What should I budget for installing shore power on my boat?

For a straightforward UK installation, budget £1,200 to £2,500 for a professionally fitted 230V, 16A shore power system with an inlet, shore lead, onboard protection and two sockets. Allow £1,700 to £3,500 overall if you also need a marine battery charger and galvanic isolator, and more for difficult cable routes or extensive alterations.

Check equipment and power demand

Check whether the boat already has an AC distribution panel, usable wiring or a battery charger with a mains input. A boat advertised with "no shore power" may have parts of an old installation. An inspection will establish what is worth keeping and save you buying equipment twice.

List what you want to run. A charger, laptop and occasional kettle usually suit a standard 16A connection, which supplies about 3.7kW at 230V. A 2kW fan heater and 2kW kettle running together exceed that allowance before the charger draws any power.

For most small and medium cruising boats, start with 16A. Consider 32A only if your simultaneous loads justify it and your usual marina can supply it. A larger inlet alone provides no extra power.

Basic installation costs

Use these figures as planning allowances, rather than fixed quotations. Prices vary with equipment quality, VAT, location and how much joinery needs dismantling.

• Weatherproof 16A inlet: £40 to £150. Choose a sheltered, accessible position that keeps the connector clear of standing water and the lead out of the boarding route.
• Shore lead and connectors: £70 to £160. A properly assembled 25m lead with 3-core 2.5mm² flexible cable and blue 16A CEE connectors is a common choice.
• AC protection and distribution: £150 to £400. Include a suitable two-pole main disconnect, 30mA residual-current protection and correctly rated circuit breakers. Combined devices can perform several functions.
• Two sockets, onboard cable and installation materials: £150 to £350. This covers enclosures, glands, supports, terminals and labels as well as the visible sockets.
• Labour, inspection and testing: £500 to £1,200. A simple installation might take one working day. Awkward access can stretch the job to two days or more.

These component costs explain why a basket of the cheapest equipment rarely reflects the finished price. Check that the quotation includes VAT, travel, cable penetrations and making good any disturbed panels.

Charging and corrosion protection

A marine charger in the 20 to 30A range typically adds £250 to £650 for equipment, plus installation. Models to compare include the Victron Blue Smart IP22 and Sterling Pro Charge Ultra. Check each model's battery chemistry settings, output arrangement and installation requirements.