Weak breaker? Switch?

[model 10]

So I'll be the stupid one here, why buy a 50a cord? Seems like you could carry 60 amps in a 30amp 110 cord if it were wired for 220. So put new plugs on the end of your 110 cord. Yes, I know a 50 amp 220 cord is a lot bigger than a 30a 110v cord.

[a64pilot]

30 amp cord is three wire I believe. Never had a 50 but bet there are four wires?
Would think best answer is leave electrical alone and go to Diesel heat.


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[model 10]

[QUOTE=a64pilot;19697013
Would think best answer is leave electrical alone and go to Diesel heat.[/QUOTE]

Nope, go south. I have not used our heater for years and years.

[smac999]

Originally Posted by Guy

So I'll be the stupid one here, why buy a 50a cord? Seems like you could carry 60 amps in a 30amp 110 cord if it were wired for 220. So put new plugs on the end of your 110 cord. Yes, I know a 50 amp 220 cord is a lot bigger than a 30a 110v cord.

30a shore cord is 3x 10awg. so no you can't run 60a or 240v 4x10awg could run 30a 240v.

50a shore cord is 4x 8awg.

[Macblaze]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Would think best answer is leave electrical alone and go to Diesel heat.

That's an interesting question. Can you run a diesel heater continuously? Wouldn't the wear and tear in the long run cost more than replacing your 30 amp cords every year?

SO MUCH TO LEARN...

[model 10]

Originally Posted by smac999

30a shore cord is 3x 10awg. so no you can't run 60a or 240v 4x10awg could run 30a 240v.

50a shore cord is 4x 8awg.

I just don't see where the 4th wire could possible go. Even Hoover Dam is a 3 wire system. I bet you can run 25 amps in a #10 wire, so in the 2 wires you could run 50 amps in a 220 v system, how far I don't know.

[hellosailor]

Mac-
There are thermal breakers, which are the most common and least expensive type, and magnetic (aka "Magneto-mumble-mumble-thing-or-other") breakers, which are more expensive and longer lasting. I'd go for the latter.
You might want to run eyes & hands over the entire AC system though, and make sure ALL of it is adequately sized and showing no heat damage, fraying, etc. Even if the PO starched his socks, you don't know what he might have done to the AC system. Good time to check for a newfangled concept like a proper GFI in the system, too.

[exMaggieDrum]

I agree with a64pilot on this. I should have thought of diesel heaters. They are what you need for what you want to do. You can use them at the dock and on the hook. BUT they can be expensive. My current boat has it and it also came with dual 30A shore power, with one system setup specifically to provide power to heaters or AC. That is expensive too, but probably the cheapest of all your options. NOT recommended to leave large electric heaters going on a boat unattended. That is by far the biggest cause of fires on boats in marinas.