My son and I just bought a boat with a SmartPlug fitting on deck. We bought a Marinco cord and a SmartPlug fitting (about $90). We then made a SmartPlug cord for a lot less money than buying OEM. We also saved enough wire where we cut off the Marinco end to make a pigtail.
From: Dreuge via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> Sent: Monday, May 5, 2025 4:30 PM To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Cc: Dreuge <dre...@gmail.com> Subject: Stus-List Re: Power Connection ->SmartPlug Vs Marinco Hi, I hope this doesn’t start a "PC vs. Mac" style debate, but here's my perspective. A while ago, I seriously considered switching to a SmartPlug system; however, the significantly higher cost was a major hurdle. Right now, a SmartPlug 30A 50ft cord with inlet socket is priced at around $504 (on sale at Fisheries Supply), compared to the Marinco PowerCord 30A 50ft cord at $123 (Defender list price). That’s over four times the cost—quite a substantial difference, and honestly, a lot of beer money! Yes, the SmartPlug offers a secure, foolproof locking clip connector at the boat end, but it still relies on the conventional twist-lock design at the pedestal end. The primary issue with standard twist-lock connectors is the tendency to avoid using the plastic locking rings. These rings often crack, break off, or simply get forgotten, eventually leading to loose connections, arcing, and overheating. Given that replacement locking rings are only about $10, neglecting to replace them promptly isn't wise—I admit I've been guilty of that in the past. Both SmartPlug and Marinco have excellent reputations in marine shore power cords. The SmartPlug comes with a 7-year warranty, whereas Marinco offers a 5-year warranty—both solid options. Additionally, both cords benefit from periodic applications of dielectric grease to maintain performance and reduce corrosion risks. Ultimately, I personally couldn't justify spending an extra $400 on the SmartPlug. Therefore, I've stayed with Marinco, making a conscious effort to regularly inspect connections and ensure the locking rings are used consistently. - Paul E. 1981 C&C Landfall 38 S/V Johanna Rose Fort Walton Beach, FL http://svjohannarose.blogspot.com/ On May 5, 2025, at 12:28 PM, ALAN BERGEN via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com <mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> > wrote: A number of years ago, the inlet power connection on my boat showed signs of burning. I replaced the Marinco inlet with one from SmartPlug. Not long after that, the Marinco dock power connection on my power cord showed signs of burning. I replaced the power cord with one from SmartPlug. If you have considered replacing yours, Fisheries supplies is having a sale on their products, Until May 11. Here's the link: FisheriesSupply.com Harken blocks are also on sale. Alan Bergen 35 Mk III Thirsty Rose City YC Portland, OR Your contributions help pay the fees associated with this list and help to keep it active. Please help by making a small contribution using PayPal at: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/stumurray All contributions are greatly appreciated.
Your contributions help pay the fees associated with this list and help to keep it active. Please help by making a small contribution using PayPal at: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/stumurray All contributions are greatly appreciated.
