troubleshooting perplexing AC shore power/inverter set up

Acme is typically a simple boost transformer. It seems to have two power feeds coming allowing you to bypass the inverter network while still using the boost. There just isn't enough information in your explanations or photos to safely direct you.

Looking at your Southwire Auto Switch...I'm also a bit stumped that your two ports that should be incoming options, one for gen and one for shore seems to be labeled showing power out of one input feeding the transformer.

So, for a moment that I am going to assume that the little arrow drawn on the shore input cable is an error, and that the shore first feeds your Acme, and then it feeds the Southward input for shore. That would mean there is an output cable on the opposite side of the switch that feeds your panel. You need to confirm this is the proper flow of power. The Southwire has two inputs on one end, and one output on the opposite side. It will always default to the generator input and uses delays. The questions you need answer are happening within the Southwire.

First, is the Southwire receiving power from shore? Second, is the transformer within the Southwire sending signals to the contractors, or perhaps is the contactor fried into one position and refusing to shift? If you have shore power coming out of Acme and into Southwire, you can stop taking photos of the Acme. Focus on Southwire.

So the issue is purely in Acme. You may have no issue with the switch or inverter at all. Sorry if I was confused. If I am no longer confused, you have no issue with “your inverter set up”. You have a dead transformer.

Forget everything else that you’re trying to describe in your vessel. Right now the only thing that matters here is that Acme is dead. No power out means no ability for the auto switch to sense power, therefore no switching after 3 seconds of generator shut down.

Acme needs a rebuild or replace. My comments have all been predicated on your descriptions under your thread caption. Your thread title suggests issues within the inverter and auto switch network, and your photos show all components. Your issue seems narrow and simple. Acme.

Been thinking about a few things;

White,black hot should be 115Vac.
I think that is 230Vac. That white wire should be taped red.
Now, to the transformer; 230Vac converted to 115Vac, step down.
What the theory here is balancing the 115Vac loads from the 230 and supplying the (inverted) boat with this single 115Vac line.

Lets talk about these 3 docks; the original, the second dock when it worked and your last dock.
Do you remember the service voltage levels?
230V or 208Vac??
I have a feeling the original and the last dock are newer with 208 service, the middle dock when it worked was an older 230Vac dock.
My (remote) SWAG is the transfer switch is looking for a good 220Vac level before it transfers over. 208 does not turn it on.
Like some old UPSs and some old inverters did.

Update
Found some data on that RV auto switch;
Mechanical contacts.
Electronic time delays.
Electronic contact control.
90V sensing.

I'm assuming it is looking for at least 90Vac on one of the 115Vac legs.
Even 208Vac does provide a nice 115Vac level.
But, due to this design, I'm still looking into this switch.

It can't sense the **** power if there is no output from the Acme. My hunch is that there is a fried component in the Acme, and that is the source of all the issues. Southwire auto switch can't switch to shore power it does not sense. All issues here seem to be in the Acme.

I'm not convinced of the OP flow theory. I'm kinda of thinking the transformer is working or the boats 115Vac would not work at all.
Hands on with tracer and volt meter is required to really figure out that install.

Funny thing; Even after it gets all figured out, I would still recommend ripping all that out and starting over again,, in a safer environment.

Agreed on all of this. The Acme is receiving two 110v legs from a 50 amp supply. It should be outputting two no-load legs at 114v plus or minus. He comments it is not putting out at all. My assumption is that his boat is getting shore power if he uses the manual bypass, or at worst he already knows that he has power at the Acme input. no way of knowing what is upstream of the Acme. For instance I have a breaker where the power enters the boat, first step.

Here's a bit of feedback...Acme should be in line between the incoming shore power and your panel. It should boost AC on the entire boat, not just on the inverter. Acme should have one in from shore and one out to the panel. Useful to have a bypass switch to bypass Acme in the event that Acme has an issue, or in the event that shore power is good, and Acme isn't necessary...especially for long idle times when no one is aboard...

...add, we are all trying to be helpful here...but the photos of the installation read, "hey, I just got all of this gear, and I'm going to hook it all up right here just to be sure it works."...and then was walked away from by that installer. Add that an arrow should always be indicative of flow direction. IF you have the budget, get Wards (or similarly skilled) aboard and have them set this all up properly.

Whoa, buried under some stuff but I found it still in my shop.
24Vdc but still the same inverter.
Anybody need one. Off of my boat 2 years ago.

Relax
I'm heading down there to figure this out. Just have to work out our schedules.
I promised SAE hammers and a sharp chain saw.

Wow, What a bug.
We were on board and found the transformer strapping to just make 240 to 120Vac,,, with NO reference to a neutral level.
Imagine a 120 VAc, 60Vac under the high and 60Vac over the bottom of the 240Vac signal.
Yes, strapping was available for a neutral reference 120Vac but not used.
The transfer switch, already biased with a neutral level from the gen-set (ground/neutral strap) and the output (ships neutral), only realized around 60Vac and not enough for the required stable 90Vac to enable. Good thing it never worked. Could of been an out of schedule Forth Of July..
Yep, Worked off of the gen-set. Transformer not involved.

When it was thought it worked, on a dock in transit, one night, that was just working from the inverter battery, nicely charged from the gen-set that day, not shore power that night.

There is also a solar panel that trickle charges that inverter battery. This does a fine job also.

We ended up cutting it all out. Frak that lil transformer is heavy.
Owner young and healthy. After I cut it out, he pulled it out of the boat.
Anybody want a 5kw transformer and/or a 120Vac transfer switch. In my truck now.

Direct connect, now all works like a champ.

Chain saw was not in use this visit.
Bummer,,, I may be invited back, I'll keep the chain bar oiled for next visit.