Sticky shore power cord solution

[jibstay]

I know I should clean and 303 my shore power cords every month, but it's way down on my list of priorities. Consequently, my cords had become faded, dirty, and sticky. The really annoying part was that they left marks on the boat, wherever they touched it.

I considered new cords, but I am of Scottish descent, so I looked around for an alternative, less expensive, solution.

I found this:

Wang-Data PET Orange Braided Cable Sleeve 1 inch X 100ft (1" X 100')

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071CJLQ2H..._nd3a5FpPBk5OU

$21.99. Fits perfectly and I think it looks great. No more stickiness or marks. I worried that it might disintegrate in the Florida sun, but after six months, so far so good.

You do need a hot knife to cut it.

[Maaco1634]

Hello...

I love your solution and would like to try it also. How did you get the shore power plug ends over the 1 inch braided cable cover?

Thanks

[jibstay]

Originally Posted by Maaco1634

Hello...



I love your solution and would like to try it also. How did you get the shore power plug ends over the 1 inch braided cable cover?



Thanks

I had previously replaced my shore power inlets with SmartPlugs, so I had installed the male SmartPlug ends on the cords. I just removed these and taped the wires together to push the cord through the braided cover, then reinstalled the male SmartPlug ends.

It’s been a year in the south Florida sun, and the bright orange has faded a bit, but other than that, the braided cover has held up just fine. And, no marks on my boat.

[LoudMusic]

Well it's been a few more months - how are your cord covers working out? Do they hold much filth? Seems like the weave would collect debris and have its own problems. Looks good in your picture, though!

[jibstay]

So far, so good. The color has faded a bit, but they don’t seem to trap or hold any dirt. I have them suspended from the lower lifeline, so they’re not laying on the deck. They’re cool and dry to the touch. No sticky residue.

[senormechanico]

I use M.E.K. (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) from the hardware store.
Fill a cotton rag, wipe ONE or TWO strokes down the cord (or fender) and let dry.
If it didn't get totally clean, try again after it dries.
If you rub more than a stroke or two, it starts to pick up lint from the rag.
The little bit of sticky left over goes away in a few hours.

It keeps fenders like new, and ought to work the same for shore power cords.


https://www.acehardware.com/departme...lvents/1438530