One small point on Paul's post: What I have read and experienced is that dielectric grease is unnecessary as well as messy to work with. The mechanical contacts in most plugs do not need dielectric grease to function normally and if lubrication is desired, any grease will work. I keep superlube on my boat but not dielectric grease. Dave
S/V Aries 1990 C&C 34+ New London, CT  > On May 5, 2025, at 4:29 PM, Dreuge via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote: > > 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> 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.
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