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.