www.iFourWinns.com

Hi all. I recently purchased a 1996 Vista 238, but it didn't come with the shore power adapter. My boat is in the shop for maintenance and so I don't know what kind of connector is on the deck for shore power. I plan to run a generator so I want to adapt it to the 120v standard 3 prong plug.
Does anyone know what adapter I need? Would really appreciate it so I can get it ordered.
Thanks.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Will this work? It's only 7 bucks.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004 ... PDKIKX0DER

Does not appear 30amp. If not, no it will not work.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Coleman Cable 09020 12/3 9-Inch Generator Cord Adapter, 5-15P to L5-20R

You need a 5-15P to L5-30R adapter if you have the usual 30 amp shore power connector. RV stores are WAY cheaper than boat stores for them.

This is what I use, found one at a local RV store for 18.00:

http://www.amazon.com/Conntek-Twist-Ada ... =pd_cp_e_0

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2006 Vista 248 5.7DP - SOLD
2011 Crownline E6 - SOLD
2007 Sea Ray 260 Sundancer

They will both work!! What I did is take a 12 gauge (no lighter) extension cord 25' & cut the female and off. I than installed the 30 amp female plug. This works great when the boat is in the driveway.

Thanks for the replies. Is there a difference in plug size between a 20amp connector and a 30amp connector?
Can't believe how much these little adapters cost.

There is a difference between a 30 amp and 20 amp plug they are not the same. You can make your own if you have any electrical knowledge. Just go to your electrical supply house and buy a 30 male plug and a 110v female and a piece of cab-tire wire, (it looks like an extension cord) Make sure the wire is rated for 30amps which is #10 AWG wire and you can make for about $20

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2001 328 Vista "Nauta Dream 2"
AB Inflatable 10AL "Little Dreamer"
2000 248 Vista
1997 225 Sundowner


Mike

You are so right!! Just to point out, in making up this adapter, we are going from a 30A plug down to a 20A. You can use the #10 wire!! But it will be over kill, because you will be plugging it into a 15 or 20 amp outlet. A #12 or 12/3 wire is just fine for that. I you going over 150 feet of wire, than #10 should be considered. Remember too, that you can NOT use this cord as if you were at the slip!! By using the micro, charger, hot water heater if you have one a, and anything else. You could pull more than 15 or 20 amps & you will pop the breaker. I say 15 or 20 amps, because is depends on how that outlet was wired. It will never be more than 20amps, if it is, it has been wired wrong.

Please don't take this the wrong way ... I say this tongue-in-cheek. If saving money is important to you ... you picked the wrong hobby. Boats (and democrats) are the opposite sound fiscal policy.


Craig C.

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2003 Vista 248, VP 5.0 GXi-C, DP

LOL. Oh believe me - I know how expensive boating can be. Got our first boat 10 years ago and sure didn't take long to figure that out! That doesn't stop me from looking to save a few dollars here and there though.
BTW- I'm ordering the single piece power adapter from Amazon.
Thanks all for the help!!

Also note the insulation on marine power cords tends to be more resistant to UV than regular stuff. I've had shore power cords out in the sun 365 days a year and they hardly look different than new. I've got a 'heavy duty' extension cord that sat out for a month and a half and it's horribly faded. Doesn't say much for the quality of retail cords.

Just remember, fire and fiberglass do not mix. Nor do cobbled-up solutions and insurance claims. Don't make one disaster lead to another.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

If it's not too late...just saw this on Facebook...

http://www.wholesalemarine.com/p/MAR-10 ... aloftheday

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Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4

Good find. It's good to check for the best price, but Amazon should not always be your first stop for boating products.

Also +1 to Wholesale Marine. I usually go there first when looking for boat supplies/products. I have bought alot from them, and their prices and service are excellent.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

If it's a known product or brand, go for it. Amazon tends to have better shipping and refund practices than a lot of online merchants.

But there's something to be said for being able to lay your hands on an item in a retail store. Within reason, that justifies paying what might be more than mail order. After all, it does cost them something to run the place. The store being there and having what you want is definitely worth it, especially if you need it right away. Otherwise you have to deal with the shipping costs and hassles of returning things from mail order suppliers. Here Amazon generally sucks less than others.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista