Just purchased Catalina 36 and have to buy new shore power cords. With an aft hook-up on the boat and a forward center connection on the dock I don't think the standard 50 ft. cord will be long enough. I am in a 35 ft slip. If not what is the next standard size to buy. Thanks.
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Turn around
Pat, When confronted with the same problem on my 32-footer, I simply turned the boat around and started docking stern first. I don't know if your own situation allows for this (lack of turn space might be a factor), but I've grown very used to stern-first docking -- and actually prefer it. This way you also don't have to deal with a big ol' shore power cord trailing along the deck -- a tripping hazard at worst, and at best a long cord to have to reel in when you want to go sailing. Of course, if you're locked into bow-first docking, you could always buy a 2nd shore-power cord and simply plug one into the other. Pete s/v EmmieLou (ODay 322) Little Silver, NJ
Pat, When confronted with the same problem on my 32-footer, I simply turned the boat around and started docking stern first. I don't know if your own situation allows for this (lack of turn space might be a factor), but I've grown very used to stern-first docking -- and actually prefer it. This way you also don't have to deal with a big ol' shore power cord trailing along the deck -- a tripping hazard at worst, and at best a long cord to have to reel in when you want to go sailing. Of course, if you're locked into bow-first docking, you could always buy a 2nd shore-power cord and simply plug one into the other. Pete s/v EmmieLou (ODay 322) Little Silver, NJ
Get one long enough to reach
Who knows how long you will be at that particular slip /marina. Get one long enough to reach the bow of your boat (or stern) and add 10 feet for room to move. When I go out I remove the power cord from the transom and leave it on the dock. If I'm going to another slip or marina. I have one below that'll reach the bow plus 10 ft.When all else fails Measure it! Keep it up, Ctskip
Who knows how long you will be at that particular slip /marina. Get one long enough to reach the bow of your boat (or stern) and add 10 feet for room to move. When I go out I remove the power cord from the transom and leave it on the dock. If I'm going to another slip or marina. I have one below that'll reach the bow plus 10 ft.When all else fails Measure it! Keep it up, Ctskip
Multiple Cords
With all due respect to Pete, I would not recommend chaining cords. The electrical cords have an amp rating that is directly related to the length of the cord. If you extend that, you run a serious risk of overloading the circuits, and even starting a fire.
With all due respect to Pete, I would not recommend chaining cords. The electrical cords have an amp rating that is directly related to the length of the cord. If you extend that, you run a serious risk of overloading the circuits, and even starting a fire.
One 30-footer.
Install a shorepower connector in the anchor locker. It is a simple and relatively inexpensive upgrade. Only the Marinco plug is overpriced. Then some 10 gauge triplex marine wire from there to somewhere near the original shorepower plug. Now you can probably connect most places with a short cord and not have cable running on the deck. I glassed in a plastic junction box under the coaming near the original. Then did the splice inside the junction box. Add a switch so that the unused shorepower plug is not hot.
Install a shorepower connector in the anchor locker. It is a simple and relatively inexpensive upgrade. Only the Marinco plug is overpriced. Then some 10 gauge triplex marine wire from there to somewhere near the original shorepower plug. Now you can probably connect most places with a short cord and not have cable running on the deck. I glassed in a plastic junction box under the coaming near the original. Then did the splice inside the junction box. Add a switch so that the unused shorepower plug is not hot.
Voltage Drop
While Voltage Drop is certainly a consideration with longer circuit lengths, and/or lower voltages; I don’t believe that a hundred foot shore power cord (30 Amp) #10AWG should present any serious problem* at 120VAC. Of course shorter lengths & larger sizes are always better. * Were your boat drawing the full 30A, the voltage drop would be about 6V (5%), and at a 20A load only 4 V drop (3%). Anyone interested in learning about Voltage Drop, Wire Size, Length, and Ampacity can see the article “Ohm’s Law & You” at the CruisersForum: http://cruisersforum.com/photopost//showphoto.php?photo=1315 http://cruisersforum.com/photopost//showphoto.php?photo=1316 http://cruisersforum.com/photopost//showphoto.php?photo=1321 http://cruisersforum.com/photopost//showphoto.php?photo=1322 FWIW, Gord
While Voltage Drop is certainly a consideration with longer circuit lengths, and/or lower voltages; I don’t believe that a hundred foot shore power cord (30 Amp) #10AWG should present any serious problem* at 120VAC. Of course shorter lengths & larger sizes are always better. * Were your boat drawing the full 30A, the voltage drop would be about 6V (5%), and at a 20A load only 4 V drop (3%). Anyone interested in learning about Voltage Drop, Wire Size, Length, and Ampacity can see the article “Ohm’s Law & You” at the CruisersForum: http://cruisersforum.com/photopost//showphoto.php?photo=1315 http://cruisersforum.com/photopost//showphoto.php?photo=1316 http://cruisersforum.com/photopost//showphoto.php?photo=1321 http://cruisersforum.com/photopost//showphoto.php?photo=1322 FWIW, Gord
Long Shore Power Cord
I have a C36 in a 36' slip with the shore power connection on the aft end of the port side cockpit seat (by the helm). I dock on port with the power outlet in the center (starboard). A 50' cord is more than long enough.
I have a C36 in a 36' slip with the shore power connection on the aft end of the port side cockpit seat (by the helm). I dock on port with the power outlet in the center (starboard). A 50' cord is more than long enough.
I Stand Corrected
My apologies to Pete. Gord typically knows what he's talking about. I had previously had some problems with extension cords (pre-boat days), and was have been cautious about shore power.
My apologies to Pete. Gord typically knows what he's talking about. I had previously had some problems with extension cords (pre-boat days), and was have been cautious about shore power.
No problem
Not to worry, Herb. I wasn't all that wild about the idea of piggy-backing the SP cords anyway. I still prefer my own suggestion #1: turn the boat around in the slip. Personally, I kinda like having the pointy end out -- this way when I want to leave, it's just drop the lines and go. No worries about prop walk in reverse, or the like. Just one sailor's personal preference. Pete s/v EmmieLou (ODay 322) Little Silver, NJ
Not to worry, Herb. I wasn't all that wild about the idea of piggy-backing the SP cords anyway. I still prefer my own suggestion #1: turn the boat around in the slip. Personally, I kinda like having the pointy end out -- this way when I want to leave, it's just drop the lines and go. No worries about prop walk in reverse, or the like. Just one sailor's personal preference. Pete s/v EmmieLou (ODay 322) Little Silver, NJ
Agree with Mick
I have the exact same situation on my H36 as Mick. I too, have more than enough with 50 feet. In fact, I have to make 2 coils to take up the extra slack to keep it from draping into the water.
I have the exact same situation on my H36 as Mick. I too, have more than enough with 50 feet. In fact, I have to make 2 coils to take up the extra slack to keep it from draping into the water.
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