Hi first of all does anyone out there live of have lived on a boat? I have just aquired a 23 ft river cruiser.

Question

I need to know a few things if anyone can help.
without sounding silly what is the best way to make power ?
on board the engine will provide a supply 12 volt like a car. but i want to fit 13 amp like in a house so i can run my pc on a boat and microwave , heater etc.
all of these need high wattage so 12 volt won't do.
I was thinking about buying a petrol/deisel generater, i would need one that puts out around 3000 watts i would think as heaters pc etc a power hungry and like wattage. Now is this the best thing to do? i would want a silent running and economical one. This could end up being pricey if i use i all the time .
I also would need the wireing and a breaker fitted but this is'nt hard i should'nt think.
is there a better way. and is it true some marinas have 13 amp supply ( those big blue plugs 3 phase you see) and just plug in my boat when i moor up.
so i would not need generator.
and is there any other advice about living on a boat anyone can tell me please.
thanks.

Answer 1

Hi.
I have lived on my narrowboat for weeks on end, and of couse it is metal, not plastic , and 50ft, and have cofigured it with :
a 240Vac ring main, which can be swtched from a land- based supply (boatyard plug-in, with marine fittings), of from a set of truck batteriesm giving 24Vdc, in the front locker, via a small static inverter in another locker, giving me abot 1kW of 240Vac.
They are charged when plugged into land mains, or switchable to one of the engine alternators when chugging, trickle charging those & the starter batteries.
There are also two other supplies.
I have fitted a small 240Vac alternator, only 250kVA, which can again be switched in to the ring & lighting when running.
If push comes to shove, the 1.5kVA Honda, from another locker can be parked on the bank, & plugged into the land socket.

Heat - a pot belly stove is a goodly item - free to run, though not at all reccommended in a GRP vessel !

The wiring & switching is all to regulations - it must be done prcicely to the book.
I would continue your research by having a long word with a qualified marine electrician.
I know it all seems a bit over the top on my boat, bit it does have room for all the gubbins. You could choose and of those alternatives if you need mains on board.
I type this using the inverter,(a pricy item, but) Also supplying lighting, TV, and the router & phone.
The cooker & fridge-freezer, however are calor-gas driven.
So far, after a few years of the integrated system, all is well.

As for the whole raft of goodly information of living & operating water-bound, just ask - I shall put together an article if you give me some contact detail.

All the best with it, and above all, have fun !
Cheers,
Bob

Answer 2

If you have the opportunity, go for it. You must have the interest in boating, which is the most important part. My wife and I lived abord our 34 ft (10m) power boat in Puget Sound for almost a year while looking to buy a house. Pro: - You are on the water. - Leave and go where you want. - You will make friends who share similar interests. - Probably lower overall costs. Con: - If you live with your mate, you will quickly find how comparible you REALLY are (close quarters!) - You need all the amenities of a house or apartment (cooking facilities, bathing, fresh water, heat) or after a short time it will no longer be fun. - During a cold winter, even with heat, there will likely be a moisture condensation issue. Good luck! Bill

Answer 3

With your knowledge of electrics, I think you risk electrocution.

I implore you, to use the services of a proper marine electrician. This is NOT a DIY job, and if you botch it the insurance will not pay out.

The main hazard of living in small boats is damp.

Answer 4

can you run an extention cord to the marina?

Answer 5

you need expert advice