My Boat Is Outside in the Yard, Can I Use an Extension Cord for Shore Power?
30 July 2023 · 5 min · 6K views · Pacific Northwest
What this video covers
Connecting a 1997 Sea Ray 40-foot powerboat to shore power via extension cords in a storage yard presents significant fire and electrical risks. Many storage facilities prohibit this practice due to fire safety regulations.1:10 If a yard permits a connection, the primary concern is the amperage draw of the battery charger, which can fluctuate based on the state of the battery bank.1:46 Owners must quantify their power usage using an amp or watt meter to avoid nuisance tripping of the 30-amp shore power breaker.2:03 To safely maintain batteries over winter, disconnect all non-essential DC loads by turning off battery switches while ensuring the charger remains directly connected to the battery banks.3:08 Verify this connection by confirming the battery voltage rises from a resting state to 13.5–14.5 volts when shore power is engaged.3:32 Use AC-powered lighting and appliances to prevent battery depletion during potential shore power outages.4:41 Always ensure the inverter is switched off during this process to avoid unintended battery discharge.5:00
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