Issue 118: Jan/Feb 2018
SmartPlug Marine Cordset
Friends on two different sailboats have had electrical fires that originated in their shorepower connections. Corrosion on the contacts and internal connections of the shore-cable receptacles caused the resistance across the connections to increase. As a result, the electrical current generated enough heat to melt and ignite the wire insulation. Fortunately, each crew was aboard and able to quickly extinguish the fire. Interestingly, because there was no short circuit, the shoreside circuit breakers did not trip.
The SmartPlug shorepower cord and receptacle combination greatly reduces the likelihood of fires. The SmartPlug design has greater electrical contact area, incorporates a secure locking mechanism, uses corrosion-resistant tinned copper, and provides a weatherproof connection. Instead of the round connector we are familiar with, the SmartPlug connector body is squared, making it easier to find the correct orientation when making the connection.
The SmartPlug shore cable comes with the new-style connector on one end and a standard connector on the other. The shore side of the cable will fit a standard marina receptacle but the existing onboard receptacle must be changed to the new-style receptacle. I made this change on Nine of Cups. The process was straightforward and took about an hour.
The new cable/receptacle combination costs considerably more than a conventional shorepower cable/receptacle. In my estimation, the benefits and high quality of the SmartPlug outweigh the higher cost.
A full range of 30-amp and 50-amp SmartPlug products is available at major chandlers, including Hamilton Marine and Defender. For more information: smartplug.com. — David Lynn, Good Old Boat electronics editor
Shurhold Deluxe Water Sprite Mop
Shurhold’s Deluxe Water Sprite Mop is one of 40 Shurhold products designed to fit a common Shurhold handle. Comprised of strips of absorbent material nearly 3 inches wide, It’s a step up from Shurhold’s Soft-N-Thirsty Mop, and a bit more than double the price.
Out of the package, the strips were soft. I soaked the mop in a pail of fresh water and, wringing it dry by hand, wrung 2 1⁄2 cups from the soaked mop. I hung the mop to dry and the next day found it stiff as a board. Not unlike a chamois, the mop needs to be soaked and wrung before using.
The mop material is polyvinyl acetate (PVA), which absorbs 12 times its weight and is mold- and mildew-resistant. I found it easy to use and effective at mopping up morning dew in the cockpit. I would use it after rain or a washdown. It’s equally effective down below, for mopping the cabin sole to remove dust and dirt or to clean up after a spill or leak. It will not scratch surfaces.
While testing this mop head, I also tested the Telescoping Handle. It comes in 6- and 9-foot lengths. I tested the 6-foot handle, which can be set to 43, 53, 63, and 72 inches. Made of triple-anodized aluminum, it’s light but sturdy.
Shurhold products are available at Hamilton Marine and other chandlers. For more information: shurhold.com — Jerry Thompson, Good Old Boat contributor
Thank you to Sailrite Enterprises, Inc., for providing free access to back issues of Good Old Boat through intellectual property rights. Sailrite.com
