T&T: Power Adapter Problems

[Marty Campanella]

Bay Pelican is a 240 - 50 amp boat, that is its normal and best input is 240
at 50 amps.   She however is a cruising boat that has seen just about
everything - from 15 amp on up, and every type of adapter - in Apalachicola
we found 20 amp and a RV type plug. 

If the dock is 30 amp you can use your 50 amp cord to the dock pole and then
an adapter to the 30 amp plug.  Your boat will receive only the 30 amp 110
so your 220 items won't work and you may have problems if your panel does
not spread the single leg between both legs on the boat. 

If you are going to cruise buy a 30 amp cord in addition to the adapter.
That way you can run the 30 amp cord (much lighter) to the dock and connect
the adapter to your boat.  Also if you are going to out of the way places or
places known for low power (Erie Canal, Rideau, Trent Severn, Illinois
River,  or eastern Quebec) buy a 20 amp to 30 amp adapter so you can use the
20 amp power on so many walls and free docks.

You may find that you don't need the 50 amp power and even where available
you take 30 amp and pay the lesser fee.  

Marty Campanella
Bay Pelican KK42