Shore power questions

[Fred IV]

I'm living on a 1979 Cherubini Hunter 37-Cutter and am considering getting a 2x30amp Y adapter for a 50amp outlet, a 30amp SmartPlug cord set (I installed a SmartPlug inlet on the boat), and another regular 30amp cord set (for future use). The idea here is to use the SmartPlug cord as my primary power source, and add the other cord as an additional power source only when needed. I would still have to install an additional circuit breaker for the second cord, but was thinking I could wire this to select outlets in the boat to use for extra heaters, etc. My questions are:

- Does this setup make sense?
- Is there another better way to do this?

Any help would be much appreciated!

[Hudson Force]

Clarify some things for me. Do you have two separate 30 amp circuits on your boat? Is your plan to split the single 30 amp supply to your two circuits on board during normal use (one leg from the 50 amp supply) and then run two separate cords from the dock at times of more power need,- one separate cord to each circuit? If this decribes your plan, then I see no problem with it.

Make sure your terminals are clean and avoid arcing by having the power off when you plug in or remove from the dock. Also, develop the habit of grasping the outside cover of your shore power plug on occasion to ensure that it's not very warm.

[FamilyVan]

Live aboards around here can't really get by on 30 amps, so they use a setup in the winter called a "pony panel". It's essentially a second breaker panel, connected to a 30 amp shore power cable on a plywood board that they only use in the winter. They usually run a heater and an Ice Eater off of it. So yes, it's practical, just make sure it's done safely.

[rcmpegasus]

I have a 50 amp Y to two 30 amp lines going to two smart plugs. They each have an isolation transformer and then go to the main panel. I can use either 30 amp to power everything or split the loads into two circuits and have one power a different section of the boat. Really only need it in the winter when running electric heat. Works great, the smart plugs are fantastic.


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[Fred IV]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but...

What is an isolation transformer, and why would I need it?

Thanks!

[a64pilot]

Isolates your boats ground from shore power ground in order to help prevent your underwater metals from wasting away.
I believe it matters if your metals are bonded to ground or not. Some are, some aren't.


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