Broken prong on shore power cord

[Allowishish]

One of the prongs on our shore power cord broke. Logic seemed to be to cut that head off and install a new one.
However when I asked about that on the dock (in Mexico ) I was told I could not do that and needed to throw the cord away and buy a new one.
(no, the person who said that does not own the local ships store)

am I crazy? Shouldn’t I be able to replace just the head?
The cord is a combo smart plug with standard head at the other end (the broken end is the standard end on the shore pedestal side)

obviously make sure I buy a 30amp head.

 

[BigEasy]

I have a 30 amp cord that was modified to adapt a smart plug. No problem; make sure that the plug / cord interface is tight. If the cord doesnt exhibit a cracked cover, go for it!

 

[dlochner]

A well installed replacement plug that is weather tight should be ok unless there are codes against it in Mexico. Using a 30a plug that is not weather tight would be a poor choice.

 

[CrispyCringle]

Just order a Marinco Male 30 amp plug. There is nothing magic about changing out a plug. Seems suspect that you were told to trash the entire cord. Although the plugs and cover are pricey. Looks like the covers that screw connect two cords together is a separate order for some reason. Here's WM ad: https://www.westmarine.com/marinco-...EVj5EIN_PMKC5ssHIEQyWFcM3VDhfvXBoCJaYQAvD_BwE

 

[BigEasy]

Appears that a basic new 50' cord will set you back approximately $120 vs approximately $40 for a male terminal & waterproof cover. Retailers usually discount the cords during spring sales events. Might be worth picking up a new cord if your present cord is nearing end of life cycle. Just like everything else, the cost of these cords has increased significantly.

 

[FastOlson]

Not mentioned and maybe because in this case it is not a problem, but... UV is really hard on vinyl shore power cords and once the outer layer is cracked and faded it is often safer to just replace the whole assembly.
About changing out a plug - as long as the new plug achieves a water tight bond with the cord, like the original version, there should not be a problem.

 

[marcham]

+1 cut and replace. When you cut it back, inspect the copper to ensure there is no corrosion. If there is , cut it back another foot. If there's still corrosion there, then toss it. I'd cut and inspect before buying a new plug.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

However when I asked about that on the dock (in Mexico ) I was told I could not do that and needed to throw the cord away and buy a new one.

This is the worst place possible to get technical advice.

Chop off the old one and get a weathertight replacement while adhering to the above advice.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

However when I asked about that on the dock (in Mexico ) I was told I could not do that and needed to throw the cord away and buy a new one.

.

Nonsense! If done correctly, no one could tell you replaced the plug

 

[Rick Webb]

Aint nothing magic about the Marinco plug

30 amp locking plug at Lowes.com: Search Results

Do check that the cover fits if you want to use the cover

 

[rgranger]

+1 cut and replace. When you cut it back, inspect the copper to ensure there is no corrosion. If there is , cut it back another foot. If there's still corrosion there, then toss it. I'd cut and inspect before buying a new plug.

When you cut back and look.... if the copper is black or green, then you have corrosion.

@marcham gave good advice. I once had intermittent issues with an OB and it turned out to be corrosion that had crept up under the insulation of the battery cables. Even though the cables looked fine... they were not.

 

[Allowishish]

Thank you for the replies.
Other than at “anchor express” ($299) everyone else (west marine/defender, ect) has it for between $400-$500… so cutting it off and replacing it makes sense to me, hence the post.
I will most likely buy a new one and replace the plug on the current one.
one is none, 2 is 1.

 

[marcham]

Aint nothing magic about the Marinco plug

30 amp locking plug at Lowes.com: Search Results

Do check that the cover fits if you want to use the cover

The Lowes plug is not sealed and lacks the strain relief. It lacks the ring to seal it when extending the power cord or to lock it on compatible sockets.

That being said, a new 50 ft cord is about $120 ?

NEMA L5-30P
NEMA L5-30R

To each their own...

==== edit ====
Missed the original post mention that it was a smart plug.... probably more around $300 for a new cord.
===========

 

[Allowishish]

$120?
Not with a smart plug on one end.
If you found a 50’ 30amp with the smart plug on one end for anywhere near $120 please for the love of god share where.

 

[BigEasy]

$120?
Not with a smart plug on one end.
If you found a 50’ 30amp with the smart plug on one end for anywhere near $120 please for the love of god share where.

Not going to happen with a smart plug cord! That’s why I retrofitted my marinco cord with a smart plug female terminal. In your case, I would definitely replace the male terminal.

 

[rgranger]

That looks like a fun boat.

Your dagger board truck is probably not the leak.

If it were my boat, I would create an access hatch on the poop deck. Maybe even install a recess that I could put a cooler down into. Then you’d have yourself an awesome little picnic Sailboat.