cabin switch panel no power

Clinton

Hey, just purchased a 2000 rinker 242 fiesta vee w/5.0 mercruiser. Everything on the boat seems to work except the cabin switch panel (a/c, range/ outlet/ microwave/ etc.) I am just unsure if I haven't switched something on to get power to it. I have tried putting battery switch to 1,2, and both with no success. This is my first boat of this size. Just need help in understanding if it's something I am missing or if there is actually something wrong and I got hosed on the boat. Boat runs amazing otherwise. Thanks in advance to anyone who pitches in on this issue for me.

JC290

That runs off shore power it's 110 volt. Plug in shore power and turn switch on. Doesn't run off battery 

JC290

Unless you have a gen set those things you listed require 110 volts. Some guys have bought small portable gens and use them off the swim platform. I use to own the same year and model great boat. 

Hamdog

Without a generator running or you are hooked to shore power, you cannot run the a/c, microwave, coffee maker, etc. However, your refrigerator is probably a dual ac/dc model and will run on the battery.

MarkB

If you put an inverter on the boat you could technically run the 110V panel, but your batteries would last like 20 minutes and be dead. There is no way a 12V system can keep up with the power needed for a stove or A/C. No boat can do that.  The best thing would be to get a portable generator like a Honda and plug that into a receptacle to energize your 110V system.

Clinton

So I can't have my a/c or stove, etc. while I'm underway. That's really annoying. That was half the reason why I purchased this type of boat for those conveniences. They should have told me that at the dealership. I'm very aggravated now. 

Clinton

Ok, lots of great info. Yes jc290, I really do like the layout of the boat and everything does work. I did get the panel to work from shore hook ups. Is there a way to mount a portable gen in the engine compartment?  I'd rather have it there then on swim platform. Everyone has been really helpful. Thanks tons. Looking forward to my first weekend in it on the July 4th weekend. 

JC290

The engine room on that model is pretty tight. Exhaust would have to be plumbed outside of it and so on easy way would be keep it stowed under year seat and use on swim platform 

MarkB

I think someone was able to find a way to put a small Honda generator under the back bench seat, or in the transom locker. Search the posts.

Dream_Inn

in the engine room you'd have to worry about ignition/spark proof and the CO.  The small Honda or Yamaha ones are extremely quiet and, if used correctly, will work as you need it to.  Just make sure to have good CO detectors (with digital readout) on board.  The good news is those generators hold their value & easily resellable to the boating world.

Clinton

Thanks everyone, lots of great ideas.

Clinton

Hey guys, when I do hook up the shore power does that charge my batteries also?

Stodge

You most likely have to switch the battery charger on at the power panel.

Clinton

power panel on boat or shore? I didn't see a switch to charge batteries on boat but then again I haven't found a lot of things yet. Still getting to know my boat.

JC290

On the shore panel box bottom right side it's labeled battery charger

LaRea

Just copying what I said in the other thread -- do not operate a portable generator in the engine room of a gas-powered boat.  They are not ignition-protected.

MarkB

Clinton said:

Hey guys, when I do hook up the shore power does that charge my batteries also?

Yes, as long as you have the batter breaker set to "on".  The switch should be in your cabin, where all the other 110V switches are.

JC290

make sure you turn on the shore power breaker also 

Clinton

Thanks. Really is a lot to learn about this large of a vessel. Everyone has been extremely helpful.

JC290

We've all been there this is a support group for boataholics lol