Shore power configuration

[Diver Down]

We have always used only one 50A cable to power the boat while in a slip. The only time I can recall having insufficient power was when we had 3-4 of the reverse cycle heaters on and then plugged in both block heaters. I'm curious how other Hatt owners configure their shore power.

 

[captainwjm]

I do it the same as you. For several years, we were in a slip w/only 1 50, and never needed any more except w/ AC and washer and dryer all going at the same time. Even then, we didn't trip breakers until the water pump kicked in. Being aware of the loads eliminates that, so we still don't plug in both 50s, even though we have them.

 

[MikeP]

Yep - same as you. Occasonally, if I'm not paying attention the shore power breaker will pop but that's pretty rare. I can run the salon, and galley AC (the two with the largest draw) and other normal components with no issue but if I'm running those two Acs AND the clothes dryer, the hot water heater cycling on will pop the breaker.

Generally the 50A limitation is a non issue.

 

[Finalee]

Same here. One 50 amp cord. No issues.

 

[GJH]

When transient, we just used one unless we knew were going to put a big load on. In the home slip, we hooked up both when we were living aboard full time, it made no difference cost wise (metered power) so why not? When using two, I dedicated one to the panel that had all the AC plus the freshwater shallow well pump and the port block heater. The other powered the other two panels which covered everything else.

 

[drburke]

I use a single cord myself, but recently have become more sensitive to the issue of contact heating with high current usage.

There is some advantage in distributing the amperage between two shore connectors for that reason, I suspect.

DAN

 

[Maynard Rupp]

Our '86 36 Hat came with 2 30 amp inlets. One is devoted to all 110 systems except the 2 AC units. The other inlet feeds only the 2 AC units. When we still had the Cruiseair units we couldn't run both AC system without burning out one or both those nasty cardboard cased fuses. We are OK now that our main unit is a new self contained unit.

 

[MarioG]

One cord setup for us. Since we're live aboards with kids, we pretty much use everything like if we're at the house with the exception that sometimes the main breaker on the panel trips in the evening with the dryer running and the microwave running. Otherwise no problems. One note is that the power cable at the plug ends do get REALLY HOT to the touch. I end up replacing them about once a year.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I run two 50a cords in the home slip and one at other stops as I don't want to haul any more out than I have to.

 

[lumina]

Hi all,

Same here. One 50 amp cord. No issues.

On occasion we've used two 30 amp also without any issues.

Our consumption is less than boats 50' and above.