adding a cockpit AC outlet

[rmeador]

I was thinking a useful project would be to add an AC outlet to my cockpit. It would be especially useful over the winter so I can hang some Christmas lights inside the shrinkwrap, and also because I have a mini-fridge in my cockpit (just to tide me over until I can build a proper fridge in the galley). Is this a terrible idea? I'd put it on it's own breaker (which would be off whenever I'm not at the dock), and GFCI-protect it, I'd use an outdoor-grade outlet, and I'd install it inside one of the coaming boxes so it's protected. I don't think there are too many safety concerns there, but perhaps you folks have other opinions. Are any of you aware of outlets designed for use on the exterior of a boat? Maybe someone has a ready-made solution for this. Failing that, I'd use whatever beefy looking outdoor outlet I can find at Home Depot.

[sailingdog]

Why add an outlet to the cockpit. It would make more sense to use one of the outlets inside the boat and run an extension cord out from there, especially since you're under the shrink wrap.

I'd bet that the outlets on your boat are already GFCI protected, and if they aren't they should be.

If your companionway uses drop boards, you could easily make up a drop board with an access port for the extension cord.

[hellosailor]

sd-
Running an extension cord, oh, folks are gonna slam you for that.

Got to say I'd agree though, an AC outlet in the cockpit just seem like temptation for problems and a lot of work for the occassional need. I'd use an extension cord with a GFI built into it, and try to run the extension cord via a lazarette and make sure the other device was also plugged in, in the lazarette.

[sailingdog]

I'm talking a short extension cord, plugged into a GFCI-protected outlet. Not an ideal solution in any way, but strikes me as a better solution than installing an outlet into the coaming box.

I'd also point out that this is supposed to be a temporary situation... since he probably won't have the Christmas lights up past the end of the month and is planning on replacing the refrigerator.

Originally Posted by hellosailor

sd-
Running an extension cord, oh, folks are gonna slam you for that.

Got to say I'd agree though, an AC outlet in the cockpit just seem like temptation for problems and a lot of work for the occassional need. I'd use an extension cord with a GFI built into it, and try to run the extension cord via a lazarette and make sure the other device was also plugged in, in the lazarette.

[trish196]

We do a lot of electrical work on boats and cringe at the thought of any extension cord. However, any A.C. outlet in a cockpit is NOT good. that being said use a high quality cord of heavy gauge (12-14 gauge) as short as possible.

[HDChopper]

Agreed "Short As Possible" ... esp if trying to power a charger to charge batt's....