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Chris-Craft 381 twin 50 amp shore power...what can I run?

Discussion in 'Electronics' started by PeterT37, Dec 29, 2024 at 5:03 PM.

  1. PeterT37, Dec 29, 2024 at 5:03 PM
    #1
    PeterT37

    PeterT37 New Member

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    I just bought a 1984 Chris-Craft Catalina 381, and it has two 50-amp shore power connections, NOT 30-amp. Marinas can give me one 50-amp connection, but not twin 50's. Can I run my inside lights in the salon and cabins if they are on a different 50-amp unit, if I switch the setting to both units? Many thanks to any responses to this newbie boat owner. :)
  2. Capt Ralph, Dec 29, 2024 at 8:00 PM
    #2
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Are these 50A 120/240 or just 50A 120 ?
    I suspect 50A 120. This is getting old and dock connects are getting harder to find.

    If you not sure what you have, post a pic of your shore cable end and your breaker panel.
  3. PeterT37, Dec 30, 2024 at 10:07 AM
    #3
    PeterT37

    PeterT37 New Member

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    Ralph,
    Thanks! they are 50A 120 connections. Here are photos of the breaker panel. The cord is connected to Inlet 2, so I can run heat in the salon and cabins during the winter. :) So, seeing these pics, do you have a better sense on whether my lighting will work in the salon and cabins on just that one inlet cord? Again, thanks for any insights!
    upload_2024-12-30_10-7-51.png

    Attached Files:

  4. SeaEric, Dec 30, 2024 at 11:16 AM
    #4
    SeaEric

    SeaEric YF Historian

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    Get a splitter that is 2 - 50a 125's to 1 50a 240 and plug the dock end in to a 50a 240. Or switch the panel selector to inlet 1 and plug the dock cord in to that inlet. It should the power the entire panel.
    PeterT37 likes this.
  5. Capt Ralph, Dec 30, 2024 at 11:19 AM
    #5
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Your lights are 12Vdc or 120Vac?
    12Vdc lights should work all the time pending the battery charger.

    Not sure if inlet #1 runs everything or just the left side of the panel.
    I'm thinking inlet #1 should be in use to run everything, just watch your amp draw.

    Is dockside power 50A 120/240Vac available? You can safely "Y" out two 50A 120Vac cords from a single 50A 120/240 outlet.
    Marinco part number 154AY.
    PeterT37 likes this.
  6. PeterT37, Dec 30, 2024 at 1:28 PM
    #6
    PeterT37

    PeterT37 New Member

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    I think the lights are on the 12v dc panel. Battery charger is kept strong/fresh. It's relatively new, too. The refrigerator runs (it's located on hte inlet #2 side), with just Inlet #1 plugged in to shore power. Hopefully, I'm all set.

    SeaEric--> I found a splitter online today that goes from one 50A to 2 50A plugins. I will likely buy that as a further backup.

    Thanks for the advice, folks!
  7. Capt Ralph, Dec 30, 2024 at 3:33 PM
    #7
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    The part number for the male 50A-120Vac to dual female 50A-120Vac "Y" is 162AY.
    You will still have to monitor your loads as a single dock breaker is now servicing both leads.
    Further, some docks do not approve of "Y" adapters, others could not care less.

    A 50A-120/240Vac outlet offers two breakers, one for each 120Vac leads.

    It is rare to still find docks with a single 50A120Vac outlet these days, usually 30A-120 or 50A-120/240.

    Just a friendly reminder; 50A-120 and 50A120/240 plugs and receptacles are two different monsters.
    In post #2, I was hoping for a pic of your shore power cord ends to ensure we were on the same page.
    "Y" adapters are expensive. Hate for you to get the wrong one.