24v/12v

[Gerbil112]

Not really race-related, but...

I'm looking at getting a large(ish) boat to live on and the one that I'm interested in has 220V ac wiring (shore/generator/inverter), and 24V dc.

I know that commercial vessels have 24V dc but I don't know how this equates to leisure boating and equipment. For example, if I want to install a new fixed VHF/DSC or plotter, etc, do I need a special 24V version or do I need a voltage dropper of some sort as all domestic equipment in the UK is 12V?

Any advice please?

[Burty]

don't know about specific units but most kit these days have requlated PSU's built in so they dont care what voltage you put in as long as its within range.
i.e phone charges, sat navs etc work on 12 or 24v

[motorvator]

You'll need to check.

Just stuck a full Garmin System on the Sunseeker which is 24v but has a dropper to run a 12v board as well.

Active GPS aerial - 12v
5008 GPS - 24v
AIS Radio - 12v
Autohelm Pump - 24v
Autohelm ECU - 24v
Autohelm Dash - 12v
Depthsounder - 12v
Radar - 24v
2000 network - either

Work that out.

Apart from that cluster**** the only other things on board that specifically need 12v are TV aerial amplifier and Stereo.

Lights, fridges, fans, toilets, galley and bilge pumps are all 24v specific items.