Hi Green
Look, I understand that this is a forum of people that like to do things themselves on thier own boats to suit their own objectives.
I get that. But at the same time as someone with a professional background in actual design and production and technology there have been several aspects in this posting that have me concerned. This isn’t something to play at.
There are a couple things in life not to mess with if you don’t actually know what you are doing…AC electrical power is one of those!
If you are not knowledgeable about AC power circuits please don’t go screwing around with them.
***** Get a properly knowledgeable person to help you *****
You only get one go round in this life and foolishly mucking about with AC power is one primary way of shortening it for yourself and others.
I honestly want the best for you… a long, happy and enjoyable life.
AC electrical power circuits isn’t a learn as you go … virtually all the codes and standards for AC electrical are borne from injury or worse.
Several here have alluded to some of the hazards but it’s fairly obvious that what was described at the bringing of this thread was a fairly basic lack of understanding of fundamental electrical (particularly AC power) knowledge… both by the previous owner and yourself. That’s not a criticism, it is by your own admission which is to your credit.
Might I suggest that you take a simplified approach to start resolving your battery charging issue?
> START by making sure the pedestal power is turned OFF. I’d suggest disconnecting the batteries from the boat DC electrical system at this point as a precaution until you are able to charge up each battery individually. Check to see if the batteries are serviceable to carefully top up the fluids in the battery cells (CAUTION: This is sulphuric acid within the battery…use nitrile gloves and eye protection) with distilled water (if that is possible). If you can’t then you can’t.
> THEN move forward with a simple 10 or 12 gauge three wire HEAVY DUTY extension cord to run from your slip power pedestal over to and into your boat with plenty of slack. You may need to obtain a proper plug adapter to connect your extension cord to the pedestal outlet. Route the extension cord so there is NO POSSIBLE WAY for the cord to get into the water. Tie it to the pedestal, Dock cleats or your boat as required. Allow for slack so no portion of the extension cord or plug is being pulled as the boat floats or is moved about by wind or wave. Secure the female end inside the boat so the companionway can close without pinching the extension cord. Allow for a drip loop on both the outside and inside so that rain or spray will not ever get any where near the plug end. Do not have the plug end on the floor of the boat interior or where water could possibly collect.
> NEXT get a valid battery charger, it doesn’t need to be fancy but it should automatic with output good cables and clamps to fit to your battery(s) terminals, and connect the charging cables to the appropriate battery terminals of one battery. Plug in the charger AC power cable to the extension cord.
> FINALLY go back to the pedestal and turn on the breaker there for the outlet you are using. Then back to the boat to check that the charger is working. A 3 amp setting should charge up a reasonably good battery. Allow the charger to run overnight on one battery at a time. The next day when you return to check TURN OFF the AC power at the pedestal breaker. Then remove the cables from the first battery. Check the battery voltage the next day with a multimeter. If the battery isn’t charged at that point you can be reasonably sure that battery is bad and should be replaced.
Repeat the process for the second battery…Connect the charger clamps to the proper battery… Turn on the pedestal AC power breaker … Check the charger is working … Let charge at 3 amps overnight … Come back the next day, turn off the pedestal AC power breaker, remove clamps, check with multimeter to see if it charged… if not then the battery is probably bad and needs to be replaced.
That should provide you with the means to charge and check your batteries. Once you have good charged batteries (or replacements) reconnect you boat DC electrical cables the same way you disconnected them… at least for the time being….
Now, given the apparent state of the boat AC wiring as presented it is fair to say that it is suspect and should be properly evaluated by a knowledgeable electrical person, (ie: an Electrician if possible). You may be needing to replace it with a valid system.
You might be well advised to take a serious look at your DC electrical system as well to see if it is adequate. A power fuse or breaker that addresses each battery, an appropriately rated switch and fuse (or breaker) for each sub circuit… valid wire gauges and types…etc…
Also now is a good time to check that you have a valid marine grade US Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher on board and readily available as well as the other required safety equipment. There is a small vessel list and helpful information available on the US Coast Guard website .
For what it’s worth….
Best Regards,
Over Easy
