Smart Plug extension, locking collar, or 75' cordset so I can run it farther?

[sjisailor]

Our new boat has 30a Smart Plug from the factory (super!) but -- when we are bow in, which is most of the time -- the 50' cordset is too short for both our home port and many away marinas. FWIW we do not use short power anywhere near max wattage most of the time so that is not a big concern. The concern is the length.

We are temporarily using an older Marinco 30a cordset as an "extension" but I dislike that for several reasons (doesn't really lock; don't want so much cordage; don't want an extension). Especially because the connection doesn't lock and isn't very weather proof.

My first thought was to make that Marinco extension arrangement lock. I got a locking collar that fits the Marinco side fine ... but the collar won't fit over the larger head on the Smartplug cord.

Next I thought I'd buy a 75' or even 100' Smartplug cordset ... but they don't make those now! (And I really don't want to make my own.)

My new thought is to get a 25' smart plug to smart plug cordset and use it as an extension cord. Like this: SmartPlug Connector Shore Power End | rv shore power kit

Although it has the downside of being an extension, it has the strong upside of Smartplug connections in the middle -- stronger, locking, more protected, and much higher surface area. Seems like the best option, given the lack of 75' cords. But it is also expensive! Around $400.

Anyway ... am I missing something? What have others done? Besides $$$ is there any big hole in my plan? Thanks!

 

[Comodave]

I would use the SmartPlug 25’ cable, first choice. Second choice, not nearly as good, might be to use 2” Rescue Tape to seal the connection with a Marinco 25’ cord.

 

[HeadedToTexas]

I have a similar challenge and use the "extension cord" when needed, but the long-term fix is to either move the shore power connections to midships like the newer Helmsman 38s or add a second point near the bow.

 

[Mac2]

I switched to the smart plug for the boat end and used my existing Marinco power cord. I bought the smart plug connector and attached myself. Super easy. I cut the Marinco connector off, so I could use fresh wire for the smartplug. About a 20 minute job. If your luck is like mine, the extension cord connection would end up in the middle of the walkway, or hanging over the water.

 

[Bacchus]

Our new boat has 30a Smart Plug from the factory (super!) but -- when we are bow in, which is most of the time -- the 50' cordset is too short for both our home port and many away marinas. FWIW we do not use short power anywhere near max wattage most of the time so that is not a big concern. The concern is the length.

We are temporarily using an older Marinco 30a cordset as an "extension" but I dislike that for several reasons (doesn't really lock; don't want so much cordage; don't want an extension). Especially because the connection doesn't lock and isn't very weather proof.

My first thought was to make that Marinco extension arrangement lock. I got a locking collar that fits the Marinco side fine ... but the collar won't fit over the larger head on the Smartplug cord.

I must be missing something...
You are using your Marinco. As an extension but don't want an extension??
Marinco doesn't lock and isn't Wx tight...these lock by twisting and while not very secure at pedestal w/o locking ring, using the connector and locking ring it makes a rather secure and Wx tight connection. The ring will slip over the Marinco molded plug with some coaxing and lube, if necessary. If a 50 ft Marinco is too long simply get a 25 ft to use as the extension (with collar & conne tor )
I like the Smart Plug for its features but dislike the limitation of not being flexible when combining with various cords for different situations.

 

[dhays]

On my 40' sailboat I installed a SmartPlug receptacle on the boat. My sailboat only had a power inlet in the stern. Bow in, it wouldn't reach the pedestal at my home dock. The Pedestal didn't have a SmartPlug outlet but a 50A/125v outlet. I had to use a 50A/125v to 30A/125v adapter, which connected to a 25' 30amp extension cord, which was connected to a 50' 30amp cord which had the SmartPlug end that I installed on the cord. All connections, other than at the pedestal had locking rings and the connections were well treated with dielectric grease.

I never had any issues with any connection other than the old outlet on the pedestal. The amp draw was pretty low given it was a sailboat.

 

[Iggy]

If your really are pulling less than 30A and more in the low 20A range. I would not worry about it. You could buy the smart plugs for both ends and use 8 gauge wire.

 

[sjisailor]

I must be missing something...
You are using your Marinco. As an extension but don't want an extension??
Marinco doesn't lock and isn't Wx tight...these lock by twisting and while not very secure at pedestal w/o locking ring, using the connector and locking ring it makes a rather secure and Wx tight connection. The ring will slip over the Marinco molded plug with some coaxing and lube, if necessary. If a 50 ft Marinco is too long simply get a 25 ft to use as the extension (with collar & conne tor )
I like the Smart Plug for its features but dislike the limitation of not being flexible when combining with various cords for different situations.

Yes I was not super clear. Should have added more photos! The power pedestal is a traditional Marinco style ring while boat is Smartplug. So my cordset is Marinco at one end and Smartplug at the other.

But I need additional length, so the options for an "extension" are either to add an extension on the Marinco side as I've been doing OR on the Smartplug side.

Your idea was also my first thought -- to extend the Marinco side with my older cordset and use a locking collar. Unfortunately I could not get it to fit on my Smartplug issued cord no matter how I tried. I would have to trim the collar on the cord by 1/4" or so all around.

Anyway, I think the Smartplug extension will be the way to go!

 

[sjisailor]

On my 40' sailboat I installed a SmartPlug receptacle on the boat. My sailboat only had a power inlet in the stern. Bow in, it wouldn't reach the pedestal at my home dock. The Pedestal didn't have a SmartPlug outlet but a 50A/125v outlet. I had to use a 50A/125v to 30A/125v adapter, which connected to a 25' 30amp extension cord, which was connected to a 50' 30amp cord which had the SmartPlug end that I installed on the cord. All connections, other than at the pedestal had locking rings and the connections were well treated with dielectric grease.

I never had any issues with any connection other than the old outlet on the pedestal. The amp draw was pretty low given it was a sailboat.

Interesting. We do have 50amp service available ... which does open up another set of connection possibilities I hadn't considered. Probably will stick with 30amp and extension as noted but glad to expand the set of options to consider. Thanks!

 

[sjisailor]

I switched to the smart plug for the boat end and used my existing Marinco power cord. I bought the smart plug connector and attached myself. Super easy. I cut the Marinco connector off, so I could use fresh wire for the smartplug. About a 20 minute job. If your luck is like mine, the extension cord connection would end up in the middle of the walkway, or hanging over the water.

Thanks! That exact plan wouldn't solve my issue (my cordset is Marinco-to-smartplug) BUT it does make me think again about wiring my own cord as being simple.

 

[sjisailor]

I would use the SmartPlug 25’ cable, first choice. Second choice, not nearly as good, might be to use 2” Rescue Tape to seal the connection with a Marinco 25’ cord.

Haha, I had the same plan about Rescue Tape.

Agreed, the Smartplug extension seems reasonable, simple, and flexible for various scenarios (except sadly $$ like all boat things!)

FWIW I walked the docks at Roche Harbor WA yesterday and didn't see any better solution, and mostly much worse. Mostly the ones bow in were just attached without securing the extension connection, while a couple of boats were using duct tape etc. I'm feeling good about the click-to-connect Smartplug option!

 

[WillieC2]

Buy a shorter boat.

 

[Mac2]

Thanks! That exact plan wouldn't solve my issue (my cordset is Marinco-to-smartplug) BUT it does make me think again about wiring my own cord as being simple.

I found a 75 foot 30 amp power cord (Marine/RV) at home Depot for $170. Throw a smartplug on the end and your problem is solved for around $200. I would prefer a used Marinco cord. Maybe ebay. I really don't like the vulnerable (water intrusion) of the extension. I've seen to many power cords end up in the water.

 

[Moonfish]

Buy a shorter boat.

Using the 25' SmartPlug extension sounds like the best idea. I didn't know they stopped making the longer SmartPlug cords. Perhaps the cost of manufacturing didn't pencil out, or the demand wasn't enough. Or, they figured just adding one or two 25' cords just works best.

 

[ranger58sb]

Yes I was not super clear. Should have added more photos! The power pedestal is a traditional Marinco style ring while boat is Smartplug. So my cordset is Marinco at one end and Smartplug at the other.

But I need additional length, so the options for an "extension" are either to add an extension on the Marinco side as I've been doing OR on the Smartplug side.

Your idea was also my first thought -- to extend the Marinco side with my older cordset and use a locking collar. Unfortunately I could not get it to fit on my Smartplug issued cord no matter how I tried. I would have to trim the collar on the cord by 1/4" or so all around.

Not sure I understand. The locking ring is what should fit (with some work) over the weatherproof boot on your Marinco ends. Then those each screw into the locking collar.

I haven't seen a 30A version in person, but it looks like it works the same way as our 50A version.

Amazon.com

-Chris

 

[Bacchus]

Yes I was not super clear. Should have added more photos! The power pedestal is a traditional Marinco style ring while boat is Smartplug. So my cordset is Marinco at one end and Smartplug at the other.

But I need additional length, so the options for an "extension" are either to add an extension on the Marinco side as I've been doing OR on the Smartplug side.

Your idea was also my first thought -- to extend the Marinco side with my older cordset and use a locking collar. Unfortunately I could not get it to fit on my Smartplug issued cord no matter how I tried. I would have to trim the collar on the cord by 1/4" or so all around.

Anyway, I think the Smartplug extension will be the way to go!

I would contact Smart Plug folks to confirm their Marinco to SP cord will NOT accept the Marinconlock ring. that would likely be the lowest cost approach for a reasonably secure connection. I have struggled at times getting rings on & off but maybe a heat gun to increase flexibility of the molded rubber w some lube would help. If not increasing the ID of the lock ring or just beveling the leading edge might be worth a try.
Being that 50A recepticle is also on your pedestal I would consider seriously using that for pedestal attachment. 50A plugs / receptacles are far superior to 30A and using an adapted allows using the connector & locking rings to improve the 30A connection(s)

 

[sjisailor]

I would contact Smart Plug folks to confirm their Marinco to SP cord will NOT accept the Marinconlock ring. that would likely be the lowest cost approach for a reasonably secure connection. I have struggled at times getting rings on & off but maybe a heat gun to increase flexibility of the molded rubber w some lube would help. If not increasing the ID of the lock ring or just beveling the leading edge might be worth a try.
Being that 50A recepticle is also on your pedestal I would consider seriously using that for pedestal attachment. 50A plugs / receptacles are far superior to 30A and using an adapted allows using the connector & locking rings to improve the 30A connection(s)

Great point about using 50amp with adapter, I'll look into that. We would still need the 30amp solution when going to other marinas, but could do a 50amp adapter at home.

 

[Jeff F]

You might consider adding a second shore power receptacle closer to the bow. My last boat had a receptacle at each end of the boat so a 50' cord always worked and wasn't draped the length of the boat.

I'm not sure how feasible that is for your boat, but thought I'd throw it out.