Shortening a 30 amp dock elec cord

Rodd

.
Jan 22, 2008
150
Pearson 424 East Hampton,NY
I need to replace a 25 foot Marinco old style 10-3 yellow cord. In my basement I have a perfectly good 50 foot yellow cord that I do not use. What is the simplest way to shorten the 50 foot cord and replace one of the connectors (either the male or the female end)?

Will I be able to just buy a new cover and use the existing plug/receptacle?

Thanks.

Rodd

PS I'm doing this because after reading Maine's info on burnt contacts I examined my cords and found one all black and charred. The marina will replace the receptacle on the pedestal for me as well. Thanks Maine!
 
Nov 8, 2010
11,386
Beneteau First 36.7 & 260 Minneapolis MN & Bayfield WI
Yes you can do that.

But if you send me the 50, I will send you a perfectly good 25 that does not need to be cut! Seriously.
 
May 24, 2004
7,174
CC 30 South Florida
The best way would be to coil the extra 25' and tie it off. There may come a time where you might need a 50' cord and it would be right there. If the wire is cut its weather proofing and integrity are compromised. The 30A Marinco male plug sells for about $25 while the 30A female connector goes for around $50. Add a weather cover for the male at $15 or for the female with a lock ring at $25. I have had so many experiences with the location of able power pedestal at transient marinas that I would not think of cutting a cable down. Spent one miserable night without power at a transient slip because my cable was 5 ft short of the nearest working pedestal. Since then I pack two cables on longer trips.
 
Sep 26, 2008
566
- - Noank CT.
The cost of new ends and covers is almost if not more then a new 25 foot cord. A new cord will also give you the "molded" end as opposed to replacement ends, some new cords also have power indicator lights. My suggestion is buy a new 25 footer and keep the 50 as spare/emergency use. OR if the original one is decent shape (except one bad end) just replace the bad end on it,should be able to do without losing more the 6 inches of length.