Mid Cabin 12VDC and 120VAC GFIC Outlets

[Nehalennia]

As I have been installing my Heater kit in the starboard gunwhale floor behind the starboard panel in the mid-cabin. I have installed on that panel one of the Heater vents and a 12VDC outlet.

My question is:
While I have it apart I was wondering if it's a good idea to install GFIC outlet on that panel as well?

There is an outlet right above it behind the Helm seat and I was thinking of pulling it off of that, but I wanted to know is this common or is there a reason not to have power there?

Input is appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

[SomeSailor]

Depends on how you use your boat I guess. Since the cockpit of a boat like yours is technically a weather exposed area, you could have problems with moisture, but I'm guessing you'd be OK since you'll have canvas on most of the time?

You could always install in a stainless weather cover.

[Go Aweigh2452]

There is an outlet right above it behind the Helm seat and I was thinking of pulling it off of that, but I wanted to know is this common or is there a reason not to have power there?

You should have no problem since this one is inside. I would also assume you would not be running all four outlets at the same time so I see no concern, particularly since you will be installing a GFI outlet. My last 2452 had two factory installed 110v outlets and they were off the same line as well. Not much different but my home outlets are all GFI capable (not all are GFI but all are on a GFI circuit.

Just make sure the GFI is set for your boats max amps and not higher... IE.. a 50 amp would not do well but I would think a 20 amp (Considering your shore plug is 30 amp...) would be better if you had no idea via your owners manual or any shop manuals you can get your hands on...

[Nehalennia]

Thanks Doug,
Since I was trying to button everything up, I didn't want to wait, so I put it in anyway. If I got negative feedback I would have either not used it or taken it out.

Anyway I'm glad I did put it in. I made a phone call too and, as you said, I should be just fine.

Now I'm all buttoned up, tested and everything works great. I'll post pictures in the Some Postive projects... (http://iboatnw.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3303&page=7) in a few minutes....it's Kokanee time.

[Go Aweigh2452]

Well, I got the new 12v power point installed but did not have the camera close by so will take a couple of photos tomorrow. I installed it directly in the middle of the dinette table shelf nearest the interior hull and between the two cup holders. Ran wire inside the dinette seat nearest the helm and under the steps coming into the cabin.

I had a heck of a time finding a way to snake the wire from the back of the dash to the cabin. So I installed a new 12 v bus under the steps from the MBSS using heavy gauge wire, I think it was 3 gauge. So now I have a new bus to wire anything from inside the cabin area without compromising or fishing wire from the helm instrument panel and the bulkhead and cabin. Besides there are 13 screws to unscrew every time I get behind that dash instrument panel... and now I need to replace a few of them that are annoyingly ugly to look at...

Anyway, got a couple more labels to make and install on the new wiring and will button that project up...

Next may be the new ice cube maker (after I buy off ebay)... still in a quandary about where I will install and tap the water into it...
but it will be in the cockpit area...

[Nehalennia]

Well, I got the new 12v power point installed but did not have the camera close by so will take a couple of photos tomorrow. I installed it directly in the middle of the dinette table shelf nearest the interior hull and between the two cup holders. Ran wire inside the dinette seat nearest the helm and under the steps coming into the cabin.

I had a heck of a time finding a way to snake the wire from the back of the dash to the cabin. So I installed a new 12 v bus under the steps from the MBSS using heavy gauge wire, I think it was 3 gauge. So now I have a new bus to wire anything from inside the cabin area without compromising or fishing wire from the helm instrument panel and the bulkhead and cabin. Besides there are 13 screws to unscrew every time I get behind that dash instrument panel... and now I need to replace a few of them that are annoyingly ugly to look at...

Anyway, got a couple more labels to make and install on the new wiring and will button that project up...

Next may be the new ice cube maker (after I buy off ebay)... still in a quandary about where I will install and tap the water into it...
but it will be in the cockpit area...

Sounds good. Can't wait to see pictures.

[tolly28]

Next may be the new ice cube maker (after I buy off ebay)... still in a quandary about where I will install and tap the water into it...
but it will be in the cockpit area...

Hey Doug,

What kind of ice maker are you looking at, and what kind of installation are you thinking of? I've always thought an ice maker would be a nice addition...

[Go Aweigh2452]

Hey Doug,

What kind of ice maker are you looking at, and what kind of installation are you thinking of? I've always thought an ice maker would be a nice addition...

Steve, OK, found two icemakers on ebay and both will do the job. My problem is which one would be better assuming I can install either one in the hull or the cabin permanently.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-SNO<wbr>-3in1-Ice-Maker-Ice-Crusher<wbr>-Water-Dispenser_W0QQitemZ1802<wbr>15632976QQihZ008QQcategoryZ796<wbr>75QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmd<wbr>ZViewItem (http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-SNO-3in1-Ice-Maker-Ice-Crusher-Water-Dispenser_W0QQitemZ180215632976QQihZ008QQcategoryZ 79675QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-SNO<wbr>-PORTABLE-ICE-MAKER-SILVER<wbr>-WATER-CONNECTION-35LB_W0QQite<wbr>mZ370022859958QQihZ024QQcatego<wbr>ryZ79675QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ<wbr>1QQcmdZViewItem (http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-SNO-PORTABLE-ICE-MAKER-SILVER-WATER-CONNECTION-35LB_W0QQitemZ370022859958QQihZ024QQcategoryZ79675 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

Both have water connections and are front mounted for ice access.

First one has the ability to pump cold water, crush ice and provide
ice cubes... but is bigger and would have to stick out further if
installed in the hull. But could also replace the blender we have on
board now...

Second one is 3" smaller height and width...

Not so sure we can install them in the cockpit area however since they
may be too exposed to water wash down and splashing and may stick out
too far to be in the way on deck?

So for an inside install, looking at the dinette under the table furthest from the helm and nearest the frig. Right across from the microwave but facing the helm, not the microwave. The frig has a 110v outlet behind it so I can plug this in and I can snake a water tap to the sink area without too much problem.

But, if I install in the cabin, will it be too loud?

[tolly28]

I was thinking about something like the second one. It would be nice to have the option to plum it in if you wanted. I too was thinking about placing it under the dinette. I think they do make a little noise.

If I had room, I'd go with something like this http://cgi.ebay.com/U-LINE-Built-in-ICE-MAKER-SP-18B-Black-NEW_W0QQitemZ290209998766QQihZ019QQcategoryZ79675Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem . I might have room under the dinette under one of the benches. The only thing is it would be a little tricky getting to it- having to crawl under the table...

[Go Aweigh2452]

Nice unit but I think the shipping is a bit high to my home. But it is only a couple of inches bigger then the SNO 3 in 1... but don't think that will fit under my dinette. Soooo

Will probably go with the SNO 3 in 1... Even if it does not fit under the dinette, I can still have it on deck... somewhere...

The SNO 3 in 1 has a unique ice crusher that is like "flake" ice... be good for those sno cones or tropical drinks...

[Avanti42]

on my old boat i had a U-line and had no problems with it,,,,,,I think it came with the boat,,,,,but anyway,,,,it made enough ice for everybody...one of the best features on the boat ,desides the trash compactor!.....lol:argh2

[Nehalennia]

Doug.
You are dangerous! I need to measure if it will fit beneath the cockpit sink.
I like the smaller one only becuase of it's size.
Are you thinking of connecting it to your main water tank and running a filter through the line or keeping the 3gal jugs?

[Go Aweigh2452]

Are you thinking of connecting it to your main water tank and running a filter through the line

yep... hard tap the water holding tank line but below the sink area. Easier to get at the water line there. A water filter will be on the back of the ice maker itself.

Got permission from the Admiral to go with the SNO 3 in 1 last evening... ;}

BTW, I changed the photo album to several pages so it is easier to open and see the photos. Now I can add and not kill someones dial up modum (does anyone still have those)?