Other People's Upgrades To Their Catalina 22 Sailboats
Hosted by Skip "Slow Flight" Meisch

I wanted to have shore power for the following reasons: -It gets cold in the spring and Fall in Illinois so we can use a portable electric heater as needed. -For electrical appliances and lights at the dock. -To recharge the battery.

If you intend to do this get a good book on AC power for a boat and be sure you are comfortable with all the requirements to be safe. DON'T CUT CORNERS TO SAVE MONEY. This is an area where the best quality connecters, wire and parts are requited.

First I had to get power to the boat. I installed a 30 amp inlet in the outside wall of the stbd coaming section (see AC 30 amp Inlet). From the AC inlet I used 10 gauge triplex wire to a AC breaker panel located in the stbd locker. From the AC Breaker Panel I went to a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter)outlet box and from there to the cabin outlets using 12 gauge Triplex wire. (See AC Panel and GFI). I installed both the AC panel as an ON/OFF switch for the AC and also the panel will indicate if there is a polarity problem from the shore power box. This is not uncommon and a good safety measure. The GFI outlet is a must. This protects you from accidental shocks and in the wet environment of our boats this is critical, especially if you sail in salt water. Salt water is a much better conductor of electricity than fresh water but it is important to be safe with both. Next I installed electrical outlet boxes in the locations I wanted power and used 12 Gauge Triplex wire for each box. I used industrial quality outlets for each box. There are marine outlets you can buy, but they are yellow in color and we did not want that for the cabin. ALL wire ends should have a ring connector attached and then attached to outlets with a screw attachment. See outlet pictures.

Some Key Points:
Use Marine Triplex wire (multi strand, tinned, rated for heat and moisture) NEVER use house wire. It is solid, single strand coper and the movement of a boat will break the wire quickly) -Secure all wires well to prevent movement and abrasion. -Mark all AC power wire on your boat so it does not get confused with DC power lines.

Be sure to consult a good marine electrical manual and follow their recommendations to the letter.

AC 30 amp Inlet

AC Panel and GFI

Outlet Stbd

Outlet Port Settee

Speaker - Stbd & Electrical

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