Non-Permanent Shore Power Option?

[j-hood]

I am in the process of purchasing an older 30' blue water boat that has no shore power 120v system at all -- and I like this fact, as my goal is blue, not brown. In the meantime, however, life will be at a marina while I grow my sailing skills (and bank account).

I do not want to add a wired 120v system, but I have started to wonder if there are any portable solutions that would allow me to create a temporary/portable wired panel/outlet for use while docked? Not sure how grounding would work, but that doesn't mean it couldn't be done.

If anyone has any insights or suggestions I would really appreciate it.

[Kettlewell]

Extension cord with a power strip? Get a good quality one and tie it in place so it doesn't end up in the harbor.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Kettlewell

Extension cord with a power strip? Get a good quality one and tie it in place so it doesn't end up in the harbor.

[j-hood]

So.... I will not deny my ignorance here. In the time that I have spent aboard other's boats I have only experienced shore power that comes from a large 30a twist-lock cords. Is it ok to just buy an adapter, for example:

Amazon.com: Conntek 14340 RV Pigtail Adapter RV 30 Amp Male Plug To 15/20 Amp U.S Female Connector: Sports & Outdoors

I already know that I don't know much, but I'm cool with learning.

[j-hood]

Ahhhh... or this:

Marinco Shore Power Adapter 15 Amp Female to 30 Amp Male 125V from Wholesale Marine

I tried so hard to find these before I posted, but it seems I didn't word it quite right. Mission accomplished.

[Kettlewell]

Sure, adaptors are fine, at least in most marinas and boatyards i have been in. Keep in mind that the longer the run the greater the voltage drop, so purchase a heavier outdoor-grade extension cord that is not much longer than you need. Don't leave a car-type battery charger running full-time though. Here's an earlier thread on problems with that.

[thinwater]

a. You really should have a simple shore power charger of some sort. Doesn't have to be a "system," just a mounted 10 amp charger, such as many bass boats use.

GUEST 15 Amp Dual Battery Cruising Charger at West Marine

GUEST ChargePro Weather-Resistant Battery Chargers at West Marine

b. If you are going to use this a lot in the near term, I would make that a GFI power strip. Yup, you can get them and they are mandatory (OSHA) at most work sites. Would make a nice safe set-up.

Tasco 2-Outlet GFCI Duplex Box-11-00222 at The Home Depot

TRIPP LITE Outlet Strip, 15A, 8 Outlets, GFCI, Safety - Outlet Strips - 2KGE9|TLM812GF - Grainger Industrial Supply

---

Yes, some marinas won't allow adapters, but most will. That is how I cruised my last boat (though I didn't have the GFI).

[j-hood]

AWEsome. You guys rock.