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rogerbum
Joined: 21 Nov 2004
Posts: 5928
City/Region: Kenmore
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 2008
C-Dory Model: 255 Tomcat
Vessel Name: Meant to be
Photos: SeaDNA
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 Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 10:32 am Post subject: Another arc at the shore power plug |
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I remember reading Jim's post this summer about having an arcing even at his shore power connection and how he replaced his Marinco plug with a Smart Plug. At the time, I thought, I should probably do the same prior to the arc. But then I looked at the price and thought hey, I got 7-ish years out that connector on my old boat and the current boat is newer, it can wait. Well.....
I went out to the boat yesterday to do some other wiring work and discovered there was no power on the boat. The plug was lit up so I knew I had power to the boat but it wasn't making it to the panel (which had a reverse polarity indicator lit). So I disconnected the breakers and took the shore power cord out the connector at the boat. It was tough to remove and lo and behold, I see this.
There was a corresponding burn on the cord side and the wiring on the inside was toasted about 1-2" back also. So needless to say, I now have a new Smart Plug installed. I still have to find the time to clean all the wiring back (cable ties etc.) but I've got power back to the boat and the charger was doing it's job again. Unfortunately, we got one complete discharge of the house battery as I had left the airhead fan on and also had the parasitic drain of the stereo.
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Roger on Meant to be |
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thataway
Joined: 02 Nov 2003
Posts: 21468
City/Region: Pensacola
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2007
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: thataway
Photos: Thataway
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 10:35 am Post subject: |
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Most common cause of fires on boats is this plug. One item which will help is to be sure that the plug is locked into its ring--some are better than others --the large screw on metal cap is better. All power on the boat and at the pedestal needs to be off when you plug in. Often the plug connection becomes a little loose, then begins to arc, carbon builds up, and then increased resistance, more heat etc.
Good call--and good to replace!
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Bob Austin
Thataway
Thataway (Ex Seaweed) 2007 25 C Dory May 2018 to Oct. 2021
Thisaway 2006 22' CDory November 2011 to May 2018
Caracal 18 140 Suzuki 2007 to present
Thataway TomCat 255 150 Suzukis June 2006 thru August 2011
C Pelican; 1992, 22 Cruiser, 2002 thru 2006
Frequent Sea; 2003 C D 25, 2007 thru 2009
KA6PKB
Home port: Pensacola FL |
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Alyssa Jean
Joined: 02 Nov 2003
Posts: 2376
City/Region: Guemes Is.(Anacortes)
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 2005
C-Dory Model: 16 Angler
Vessel Name: Alyssa Jean
Photos: Anna Leigh and Alyssa Jean
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 10:36 am Post subject: |
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Was the changeout pretty straight forward?
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David and Kate
Alyssa Jean 16 Angler
Anna Leigh 22 Cruiser Sold 2005
Anna Leigh 25 Cruiser Sold 2014
K7KJR C-Brats #51 |
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Grumpy
Joined: 10 Oct 2005
Posts: 1607
City/Region: Whidbey Is
State or Province: WA
Vessel Name: Kingfisher II
Photos: Kingfisher
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 12:01 pm Post subject: |
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David,
I changed the boat end plug and receptacle to the "Smart Plug" last year and found the instructions that came with the kit to be very complete and easy to follow. Hardest bit was physical access to the existing receptable(in my case).
Well worth the money for peace of mind if your boat is left on shore power for long periods.
M
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2006 CD-22 Kingfisher Sold Jan 08.
1987 Arima SeaChaser 17, Sea Star. Sold May 2010
2008 RF246 Kingfisher II Sold Apr 2013 |
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rogerbum
Joined: 21 Nov 2004
Posts: 5928
City/Region: Kenmore
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 2008
C-Dory Model: 255 Tomcat
Vessel Name: Meant to be
Photos: SeaDNA
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 12:36 pm Post subject: |
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| Anna Leigh wrote: | | Was the changeout pretty straight forward? |
Dave,
As Merv points out, it was pretty easy. The surface to which it is mounted is pure fiberglass and the hole that was cut previously for the Marinco connector is almost large enough for the new connector. The new connector is not round but rather has five sides. I used a dremel tool to remove just a little fiberglass at the bottom of the previous circular cut to create a flat area. Just an 1/8" or so was enough to get a snug fit. Since the Smart Plug connector is a 4 hole pattern and the Marinco is 3-holes, none of the previous holes line up or are useful in anyway.
The Smart Plug has a large gasket that will cover the previous holes and the parts of the round hole that aren't needed if one were installing new. E.g. on a new install, you'd cut the hole to the shape of the plug. Since it was just fiberglass, I filled the old holes with some 4200. As I've always had bad luck putting screws into fiberglass (cracking as I never quite get the pilot hole the right size) and as I had access to the back side of the hole, I through bolted the connector. 1.25" 8-32 SS machine bolts plus stainless nylon insert lock nuts on the back side hold in on there tightly. The biggest PITA is getting inside the hanging locker area on the boat to route the wiring etc. Of course, you want to connect the wiring to the receptacle prior to installing it as it would be a REAL PITA to try and do it afterward.
I was able to re-use the old cord by just cutting the end off of it and putting a new plug on. The Smart Plug has a long rubber tube through which the cord passes. The install kit comes with a plastic funnel shaped install tool that lets you feed the cord through this tight rubber fitting. If you follow the directions and apply a "liberal" coating of soap, it goes together pretty easily.
Last edited by rogerbum on Mon Feb 11, 2013 1:04 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Sunbeam
Joined: 23 Feb 2012
Posts: 3990
City/Region: Out 'n' About
State or Province: Other
C-Dory Year: 2002
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Photos: Sunbeam
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 12:49 pm Post subject: |
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| rogerbum wrote: | | As I've always had bad luck putting screws into fiberglass (cracking as I never quite get the pilot hole the right size) and as I had access to the back side of the hole, I through bolted the connector. |
I guess I'm not the only one! Even though I know it, it always takes me a few tries to purposely drill a pilot hole that is so close to the final screw size! And then I'm still not thrilled about the connection it makes. So like you, I through fasten if possible (or use some other alternative to the "pointy screw in fiberglass" connection). |
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starcrafttom
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 7936
City/Region: marysville
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 1984
C-Dory Model: 27 Cruiser
Vessel Name: to be decided later
Photos: Susan E
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localboy
Joined: 30 Sep 2006
Posts: 4673
City/Region: Lake Stevens via Honolulu
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 2007
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: 'Au Kai (Ocean Traveler)
Photos: 'AU KAI
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 2:38 pm Post subject: |
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I made a cable for our Honda gen use. It's pretty straight forward and the only special tool you'll need it a good quality wire [insulation] stripper.
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Wife to her husband pointing @ us...from the bow of their 50-footer; Prideaux Haven 2013 |
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Grumpy
Joined: 10 Oct 2005
Posts: 1607
City/Region: Whidbey Is
State or Province: WA
Vessel Name: Kingfisher II
Photos: Kingfisher
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 2:41 pm Post subject: |
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Mine was even easier than Roger's as the orginal receptacle had the same hole size(s) as the Smart Plug and the orginal rigger was even "smart" enough to allow enough slack wire to pull the whole assembly out and get at the rear end. Otherwise I would have been looking for a 1'6" Gnome with fitted screwdriver protheses 
M |
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Doryman
Joined: 03 Oct 2006
Posts: 3807
City/Region: Anacortes
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 2006
C-Dory Model: 255 Tomcat
Vessel Name: Lori Ann
Photos: Lori Ann
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 3:13 pm Post subject: |
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OK, I have seen these advertised but someone please enlighten me -- what good does it do to have a Smart Plug power cable when visiting a marina with the old style connectors?
Warren
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M/V Lori Ann
TomCat 255, Hull #55, 150 Yamahas
Anacortes, WA
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starcrafttom
Joined: 07 Nov 2003
Posts: 7936
City/Region: marysville
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 1984
C-Dory Model: 27 Cruiser
Vessel Name: to be decided later
Photos: Susan E
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 3:17 pm Post subject: |
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| Warren you only have the new plug on the boat side of the cable. Your dock side plug will remain the same. So if the dock side plug arcs and catches fire the dock will burn and then fall on your boat. That way the marinas insurance is writing the check and not you. |
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Doryman
Joined: 03 Oct 2006
Posts: 3807
City/Region: Anacortes
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 2006
C-Dory Model: 255 Tomcat
Vessel Name: Lori Ann
Photos: Lori Ann
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| Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 3:23 pm Post subject: |
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Now I understand! 
| starcrafttom wrote: | | Warren you only have the new plug on the boat side of the cable. Your dock side plug will remain the same. So if the dock side plug arcs and catches fire the dock will burn and then fall on your boat. That way the marinas insurance is writing the check and not you. |
Seriously, it is looking a lot more attractive now.
Warren |
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Grumpy
Joined: 10 Oct 2005
Posts: 1607
City/Region: Whidbey Is
State or Province: WA
Vessel Name: Kingfisher II
Photos: Kingfisher
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Captains Cat
Joined: 03 Nov 2003
Posts: 7313
City/Region: Cod Creek>Potomac River>Chesapeake Bay
State or Province: VA
C-Dory Year: 2005
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Captain's Choice II
Photos: Captain's Cat
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| Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 1:14 pm Post subject: |
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Convinced me! Ordered one from Jamestown Distributors yesterday for about $120 plus shipping. Will install after we get back from Costa Rica in early March. Hope THATAWAY has some slack in the cable inside!
Charlie
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CHARLIE and PENNY CBRAT #100
Captain's Cat II 2005 22 Cruiser
Thataway (2006 TC255 - Sold Aug 2013)
Captain's Cat (2006 TC255 - Sold January 2012)
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Captain's Choice (1994 CD 22 Cruiser- Sold Jun 2007)
Potomac River/Chesapeake Bay
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ferret30
Joined: 22 Mar 2011
Posts: 569
City/Region: Seattle
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 2006
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Lily Pad
Photos: Lily Pad
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| Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2013 3:17 pm Post subject: |
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| Captains Cat wrote: | | Ordered one from Jamestown Distributors yesterday for about $120 plus shipping. |
Are you sure you got the "kit" for $120 and not just the inlet? When I just checked it was $191 for the kit with the inlet AND plug. |
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