[quote=cormorant;669927]Had a look at your boat in a previous and it is very nice I now understand a bit of what you want and why.
Been covered but
240v is more dangerous than 12 volts as it will kill you
Dangerous as very little 240 volt machinery is designed for exposed marine applications.
On trawlers everything is hydraulic and even many of the lamps were 24-36 volts and use high voltage transformers at the fitting to start the mercury vapour lamps.
Dangerous on boats - because people don't understand upkeep and annual inspections like gas certificates. On the scale of small boats you still have to have all the duplicated wiring, switch panels safety requirements but you need them in a small package so they are very evpensive due to the small scale.
Dangerous as rarely are the correct commercial fittings and wire used as they are so expensive. Allright when you have a oceanliner with a 50 year working life as it is a cost of business.
Shore power is different to generator power. US boats say never connect to a generator via shore power as it wasn't designed for it as an example.
The reason on a boat I see it as dangerous as it is rarely done to the correct standard , then kept that way ,and honestly I have seen survey boats I wouldn't boil a 240 v jug on- just look at some of the dive boats. The quality of wire and insulation used has to be able to withstand the conditions and those conditions include corrosive salt air and constant movement even within conduits, vibration and chemical attack.
Most boats that have a genset have an engine bay or area initially designed when built for a genset with direct external ventilation, insulation, bilge blower and hull fittings in suitable positions for conduits and circuit panels etc etc
Electricity is a really ineffecient heater.
Have a look at www.webasto.com.au for heating and aircon. Still never a fan or anything that burns but at least it is purpose designed and runs silently with no motor and you get hot water as well.
Coastguard have used the wren marine units on some boats. http://www.aircommand.com.au/rtop_wren.asp
Pot haulers - anything wrong with putting a bigger windlass and wheel on a big 12/24 volt anchor winch? call the guys at wolf wnch
Yes i agree it is not about my boat but a TV set up...I was just replying to information posted that i disagree with....
Mick