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Converting from 220V (50HZ) to 110V (60HZ)

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by michael scoby, May 25, 2017.

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  1. michael scoby, May 25, 2017
    #1
    michael scoby

    michael scoby New Member

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    I am considering buying a Swift 44 Trawler from a european owner and bringing th the USA. I would like to rewire the 220V (leaving the 12V alone) but am not sure what kind of access I can get to convert (if necessary) the current 220V wiring to replace with larger guage to handle 110V. I know I need to replace the Chargers, Fuse Panel, A/C motors, and quite possible the generator. Any advice is welcome, perhaps other that the "You are nuts" kind.
  2. Capt Ralph, May 25, 2017
    #2
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    You are nuts, but we have been over this (50hz to 60hz) before.
    Please do some searches in Y F. Lots of good comments and thoughts have already been gone over.

    I'm sure others will chime in here again.

    Big question; Is she going back to Europe any time soon?
  3. Marmot, May 25, 2017
    #3
    Marmot

    Marmot Senior Member

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    You can get a 15KVA transformer for under $1000 to take care of the voltage issues and worry about the 50/60Hz issue if (not likely) and when it shows up.
  4. Capt J, May 25, 2017
    #4
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    You'd be better off keeping the boat 220 volts, 110 volts won't be enough for that size vessel unless you went to 2-30amp cords..... just get a transformer to convert to 60 cycle.
  5. Capt Ralph, May 25, 2017
    #5
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Transformers do not convert frequency.
    Some options will run 50/60 htz. A transformer may help find the correct voltage levels.
    Options dependent on Euro 50htz will have to be addressed.
  6. Pascal, May 26, 2017
    #6
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Your best bet would be to contact beneteau to find out how feasible it is If you have to replace the wiring it would be nuts

    Nowadays I would think builders, especially those who sell in different market, would use wiring big enough to carry either 110 or 220v. If that's the case then it maybe worth converting the boat, especially one with limited systems.

    Air cons and most appliances will have to be replaced or converted. The generator should be ok as it can be adjusted to run at 1800rpm for 60hz instead of 1500 rpm for 50hz. I m pretty sure the alternator itself can be re wired for 110. You can easily check the the manufacturer to be sure

    For the air cons you maybe able to only replace the compressors and blowers, again find out the manufacturer and model numbers and check with them

    I m not sure installing a transformer is the best option. Yes it will be work, you ll be able to plug in to shore power but you ll be stuck using 220v stuff in the boat which will be a headache. Most things will work on 220v. Years ago I used to live on st Barths which even though is a French island has euro 220v but US 60hz. 220v stuff worked but clocks would run faster ...

    So it's doable but the boat better be cheap
  7. ranger58sb, May 26, 2017
    #7
    ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

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    Compare cost of conversion (including costs of planning, sourcing, time, etc.) to the cost of a US-version ST44 that might be already here...

    -Chris
  8. HTMO9, May 26, 2017
    #8
    HTMO9

    HTMO9 Senior Member

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    I would leave the whole electric system alone as it is. Use the boat like an European visitor to the US, when comming to the 120 Volt 60 Hz world. Ad a second shore power connection and 220 /120 Volt Charger / inverter and live with 220 Volt 50 herz on board. At the max. rewire the few plugs in the galley, salon and cabins and drive them through the 110 Volt 60 Hz inverter. All built in household appliences will work through your generator and the standard inverter as normal.
    Converting the whole boat to 120 Volt, 60 hertz is far to expensive and to much work. As said above, I would rather buy an US version of this boat, than converting an EU boat to US standards.