shore power connections

[mjb]

I have a B473 with A/C. The A/C option adds a 2nd 30amp receptacle on
the stern which is dedicated to a power distribution panel for the 2
A/C units. I would like to buy a "Y" adapter to connect the two
boat-side receptacles to one dock-side receptacle since most docking
situations will only provide one outlet. In some cases this outlet
might provide 50 amps but I suspect in most cases it will just be 30
amps.

I haven't sat down and done the math - but I'm curious if anybody else
has combined the two 30 amps "cords" in this situation ... I believe
(and I will confirm) that my current draw will be less than 30 amps -
especially if I only run one A/C unit.

The "Y" connector from Marinco is a standard item so I assume this is
done all the time - is it as simple as just confirming the current
requirements and making sure the combined load does not exceed 30 amps?

[Neil Flynn]

MJB -

I frequently use a "Y" adapter plugged into a single 50 amp outlet at most
marinas I visit. No problems so far .....

I think the only time there might be a problem is when both A/C units are
starting, and there is a high load on the charger - A/C side of the house.

Hope this helps.....

Neil Flynn
B473 "Kanaloa"
Dinner Key Marina
Coconut Grove, Miami 33133
954-303-0570
neil...@hotmail.com

[Bill Jarvis]

What you will need is a fifty/thirty splitter. It is a standard Marinco
item. The only reason that you have two thirty amp receptacles is that you
can use more than 30 A.

You have to be particularly concerned about the startup surge that can
easily three time the normal running current.

Most marinas that could accommodate a boat the size of yours have 50A
outlets.

Bill

----- Original Message -----
From: "mjb" <MJBe...@gmail.com>
To: "Beneteau Owners" <Benetea...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Monday, April 17, 2006 8:22 AM
Subject: {Beneteau Owners} shore power connections

>

[Bob]

mjb,
I have a 351 with one 12,000 BTU AC and have two shore power connectors.
I use a single 30 amp shore outlet via a "Y" splitter to two 30 AMP cords to
the boat's two connections.
This works fine for us.

Bob
S/V Our Dream
'97 Beneteau Oceanis 351 #195
Slip H-15, Lippincott Marine
Marshy Creek - Kent Narrows
Grasonville, MD
_/)__/)__/)_

----- Original Message -----
From: "mjb" <MJBe...@gmail.com>
To: "Beneteau Owners" <Benetea...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Monday, April 17, 2006 8:22 AM
Subject: {Beneteau Owners} shore power connections

>

[pegasu...@aol.com]

Do not recommend combiing the 2- 30 amp plugs into one (??? 30 amp, 50 amp, )

You need 2- 30 amp services to run your boat if you are running air and other stuff.  Your 2 a/c which are probably a 16K and 12K need close to 30 amp service to operate properly.

Joe

 
-----Original Message-----
From: mjb <MJBe...@gmail.com>
To: Beneteau Owners <Benetea...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Mon, 17 Apr 2006 05:22:11 -0700
Subject: {Beneteau Owners} shore power connections

[Ca...@aol.com]

I have frequently combined the two 30 Amp cords into a single 50 Amp dock outlet. We bought the Y connector years ago for this purpose. Naturally, they don't make a Y that combines two thirties into one thirty ... The law suits would be excessive, I'm sure. I would never in life consider doing this, for two main reasons:

 

1. The starting voltage for the large AC would likely trip the 30 A breaker when combined

 

2. The actual 50 A connector is superior to the 30 A according to an electrician who replaced our AC side receptical that had been burned out. He strongly suggested that we combine both sides into one 50 A circuit because of that.

 

 

Cap & Linda Munday
S/V Zydeco
B 473 #20
West River, Maryland, USA

[Peter T]

I have a 50amp-(2) 30amp spliter for the same purpose running the A/C. So
far I have not had any problem when starting the A/C. The A/C is usally the
first load placed in the system and then the other circuits are turned on.

The only problem I had was the stricker shock ($$$).

By the way we took Soul Sender down the ICW from Savannah to Brunswick GA.
There are some very very shallow spots along the way. Never got stuck,but
not fun.

Peter T
Soul Sender

[mjb]

Thanks everybody. I'm going to wait and see how/when we use the A/C (a
concession to my spouse!) and see what kind of connections are
available as we cruise. We're leaving tomorrow morning for 4 days and
that will be a good sampling to see if we primarily get 30 amp or 50
amp service. However, once the season begins in full we won't stay at
dock anyway while we cruise (I think the next 4 days will be very easy
to tie up at various docks in the Western Long Island Sound area).