inexpensive shorepower cable

[txtowman]

I am looking over the rules for a corpus christi marina. My little catalina 22 only uses shorepower to charge the batteries. the rules state only U.L. listed cables designed specifically for marine use may be used to connect to shore power. is there an inexpensive way to achieve this? Or should I find a friendlier marina?
The rules are very unfriendly seeming.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

These cables are more expensive for a reason. If you were to look around at some places that don't require proper electrical systems, you might reconsider that "friendly" and safety are not mutually exclusive things.

 

[Ron20324]

TX, do you have a regular 30-amp shore power input? 30 and 110 available on the dock? Or an extension cord used only when you are present and charging the batteries?

I am on our condo marina dock committee. We allow any extension cord as long as someone is present. As long as the cord is run to down below, we don't know/care if it's used for a drill, a radio, or battery charger. Any cord used with no one in attendance must be a 30-amp shore power cord. You might ask the marina if that requirement is necessary if you are at the boat during its use.

I have a yellow Marinco 15-amp power cord with 110 ends (I don't know if they are still made) so given your "U.L. listed cables designed specifically for marine use" requirement, that would qualify. You might have to look in the second-hand shops to find one. I would think that it may be only a little cheaper than a regular 30-amp S.P. cord.

 

[Ross]

Quality power cords are the least expensive. Buy a GFCI plug in devise and protect your life. Even a 30 amp standard shore power cable is less than 75 dollars. That is about the price of dinner for two with a bottle of wine in a good restaurant and it lasts longer.

 

[Ron20324]

Then there is the $79 cost of the shore power inlet, wire, etc. Let's see what his options are on the dock and boat. By the way, Ross, do you still have that acrylic/lexan?

 

[btgammon]

Shore power

I am looking over the rules for a corpus christi marina. My little catalina 22 only uses shorepower to charge the batteries. the rules state only U.L. listed cables designed specifically for marine use may be used to connect to shore power. is there an inexpensive way to achieve this? Or should I find a friendlier marina?
The rules are very unfriendly seeming.

Safety is and should be the Marina's first concern. This not only protects your boat but all those around you and of course protects the lives of all those that love the boating experience. I am sure Corpus must have a boating consignment/2nd hand store. I was just in one here in Kemah, Tx and saw several shore power cords, 30 amp, 50 ft, in good to like new condition going for $40 to $60. Not cheap but better than the $80 new price for an approved shore power. Good luck.

 

[Ross]

I still have some pieces 6-8 inches wide about 2 feet long perhaps a bit larger.

 

[guest]

Power

What does your marina provide at your specific slip/dock power pedestal? Each marina is different. Some provide 15 amp, some 20, some 30. Depending upon what you have at the dock will determine the shore power cord you buy/need for your boat. What type of female/male power receptacle does your boat have? Each boat is different. Also, each plug/receptacle is different for 15 amp, 20, 30, etc. There are adapters depending upon what you have and need. Please be more specific on what you have and need.

Terry Cox

 

[Dragon]

You know the definition of "a boat"...knowing that, prepare to spend $$$...be safe.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

Prior to installing a full 120V system in my Catalina 22 I used the 30 Amp cable from the dock outlet to my cabin. I purchased a 120V adapter for the boat end of the cable.

I also didn't consider the expense when purchasing electrical cables for use around water.

 

[Joe]

I don't think they're unfriendly.... they're just like most other marinas... trying to minimize potential accidents and keep the insurance premiums down. Before you write this marina off, talk to the marina manager about your options for the battery charger's power supply. Let him offer suggestions.... you might find him to be friendlier than you originally thought.

Also........ just because there's a rule, doesn't mean that it is followed to the letter. If everything else about the marina pleases you, I'd suck it up and install a proper shorepower system in your boat. It's especially handy if you visit other marinas or guest slips to have the proper equipment.

If you look around you can purchase a 40 foot 30 amp cord for around $40. Check the westmarine advisor for detail on shorepower systems. Once you're legal... you will learn to appreciate the benefit of a 110 system on your boat. For instance.... football on TV!

 

[catsailor]

If you ever visit another marina for the night you are going to need it anyway...

I am looking over the rules for a corpus christi marina. My little catalina 22 only uses shorepower to charge the batteries. the rules state only U.L. listed cables designed specifically for marine use may be used to connect to shore power. is there an inexpensive way to achieve this? Or should I find a friendlier marina?
The rules are very unfriendly seeming.

Though I admit for years using an adapter. My home marina had only conventional 110v plugs with no GFI, which by the way was a really bad idea. I added GFI on my own dollar.

Trying to save money wisely on boats is hard... but keep trying! Sometimes you can find a slip behind someones house for a song. I did that for years. Now I am in a workboat marina, again, because it is cheaper.

 

[Hermit Scott]

If you come to my marina. I can gaurantee no one will say a word about any electrical deficiencies. "Shore power" on my dock consists of extention cords plugged together laying on the dock. This wasn't a problem until it started to rain.
I am going to bring wooden pedastals to put the connection points on and figure out some type of cover. I think that is code right?
That's what you get for $100 a month.

 

[zeehag]

i manage to find folks who donot wish to keep their dirty filthy "regulation", as it were, 30-50 amp shore power cords and replace he ends with genyooooowhine marinco or equilavent parts for my own use------is less expensive than buying the dang thing new---and dirt doesnt do anything except keep "mama" from wanting to plug it into the boat--LOL----dontcha just love the yachties!!!!!! they have to be daft to give up such a wonderfully easy to clean item just because a little dirt grows on it!!!!
with the alternative style--in the rain, please use a plastic baggie and duct tape LOL--works great--i did that until i needed more than 15 amp service!!!

 

[RAD]

Re: inexpensive shore power cable

Maybe there referring to the people who go to Home Depot and by cheap extension cords and whack the ends off and install there new 30 amp twist lock plugs like one of the nautical nitwits on my dock and all went up in smoke a couple of years ago,lucky for him I was on the dock and damage was just around the inlet plug but as others have said for 75 dollars you can get a UL listed marine cord

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

i manage to find folks who donot wish to keep their dirty filthy "regulation", as it were, 30-50 amp shore power cords and replace he ends with genyooooowhine marinco or equilavent parts for my own use------is less expensive than buying the dang thing new---and dirt doesnt do anything except keep "mama" from wanting to plug it into the boat--LOL----dontcha just love the yachties!!!!!! they have to be daft to give up such a wonderfully easy to clean item just because a little dirt grows on it!!!!
with the alternative style--in the rain, please use a plastic baggie and duct tape LOL--works great--i did that until i needed more than 15 amp service!!!

Are you related to Kanye???

 

[zeehag]

Are you related to Kanye???

a far as i know i gots no relatives online ..LOL..no one will lay claim to me!!!!--i was raised with the mantra " never pay retail" and the lady was a multimillionaire when she passed--my mommas mommas sister----long story there---i just have hives when i have to pay retail and i do accept most donations--depending on the use-ability thereof..LOL!!!
when i first got to living aboaqrd i was in small antique mqarinas in lost angeles withy 15 amp power only and at intervals--up to sea gods--service---even in 1990 it was didfficult to get things to be consistent--i made do and created until i could get into a place with 20 and 30 amp service tyhen i got the regulation accepted and approved stuff-----but if "making do" ye has to keep eyes and nose open for strange smells and listen for strange sounds andalla that stuff so there is no fire ---even to the point sometimes of disconnection of the cord from the source of power when leaving the boat for any length of time.....i had a 1965 chris craft cavalier 35 with a beauteous onan 6.5 genset--LOL--

 

[txtowman]

wish I could get a mooring instead.

 

[txtowman]

anybody got a spare cable and plug laying around?

 

[Franklin]

I believe I have one lying around so if you find yourself my way, stop by and I'll give it to you. It's a 30 amp 50' cord with plugs.