Shore Power Cord Gunk

[John T1594]

This happenes every year about the middle of the summer. My shore power cord becomes covered with some sticky material that gets on everything. I keep the cord off the deck and hanging from the lifelines but that only keeps the deck clean and the stations dirty. It takes a lot of work to remove it and I have used solvent and fender cleaner but the sticky stuff comes back again.

 

[larry w]

power cord gunk

the black gunk is a by-product of ultraviolet degradation of the vinyl in the cord. acetone will take it off and some spray-on silicone will keep it off, for a while. the best thing is to cover it. i use that flat blue hose from the hardware store. slit it the length that lays on the boat, about 10ft. put the hose around it, secure with zip ties. will last about three years and when it gets old and ragged, replace it.TWID

 

[Jim Rushing]

UV Rays

That is the uv rays destroying the rubber surface of the cord. The same thing with fenders when they get sticky. There are some products that claim to slow the process down.

 

[Terry Cox]

Hi John, if it is an older cord the sticky stuff..

is probably part of the chemical make up that is leeching from the plastic sheath as a result of age, heat, etc. Our inflatable dink is doing that and acetone is about the only product that will remove it, but after awhile will return.Terry

 

[jimq26]

Prevent this problem with 303 Protectant.

(nm)

 

[Gord May]

Acetone Bad

Dampen a soft white cloth with a solution of household bleach (sodium hypochlorite); 10% bleach, 90% water. Rub gently. Rinse with a water dampened cloth to remove bleach concentration.To restore luster, a light coat of spray furniture wax can be used. Apply for 30 seconds and follow with a light buffing using a clean white cloth.When solvents, such as acetone, are used to remove a stain, immediately wash the area with detergent and water, rinse and dry. Acetone will cause permanent damage, if left on the surface.

 

[Paul Akers]

Use Sunblock!

The UV blocking properties work here, as well. Good Luck!

 

[Jim]

How about this idea?

buy a new one. Why would you risk your boat for a $100 power cord? Penny wise but pound foolish.

 

[higgs]

Throw it away?

Some of us consider $100 a lot of money.

 

[Mike4116]

clean and protect

Except for replacing the entire cord for a little gunk the rest of the posts are right on. My formula was to buy some of the commercial power cord cleaner and treat it with a sealant like 303. It does take a bit of work but the cord can be restored nicely.

 

[JC on Bainbridge]

Aetone and baby powder

I use acetone to clean it. After cleaning, it is still a bit sticky. So I coat the power cord with baby powder to make it as smooth as a baby’s bottom. It would last a year, but I will have to doing it again next year.As long as the power cords are checked for nicks or cracks, and connections cleaned to make sure there are no dark burn marks at the connectors, they should not cause any safety concerns, and will be good to use. I would not replace a power cord every few years just because it is sticky, or ugly in appearance.