Shorepower

By Don Casey

ShorepowerStraight-blade receptacles--like those in your home--are increasingly less common as marina outlets, and for good reason. Water and electricity are a potentially lethal combination, and straight blade receptacles have no provision for preventing rain or washdown water from reaching the contacts.

Even if shorepower demands can be met with a 15-amp service, you should still equip your boat with a 30-amp inlet fitting to allow the use of a shorepower cord with waterproof plugs. In addition to the safety benefit, you will find that because the 30-amp locking receptacle has become the norm at most U.S. and Caribbean marinas, a 30-amp inlet on your boat will minimize or eliminate altogether your need for adapters.

Don Casey has been one of the most consulted experts on boat care and upgrades for 30 years, and is one of the BoatUS Magazine's panel of experts. He and his wife cruise aboard their 30-footer part of the year in the eastern Caribbean. His books include Don Casey's Complete Illustrated Sailboat Maintenance Manual, and the recently updated This Old Boat, the bible for do-it-yourself boaters.

 

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