National Elelctrical Code Shore Power Plugs

 I've been hearing a lot of fanfare about Smart Plugs, much of it from smart people I respect. But strngely, they are still not listed  in the NEC, by NEMA, or recommended by ABYC. Since only greater than 30A is acceptable for shore power, these are the only plugs you can use:

ABYC allows a few more, through you will never see the 4-pin and the 20A cannot be used for shore power.

 

 

Less common are pin and sleeve connectors, only seen used for higher loads.

 

 

One reason, of course, is compatibility. A mix at marinas would be a further mess and require more (sometimes dodgy) adapters.

Velcro For Winch Handles

 rev. 7-24-2024

 I tested this for a month. It was OK but just didn't suit my style.

I ended up making a custom holder from PVC pipe that ...

• Is cut on an angle so the handle always lays against the bulkhead
• Fits snugly in an unused corner.
• Has no bottom so it never gets dirt in it.
• Attached with VHB tape. VERY strong, no new holes. Do wipe the surfaces with alcohol first.

 But Velcro did work. The handle never fell off.

 I've never been a fan of the PVC pockets. Cloth ones only last so long. PVC pipe can be pretty good, but it works best in a corner (see above).

What about Velcro? I've been seeing this on more and more sport boats, and I can see some advantages:

• A fraction faster.
• No holes to drill.
• Might lose more handles ... or fewer if the pockets aren't being used.
• Can store grip-down, making it less snag prone.
• Velcro will only be good for about 2 years in the sun.
• The hooks can grab some fabrics, but located low this is unlikely.
• Fits all sizes.
• Could be horizontal.
  
• Grip won't mar the gel coat. 
• Not in the way when not in use. Put a pad by every winch ... but then where is the handle?
  

On the other hand

• Grabbing the handle might be more awkward. 
• It will get dirty and green.
  
• Can't be used for anything else.

You could do both. 1-2 conventional pockets, and then pads near every winch.  I may try that.

The hook part goes on the boat and the loops on the handle. I guess it could go either way, but hooks on the handle would feel strange and not give a good grip.

 I imagine he took up residence when he was small, and then one day learned he was stuck. [sail drive]

 

I'm currently 22 months into a 24+ month evaluation of bottom paints in the Chesapeake Bay for Practical Sailor Magazine. More than 20 samples and 6 different paints on my boat. In spite of copper leach rate restrictions, and to the credit of the paint manufactures and the EPA, we seem to have a crop of paints that are quite effective and kinder to the environment.

I have conventional foul weather gear, but my winter sailing gear is based on waterproof socks in deck shoes, snow board pants, and a windbreaker over fleece. When it gets colder, add a balaclava and a warmer parka. I love the new Gill Helmsman gloves (the only insulated gloves I can really sail and work winches with), and ski goggles come out when it gets close to freezing.