Shore Power

[Fortunate]

This may seem like a silly question, but I'm going to ask anyway.

I am new to the scene of boats with shore power as I come from the land of center consoles and small outboards.

My 27AC has a shore power receptacle, panel and multiple ac outlets throughout the boat. We recently put deposit on a slip at the local marina and have ac power at our disposal which I think I want to take advantage of if I can figure out what the advantage is.

All of the electrical components such as lighting, water pump, etc. are dc powered items. The only thing I can think of using shore power for is maybe for ac lighting I could bring aboard for use when sitting at the dock or possibly a battery charger plugged into one of the ac outlets while she is sitting at the dock.

Maybe she isn't set up like a later vintage boat is, I'm not sure.

What is everyone else using shore power for in thier boats?

[DougSea]

The single biggest thing: Battery Charger



(Which means all those nice DC things you mentioned will keep on running!)

[jcollins]

Battery Charger
Carry on air conditioner
microwave
TV
Curling iron (not for me )

[Mariner]

Keeps the batteries charged, keeps the fridge cold, so your beer is ready to drink as soon as you step aboard. Also, in the winter, we usually place a small space heater in the cabin.

Obviously a great deal of care must be used with regard to a space heater. It needs to be the type with a tip-over safety switch, and should obviously not be the open element type. Use only a ceramic disc style.

[rt11002003]

Battery Charger-Most important, keeps all the on-water electrical things working

TV

Microwave

Two built-in airconditioners/heaters

Engine compartment heater in the winter

Portable electric heater in cockpit on cool/cold evenings

Heating lamps in HVAC compartments in winter

Extension light for working in dark areas

Probably other uses I can't think of just this minute.

Gene