What should i use DC or AC??

[Mr.Design]

Hey Guys,

I need your help here again...For a fishing boat that's running a petrol outboard motor should I wire the boat using DC power or AC power??

Cheers

[Trevlyns]

Sorry, can't answer that direct. Try Terry King on these forums. He seems to be the resident electrical man.
Good luck!

[FAST FRED]

DC would be the most common , although if much power is needed hydraulics can be done with a belt or AC or DC power pony.

What are you looking to power underway?

A Pot Hauler or lights and radios?

FF

[Mr.Design]

Hey Fast Fred,

I'm designing a boat from scratch for an assignment...I just wanteed to know what power source to use for Lights, navigation, pumps etc

[erik818]

Hi,
I suggest you wire for 12 V DC. This is the standard voltage used in small boats, so most boat equipment is made for this voltage. The 12 V technology in a boat is similar to the technology used in a car.

There are safety problems related to high voltage AC (240 V), and dedicated boat equipment like pumps, lanterns etc. are not available for this voltage. There are a few things to consider when wiring for 12 V also, e.g. cable area and fuze sizes, but the safety issues with 240 V AC is of a different magnitude.

Regards and good luck,
Erik

[TerryKing]

Originally Posted by erik818

Hi,
I suggest you wire for 12 V DC. This is the standard voltage used in small boats, so most boat equipment is made for this voltage. The 12 V technology in a boat is similar to the technology used in a car.

Erik seems right to me..

You really need to detail what you're going to power, first...

[Mr.Design]

Cheers Guys...I appreciate your help!!