Wow... after our discussion on SmartPlug I actually witnessed what could have been an horrific accident and possible personal injury today.
Was leaning over the rail looking down at a 55-footer in one of the Guest slip at my Marina in Edmonds and suddenly the dockside power pedestal that the boat's shore power cord was attached to literally blew up in front of my eyes. I was some 100' away. There was a big flash and then flames shot into the air with a big puff of smoke. The boat's shore power connector was shot out of the way with its end completely gone -- it simply went poof. 😉
I'm certain had any person been within a few feet of this pedestal they would have been hurt badly and flung into the water.
Marina Ops were on the spot pretty darn quickly and within a few minutes I could hear the fire engine siren in the distance.
I took the opportunity to go into the Ops office to get some coffee that they sell. I started pouring the coffee and the Ops guy who was on the phone looked very stressed and asked me to leave... "but what about my coffee and payment." I asked. His reply was short and to the point. It's free and close the door behind you. 🙂
Fire engine arrived and those guys with all their gear on boarded the boat... it seems they determined no fire on board and that the boat side power connector was removed... and exclaimed that was as much as they could do at that moment.
Geeeesh, I wonder what the cause of this was ?
Anyone else ever observed this sort of thing ?
After witnessing this I felt I should goto my boat (any excuse, right?) to ensure all was well. Got to it and SmartPlug was still doing its job. 😀
However, when you think of it, the SmartPlug would not have protected against this pedestal issue as the current SmartPlug dock side connector is no different from the traditional Marinco dock side cord end. Thus, the new dock side adapter that SmartPlug is manufacturing which will be available in 3 months or so will presumably be able to protect against this happening. I'm of the understanding that the new adapter will encompass the same thermal protection that the boat side end of the SmartPlug does today.
Now that I was at/on the boat, why not take it out as sun was shining, practically no wind, plus I wanted to get some base line data for speed, gph, rpms, trim tab positioning as well as to try out a few more Auto Pilot cruising techniques and to ensure my engine anode bolt replacements were snugged up enough to avoid any leaking. That was the story I fed to 1st Mate any rate. :lol: 1st Mate's only response was, be back to make some dinner please. :roll:
Was leaning over the rail looking down at a 55-footer in one of the Guest slip at my Marina in Edmonds and suddenly the dockside power pedestal that the boat's shore power cord was attached to literally blew up in front of my eyes. I was some 100' away. There was a big flash and then flames shot into the air with a big puff of smoke. The boat's shore power connector was shot out of the way with its end completely gone -- it simply went poof. 😉
I'm certain had any person been within a few feet of this pedestal they would have been hurt badly and flung into the water.
Marina Ops were on the spot pretty darn quickly and within a few minutes I could hear the fire engine siren in the distance.
I took the opportunity to go into the Ops office to get some coffee that they sell. I started pouring the coffee and the Ops guy who was on the phone looked very stressed and asked me to leave... "but what about my coffee and payment." I asked. His reply was short and to the point. It's free and close the door behind you. 🙂
Fire engine arrived and those guys with all their gear on boarded the boat... it seems they determined no fire on board and that the boat side power connector was removed... and exclaimed that was as much as they could do at that moment.
Geeeesh, I wonder what the cause of this was ?
Anyone else ever observed this sort of thing ?
After witnessing this I felt I should goto my boat (any excuse, right?) to ensure all was well. Got to it and SmartPlug was still doing its job. 😀
However, when you think of it, the SmartPlug would not have protected against this pedestal issue as the current SmartPlug dock side connector is no different from the traditional Marinco dock side cord end. Thus, the new dock side adapter that SmartPlug is manufacturing which will be available in 3 months or so will presumably be able to protect against this happening. I'm of the understanding that the new adapter will encompass the same thermal protection that the boat side end of the SmartPlug does today.
Now that I was at/on the boat, why not take it out as sun was shining, practically no wind, plus I wanted to get some base line data for speed, gph, rpms, trim tab positioning as well as to try out a few more Auto Pilot cruising techniques and to ensure my engine anode bolt replacements were snugged up enough to avoid any leaking. That was the story I fed to 1st Mate any rate. :lol: 1st Mate's only response was, be back to make some dinner please. :roll: