
 
I've had boats rafted up to me plug into a GFI plug using that connector. Works fine... It's only good for 15A though or it'll blow the breaker (or GFI). I've never really had an issue with bogging down my generator but it's a 4 cyl. diesel... kicks butt... Could power my house with the thing...

I have no idea if it's "safe" but it beats the hell out of someone rafted up to me with a CO-stink-bomb-noise-making gas generator running.
 
Four Suns said:
I've had boats rafted up to me plug into a GFI plug using that connector. Works fine... It's only good for 15A though or it'll blow the breaker (or GFI). I've never really had an issue with bogging down my generator but it's a 4 cyl. diesel... kicks butt... Could power my house with the thing...

I have no idea if it's "safe" but it beats the hell out of someone rafted up to me with a CO-stink-bomb-noise-making gas generator running.
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Hey Gary,

Last week someone was asking me questions about my generator installation. Over the weekend I took some photos and videos with sound.

I need to find some time to put it together then upload to youtube.

As I took video I did things like started the generator then turned on the cabin air then back off so you will be able to hear the relative noise.

I’m telling you, our generator is quiet. In the cockpit the exhaust fan makes more noise. In the cabin the air conditioning makes more noise.

My biggest fear of posting this video here once I make it is someone making fun of me for my dirty bilge. It’s the end if the season and yea, it does need a good cleaning. If Todd saw my bilge right now he would just shake his head back and forth with a big look of disappointment.

The weather has been some of the best we have had all year so when given the choice between cleaning or casting off the lines I have been casting off. (How the heck can you possibly end that sentence with out a preposition?) I’ll try to do some editing so you can’t see the bottom of the bilge.


Give me some time and I’ll get this video put together and uploaded. We can have a race to see if I get my video made first or if you get your book available for sale, LOL! Just kidding you my friend.
 
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beachcombersc said:
Interesting, seeing as how not too long ago I had MANY members say that a second AC unit could not be added to our 5kw gennys. Good to know...

Did you even try to load up anything else? Chargers??
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Sorry, no, I did not try.

The other boat was a 270 Sundancer, just like the 280 Sundancer, not the "SE."

Very similar boats.
 
Presentation said:
Hey Gary,

Last week someone was asking me questions about my generator installation. Over the weekend I took some photos and videos with sound.

I need to find some time to put it together then upload to youtube.

As I took video I did things like started the generator then turned on the cabin air then back off so you will be able to hear the relative noise.

I’m telling you, our generator is quiet. In the cockpit the exhaust fan makes more noise. In the cabin the air conditioning makes more noise.

My biggest fear of posting this video here once I make it is someone making fun of me for my dirty bilge. It’s the end if the season and yea, it does need a good cleaning. If Todd saw my bilge right now he would just shake his head back and forth with a big look of disappointment.

The weather has been some of the best we have had all year so when given the choice between cleaning or casting off the lines I have been casting off. (How the heck can you possibly end that sentence with out a preposition?) I’ll try to do some editing so you can’t see the bottom of the bilge.


Give me some time and I’ll get this video put together and uploaded. We can have a race to see if I get my video made first or if you get your book available for sale, LOL! Just kidding you my friend.
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I'll forgive you this time. Let's see it. ....uh, how did I become the bilge Nazi?
 
Brian,

Just to avoid running and turning the breaker back on I would turn off water heaters on both boats. In fact, I would keep only Battery Charger, A/C Heat and Fridge/Outlets on your AC side and Battery Charger, Fridge/Outlets on the other boat. Hot water shouldn't be a problem since you'll have it from your heat exchanger while on the trip to the anchoring spot or you can run either engine or both water heaters before turning on the air heating units. The same could be done in the morning.

Enjoy your overnight trip.
 
Alex F said:
Brian,

Just to avoid running and turning the breaker back on I would turn off water heaters on both boats. In fact, I would keep only Battery Charger, A/C Heat and Fridge/Outlets on your AC side and Battery Charger, Fridge/Outlets on the other boat. Hot water shouldn't be a problem since you'll have it from your heat exchanger while on the trip to the anchoring spot or you can run either engine or both water heaters before turning on the air heating units. The same could be done in the morning.

Enjoy your overnight trip.
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Thanks Alex. Good suggestions.
 
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Alex F said:
Brian,

Just to avoid running and turning the breaker back on I would turn off water heaters on both boats. In fact, I would keep only Battery Charger, A/C Heat and Fridge/Outlets on your AC side and Battery Charger, Fridge/Outlets on the other boat. Hot water shouldn't be a problem since you'll have it from your heat exchanger while on the trip to the anchoring spot or you can run either engine or both water heaters before turning on the air heating units. The same could be done in the morning.

Enjoy your overnight trip.
Click to expand...

We both did not have on any 120V items except the air conditioning.

The fridge can run off the batteries for a night. Lights too.
 
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