JonHupp
Active member
- Joined
- Sep 2, 2015
- Messages
- 149
- Status
- OWNER - I own a Hatteras Yacht
- Hatteras Model
- 53' EXTENDED DECKHOUSE (1983 - 1988)
I have a 53' MY that lives on my pier. It came with some 13' power cords and 50' power cords. I really needed a 25' cord to go from my pier power to the boat. Rather than spending $400+ for the proper 25 foot, 50 amp 125/250 volt cord, I just connected my two 13' cords using the appropriate connector to make a firm (but not watertight) connection.
I went down to my pier on Saturday, after not visiting the boat for over a week. I noted that the power was off. I looked and the dock breakers had tripped. Not thinking, I reset the breakers and then the connection between the two 13' cords burst into flames. I quickly turned off the breakers and the fire stopped.
I suspect that, given all of the rain and recent high tides/storm surge in Maryland, water covered my pier (and this electrical connection) for a while. This caused it to short out, burn, melt and fortunately trip my dock breakers.
Just goes to show you that trying to save $400 can cost you a lot more if you are stupid! Please learn from my mistake.
Jon
I went down to my pier on Saturday, after not visiting the boat for over a week. I noted that the power was off. I looked and the dock breakers had tripped. Not thinking, I reset the breakers and then the connection between the two 13' cords burst into flames. I quickly turned off the breakers and the fire stopped.
I suspect that, given all of the rain and recent high tides/storm surge in Maryland, water covered my pier (and this electrical connection) for a while. This caused it to short out, burn, melt and fortunately trip my dock breakers.
Just goes to show you that trying to save $400 can cost you a lot more if you are stupid! Please learn from my mistake.
Jon
