I don't think the builder or a previous owner would have installed a box and switch that does nothing. Have an electrician figure it out. It could be important.Nothing happens when you flip the switch, didn't look in the box yet. Didn't have a chance to trace all the wires yet. It was hooked up to the elec system, we think the "box" is dead and just wondered what it was so we could figure out what it did. We are probably going to rewire this entire boat, or most of it anyway. At least we will know why things are the way they are that way.
Also 12VDC incandescent lighting can be run from 12VAC. There was a thread several years ago and the question was what do these two transformers do. That's what they did, run the 12VDC lighting when plugged in at the dock.
This may be some version but a little nicer looking, ignoring the rust.
if I think about it years ago they had a way of converting 120 to 12 volts dc and you used that instead of using the batteris for n12 while at the dock.that way you did not have to run the batt charger for 12 volts.back in the day the chargers were not as good as they aare todayIf I had to guess, that would be my guess but I am at a loss as to why someone would run 12 volt lighting from a transformer when 12 DC is available from the batteries. If you're on shore power, the charger would make up the difference and then some.
The terminals on the top lead me to believe that this wasn't originally built as something for a boat, it looks more like something a technician would have on a bench for testing equipment.
if I think about it years ago they had a way of converting 120 to 12 volts dc and you used that instead of using the batteris for n12 while at the dock.that way you did not have to run the batt charger for 12 volts.back in the day the chargers were not as good as they aare today
Or thought they were electrical engineers.Reminds me of other boats where electrical engineers were owners at some point. .