Shore Power Cable Reel

[Howler]

Has anyone found a good product to reel in shore power cables? We have two 50' 30 amp cord sets that need to be wrestled into submission every time we leave the dock. Thel options I've tried tend to be either too flimsy to handle the weight, too small to handle the coiled diameter, or too big to fit into a typical lazaret for storage.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[edsailing]

Hose reel drum??

[wingless]

The Glendinning Cablemaster is an excellent solution.

[MV Wanderlust]

Originally Posted by wingless

The Glendinning Cablemaster is an excellent solution.

I second that. We have two of them. One in the front and one in the stern.

[Howler]

Originally Posted by wingless

The Glendinning Cablemaster is an excellent solution.

Looks amazing, but probably overkill for our needs. I was thinking of something handheld. Thank you.

[Howler]

Originally Posted by edsailing

Hose reel drum??

Tried that. So far, couldn't find one small enough to fit in the lazaret (they tend to come mounted on a stand) but will keep looking.

[Sailmonkey]

I just roll our 30amp cord into a small circle and hook both ends together. It’s 50’ and no biggie to move.

[wingless]

Originally Posted by Howler

Has anyone found a good product to reel in shore power cables? We have two 50' 30 amp cord sets that need to be wrestled into submission every time we leave the dock.

Originally Posted by wingless

The Glendinning Cablemaster is an excellent solution.

Originally Posted by Howler

Looks amazing, but probably overkill for our needs. I was thinking of something handheld. Thank you.

The "easy" solution is to properly and neatly stow the cord on the yacht and have a second cord remaining on the dock, attaching to the one remaining on board.

When casting off, shut off the shore power, detach the connection between the cords and lay the cord onto the dock. Reverse the process when returning.

[rslifkin]

Personally, when going out for the day, I just leave the cords on the dock. They're tied down so they won't get knocked into the water. Just unplug (my inlets are on the side of the boat) and lay the cords down. When traveling, I've got a pair of hefty carrying bags for the cords. They get coiled into the bags and brought aboard. Not as quick and easy as retracting on a reel, but easy enough.

[sowwaninii]

I have a similar setup on my boat and use one of these for each cord. Not perfect, but quite serviceable at a reasonable price.
Cordpro CP-XL, Heavy Duty Cord and Large Hose Organizer,Yellow,X-Large

[Jdeuel]

Depot sells some orange plastic cord reels that we’ve used with success. Less than $10 and not a speck of metal on them.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-150-...0PDQ/205038360

[silversailor]

Originally Posted by sowwaninii

I have a similar setup on my boat and use one of these for each cord. Not perfect, but quite serviceable at a reasonable price.
Cordpro CP-XL, Heavy Duty Cord and Large Hose Organizer,Yellow,X-Large

CordPro is an excellent device. Light weight, portable, easy to use and lasts. I've been using them for over 5 years with no problems.

[Howler]

Originally Posted by Jdeuel

Depot sells some orange plastic cord reels that we’ve used with success. Less than $10 and not a speck of metal on them.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-150-...0PDQ/205038360

I tried the handheld one. It's the concept I'm seeking, but the sides of the reel were too flimsy for the heavy cable. I'm intrigued by the other one they have that has a base. Doesn't seem as big as the base on hose stands. Will go to Depot tomorrow. Thanks!

[billgewater]

When you buy an extension cable you will often see a label attached that states that you should not use the cable if it is coiled. That is, the cable should be laid out.
The rationale for this is that loops can create an induced back emf in the cable. The induced emf may be in the active, neutral or earth depending on the number of loops, the current drain when in use and the nature of the load and even the material the drum is made from.
For your 60 Hz supply this is marginally more problematic than 50 Hz but the simple act of switching on a high current application can really cause problems.
Marinas are also notorious for odd current leaks and boats may or may not have earth leak detectors wired in.
So using the power cable with some of it still wound on a drum may cause electrical problems that are not immediately apparent.
I am sure some with good electrical local experience may pass further comment, but I would advise against using the cable while it still wound on the drum.
If you Google in "back emf in coils" you may see an article describing how it can cause problems with switches (although the article does deal mainly with DC circuits) but back emf can cause all sorts of weird problems.

[Howler]

Originally Posted by billgewater

When you buy an extension cable you will often see a label attached that states that you should not use the cable if it is coiled. That is, the cable should be laid out.
The rationale for this is that loops can create an induced back emf in the cable. The induced emf may be in the active, neutral or earth depending on the number of loops, the current drain when in use and the nature of the load and even the material the drum is made from.
For your 60 Hz supply this is marginally more problematic than 50 Hz but the simple act of switching on a high current application can really cause problems.
Marinas are also notorious for odd current leaks and boats may or may not have earth leak detectors wired in.
So using the power cable with some of it still wound on a drum may cause electrical problems that are not immediately apparent.
I am sure some with good electrical local experience may pass further comment, but I would advise against using the cable while it still wound on the drum.
If you Google in "back emf in coils" you may see an article describing how it can cause problems with switches (although the article does deal mainly with DC circuits) but back emf can cause all sorts of weird problems.

Agreed... only plan to use it for storage.