Waterproof shore power inlet suggestion for bow install?

[mischief]

Hi I'm looking to install a new shore power inlet (rewiring everything)
I would like to mount it on the bow, about 1m back from the stem there's a vertical spot where an anchor recess raises to the rest of the deck height.

Therefore I would need an inlet that can be submerged with green water.
I'm looking for 2x 220v 15-16a or a single 32a.
I like the smart plug but don't know if they fully seal when closed.
Otherwise I was thinking about a European pin style.
I hear the hubble plug connection suffers from poor contact. Should I look at alternatives or just go the hubb as I have seen a screw fitting hubble connection that looks waterproof?
Thoughts?

[CharlieJ]

To meets the requirements of full immersion (green water) this unit would have to have an Ingress Protection code of IP67. There is no off the shelf shore power plug that I know of that that meets this standard. Hubbell does make some devices rated as IP65, 66 or 67 but they are not standard marine shore power units.

[Dockhead]

I don't really think it's a good idea to put a shore power inlet in a spot likely to be immersed in green water. Even if you found a really waterproof one, all you have to do is once forget to screw the cover down tight and - poof.

I had a shore power inlet (and socket) ruined on my summer cruise this year just by a heavy rain storm. It was unpleasant and expensive. In my opinion, shore power connections should be mounted in the best protected spot you can find.

[GaryMayo]

Not a good idea. Rethink this. IMHO

On a ship, there is no such thing as unsinkable and on a boat, there is no such thing as waterproof.

[Blue Stocking]

I'm . You would only be plugged in at the dock, and I would hope you are not taking green water over the bow at that location.
While sailing, you would have the cover screwed down tight, just like any other shore connection on the boat.
Many are on cabin or coaming outer faces, and survive immersion.
--or am I missing something?

[jeremiason]

There are a number of sailboats and powerboats that have shore power connections on the bow and stern. You should consider having connections on both ends of the boat, if you can.

Normally, the bow connection is located in the anchor locker on the aft bulkhead. As stated in the previous post, if you taking waves over the bow, your not going to be plugged in and the caps would be screwed over the connections, so there should be no problem.

[senormechanico]

Mine's in a protected spot in the anchor locker in the bow.
It's got a spring loaded, gasketed cover pointing straight down.
I don't know what brand it is, but it's bright blue.

[mischief]

Of course i need it to take green water whilst plugged in as i have a AC motor we use for propulsion and a 10km cord thats gets us from port to port. Jokes!

I'm not worried about not putting a cap etc back on, no more that forgetting a port open or hatch or shutting off seacocks not in use or when leaving unattended. To me it becomes part of your ritual to ensure seaworthiness upon voyage.
I have seen the standard twist lock with a screw on cap that look waterproof. My concearn was more with the twist lock connection on these. I have looked for a comparable European pin connection but only find that they have a spring closure. Just as the smart plug only is held shut by spring tension. To me that's not secure enough for when the bow burries.
Whatever I put up there I may add some extra protection like another cover to either make more waterproof or to at least dampen water pressure.
Am I worrying over nothing regards the twist connection?

BTW we always berth bow in ( we like the views and privacy I the cockpit) not having the cord over the deck and currently running into the cockpit would be a blessing.
I know the location is not ideal for the inlet itself but it is the ideal location.
I have not fully ruled out other locations yet.
Thanks

[River Cruiser]

I have SmartPlugs the cover just snaps closed when not in use. I doubt these would be waterproof if submerged, I may be wrong so it would be best to check with the manufacturer.

[xymotic]

I too have a smartplug, it's well covered but I would not trust it to be submersible.

[delmarrey]

You could mount the outlet behind a water tight deck plate.

[mischief]

Originally Posted by delmarrey

You could mount the outlet behind a water tight deck plate.

That's not a bad idea at all. 2 things how big of an aperture opening would I need? I would prefer to be able to remove the inlet without having to remove the deck plate if possible. I guess the second thing is if I have enough space which I think I would. I'd likely go with a bronze or stainless. ( oh how I wish I had all bronze, alas our boat has a mix)
What's better, a European pin connection or smart?
Cheers

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by mischief

That's not a bad idea at all. 2 things how big of an aperture opening would I need? I would prefer to be able to remove the inlet without having to remove the deck plate if possible. I guess the second thing is if I have enough space which I think I would. I'd likely go with a bronze or stainless. ( oh how I wish I had all bronze, alas our boat has a mix)
What's better, a European pin connection or smart?
Cheers

Well, The Smart connector just clicks on but so does the new version of Marinco EEL with a little twist.
A 4" deck plate would probably work if not too deep but a 6" would a cinch.



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