Electrical wont work

surferguy001

Seaman
Joined
Feb 12, 2010
Messages
70
i have an '83 sea ray weekender that is just a project boat for now. i bought an adapter so i can plug an extension cord into it... but the only thing that works is one of the outlets (there are a total of 2). i dont have any batteries cause i thought the power cord adapter would work for now. I was hoping the bilge pump and lights would be able to turn on at least. Is this normal since there are no batteries? Any advice?
 

seabob4

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 10, 2008
Messages
1,603
Re: Electrical wont work

i have an '83 sea ray weekender that is just a project boat for now. i bought an adapter so i can plug an extension cord into it... but the only thing that works is one of the outlets (there are a total of 2). i dont have any batteries cause i thought the power cord adapter would work for now. I was hoping the bilge pump and lights would be able to turn on at least. Is this normal since there are no batteries? Any advice?
Just what type of "adapter" are you using? Your boat is all 12V, how are you converting 120V to 12V, since you say you have no batts?:confused:
 

Mark_VTfisherman

Lieutenant
Joined
Nov 29, 2008
Messages
1,489
Re: Electrical wont work

That device is a shore power connector. For 120V.

Unless your boat is equipped with a power supply/charger (similar to what is on an RV) you have no way to run your bilge and other accesories like lights since they are 12V DC.

You probably need to see if you have an on-board charger or converter/charger, and also will likely need to have a battery of some sort installed regardless.
 

Barnacle_Bill

Admiral
Joined
Feb 8, 2004
Messages
6,469
Re: Electrical wont work

Mark is correct. That is just an AC adaptor. You need a 12V power supply connected to the battery leads.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Electrical wont work

Here's the deal -- your outlets are the only thing connected to the shore power system. If you have two outlets and one doesn't work, which one doesn't work? The first one in line or the second. If the first one works but the second doesn't, either the second outlet or the wiring between the two is bad. If the second one works but the first one doesn't, then the first outlet is bad or it is a miswired GFI style outlet and it is merely tripped. Nothing else on the boat will operate since the rest of that equipment is 12 volts DC, not 120 volts AC. If you really need 12 volt power when connected to shore power, you need to add a service panel and an AC/DC converter -- NOT a DC/AC inverter. And if you do decide to add one, have it done for you by someone who knows what they are doing. 120 VAC can kill so you want it done correctly.
 

seabob4

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 10, 2008
Messages
1,603
Re: Electrical wont work

...120 VAC can kill so you want it done correctly.

C'mon, Silver, it just "tickles"...but I let go of it real fast!
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Electrical wont work

Ever tried that standing in a puddle of water? :)
 

seabob4

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 10, 2008
Messages
1,603
Re: Electrical wont work

Ever tried that standing in a puddle of water? :)

I do my best not to...
cheersemoticon.gif
 
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