SmartPlug Installation Question

[TugScout]

Hey Gang,

I know many here have replaced their shore power receptacle with the SmartPlug version and I've just ordered one for my 2012 R27 Classic. Question, will I need to re-drill the holes for the mounting plate or is it a match to the existing plug pattern?

Thanks for the help,

Mark

 

[baz]

The hole alignment should be identical - its was for me on my R25 Classic.

 

[knotflying]

Yes, same pattern as on my R-27 classic.

 

[TugScout]

Thanks Barry and Knot,

That's what I thought I had read a while back and just wanted to know what to be prepared for.

Cheers,
Mark

 

[jasonpeacock]

It was painless replacement on my R23. The only gotcha is to not drop the wire into the wall after disconnecting the old plug 🙂

I wrapped some tape around the end of the wire and secured it to the wall so that I had both hands free to attach the new smartplug.

 

[Chimo]

Would I need a new shorepower cord?

 

[baz]

Would I need a new shorepower cord?

The answer is NO.

 

[ixlr8]

Would I need a new shorepower cord?

The answer is NO.

How is the old round shore power cord going to plug into the new square Smart Plug? I would think at the minimum he is going to need to put a SmartPlug plug on the end of his existing shore power cord.

 

[baz]

Would I need a new shorepower cord?

The answer is NO.

How is the old round shore power cord going to plug into the new square Smart Plug? I would think at the minimum he is going to need to put a SmartPlug plug on the end of his existing shore power cord.

When I did mine on my 2010 R25 Classic the kit included a weatherproof black shrink plastic sealing cover that was quite difficult to install over the end of the current yellow shore power cable's end. The instructions indicated to use some dish cleaning liquid to help sliding the black cover/tube onto the end of the cable as part of the female plug. Also, squeezing the wires into the backside of the female receptacle was a challenge as I recall.

See https://smartplug.com/marine/ for some pictures.

 

[TugScout]

Great ideas and insight everyone - Thanks!

I purchased the receptacle, and three plugs. One for my dedicated shore power cable which stays on the slip (I opted for the plastic cap for this one), one for my onboard shore power cable and one for my short extension I use between my portable Yamaha generator and the boat. I plan on tackling the project this weekend. Fortunately, I'm under covered moorage so if it's raining I won't get too wet.

Cheers,
Mark

 

[scross]

For anyone sitting on the fence about getting a SmartPlug it looks like the 30 Amp Combo set models are now on sale ($85.03 for white) at Amazon. Looks like I just added another project for this spring!

SmartPlug B30ASSYPW Combo Kit with Female Connector and Non-Metallic Inlet-30 Amp,...
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073Q5H16K/re ... jEb8EJHBR1

PS: ONE DAY SALE AT AMAZON IS OVER - PRICE BACK UP TO $115
STILL SOME LEFT AT WALMART AT THE $85 PRICE
https://www.walmart.com/ip/SmartPlug-B3 ... gLMgvD_BwE

 

[scross]

Installed the SmartPlug yesterday. Easy! Took about 90 minutes to do both the boat side and replace the boat end of my shore power cord.
My old Marinco receptical was in pretty good condition (with no signs of heat damage) but still glad I made the upgrade.

 

[scross]

I installed the SmartPlug unit about 26 months ago. Mine had the non-electric white plastic cover. Last week I accidentally snapped the cover off. While walking past it on the gunwale my jeans snagged the tip of the cover and it just snapped off. Turns out the non-electric white and gray covers are made of PVC and apparently get brittle over time exposed to sunlight and the elements - especially freezing temps. You cannot order just a replacement cover from SmartPlug dealers, you have to buy the entire inlet assembly.
I have replaced the SmartPlug inlet side with the stainless steel cover version. I was very happy with the condition of the wiring going into the old SmartPlug inlet. After 26 months it looked brand new with zero signs of heat damage.
So, if you’re considering a SmartPlug installation, I’d recommend going with the stainless inlet version over the white or gray PVC version. If you already have the PVC cover, treat it gently!

 

[CaspersCruiser]

I changed to SmartPlug several years ago. It came with the stainless cover so no problem there. The original wiring was all in great shape with no sign of heat distress so no problem there, either.

The feature I love is the indexed shape receptacle and matching plug on the end of the shore power cord that are easy to align and plug in. On my R27 Classic, the shore power receptacle is inconveniently placed down low in the aft port corner of the cockpit. The indexed plug is easy to correctly and securely plug in any kind of light. With the old three-prong twist lock plug, you had to crouch down to assure correct prong alignment before plugging in. In low light conditions, a flashlight or headlamp was necessary.

 

[GaylesFaerie]

PS: ONE DAY SALE AT AMAZON IS OVER - PRICE BACK UP TO $115

FWIW, Amazon prices for all products change frequently based on market conditions, supply, demand, and crafty algorithms that try to maximize sales or expunge inventory as needed. It would seem they have the advantage against the consumer. That said, there is a website called https://camelcamelcamel.com/ that tracks Amazon prices with price history charts and other information to let you know if the price you are paying has been flat for a time, is increasing or actually decreasing. You may find it useful for those expensive items that you don't necessarily need right away.

Also if you are installing a Smart Plug it may also be a good time to install a Galvanic Isolator if you don't already have one. It it best wired as close to the shore power inlet as possible so it may make a good companion project. HTH, Gary