110V boat in a 220v world/Going solar

[dlldxb]

I’m looking for someone who has a 350 Mariner that’s wired for 220v. If you do, could you send me a link to your wiring diagram?

I have my 350 Mariner 110v boat overseas and have been using modified tool transformers as step-down isolation transformers. It’s worked great, but my microwave is getting old and I’ll probably replace the original 24-year-old AC with a newer variable-speed 12v AC (Mabru). The Charles battery charger still works, but Charles is out of business, so I can upgrade to a newer dual-voltage version. I presently have solar 25w trickle chargers on the starter batteries.

Except for the water heater, which I don’t really need, that’s all my 110v loads.

On my last haul out, I pulled the Kohler generator since it never ran well. I’m thinking about going solar with a LiFePO4 power station like EcoFlow or Anker Solix. Victron is good but more complex and expensive for my scenario and usage pattern. The Ecoflow has an alternator DC-DC charger that can recharge the batteries while the engine is running but go idle when not, so it won’t drain the lead-acid starter batteries. Since these power stations only come in 220v versions, I’m still stuck with running them through the step-down transformer via the original generator input. I was planning to run a separate 220v loop on the boat connected directly to the power station to power local appliances like a kettle and a Nespresso.

But then I had an idea: if my 110v loads are so few and can be replaced with 220v or 12v systems, is it possible to just run the 220v through the 110v panel? The advantage of USA boats overseas is the heavy solid-core Romex electrical cables vs the stranded smaller gauge wiring used in Europe. The 110v breakers are rated at 30 amps. According to Ohm’s law, as voltage increases, the amperage decreases, but the power stays the same. I’ll still use an isolation transformer for when I occasionally use shore power. Our sailing profile is usually only day trips to local coastal waters. Overnights usually at dockside.

What do you think?


Items referenced above
https://uk.ecoflow.com/products/delta-p ... er-station
https://www.anker.com/uk/a1780?ref=1780 ... heckspecs#!
https://us.ecoflow.com/products/800w-alternator-charger