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How to protect shore power cable

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Jw-marine, Jul 13, 2014.

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  1. Jw-marine, Jul 13, 2014
    #1
    Jw-marine

    Jw-marine New Member

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    Hi I'm the engineer onboard a 115 motor yacht, we are spending a lot of time on the wall this year. We have our shore power cable running across the quay and I've watched people pushing trolleys over it, riding mopeds over it and generally it's just getting dirty and haggard!

    The skipper won't let me buy a cable service ramp to protect it so I'm wondering what methods people have been using to protect their shore power cables?

    Pictures would also be good!

    Thanks.
  2. K1W1, Jul 13, 2014
    #2
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Hi,

    If all else fails lay a 4 x 2 either side of it and screw a plywood top over it.

    If you are kind cut another one in half diagonally for a length of approx 3 ft and attach this to either side so trolleys and wheelchairs can get over it without too much difficulty.

    It is also a good idea to keep an old black cable for yards and extended layup periods and the nice shiny yellow one for best.
  3. Carver38, Jul 13, 2014
    #3
    Carver38

    Carver38 Member

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    I see liability issues abounding all over the place!

    Anyway, if you do build something to cover it as suggested, maybe you want to paint it bright yellow to ensure it's seen by passers-by. (And to show that you did make an attempt to mitigate the hazard)

    Someone is going to trip and fall and sue. JMHO.
  4. Capt Ralph, Jul 13, 2014
    #4
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Hang it overhead. Make tall wood A frames. I did this a few years ago for us while on the hill.
  5. Capt J, Jul 13, 2014
    #5
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Another option, and not the best one. Would be to get a piece of Shedule 80 PVC that will fit over it somewhat snugly and slice part of the side of it away so the shorepower cord will slide inside of it.......I too would paint this yellow......
  6. Capt Ralph, Jul 13, 2014
    #6
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Just wondering out loud, do people around the waters of the Med sue more / less than american dock walkers (dock trippers)?
  7. Jw-marine, Jul 13, 2014
    #7
    Jw-marine

    Jw-marine New Member

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    Have been looking at making something but the boat is brand new so don't have any scrap materials as such laying around onboard yet, will keep an eye out around the quay. Local chandleries don't seem to be very well stocked even though it's the height of summer! Can't use an old black cable either as it's fixed to the boat with a glen dinning system. Although we could use a black extension piece instead.

    Thanks for the ideas, will probably make something up out of some wood as suggested!
  8. K1W1, Jul 13, 2014
    #8
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    The tendency to sue for anything is a particular US trait from what I can see in the rest of the world.

    Just look at those folks taking on the Navy who saved them from their own stupidity.

    It does not seem like very good planning to have a brand new boat in the middle of summer and not being able to use it.
  9. Old Phart, Jul 13, 2014
    #9
    Old Phart

    Old Phart Senior Member

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    I dunno
    Will cost; but an easy solution.

    Cable Protection Cord Covers


    If the skipper is too cheap, have the skipper resolve the issue.


    P.S.- That's why the skipper makes the big bucks. :D
  10. K1W1, Jul 13, 2014
    #10
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Hi,

    The first line of the second paragraph in the OP's original post might take care of that idea.
  11. Old Phart, Jul 13, 2014
    #11
    Old Phart

    Old Phart Senior Member

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    I dunno
    That's why the second and third line were added to my post,

    after the fact. :cool:
  12. NYCAP123, Jul 13, 2014
    #12
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    No cost option

    Is it possible to run it under the walkway or dock? Or if planked maybe lift a board or two and change their spacing. Anybody who's been to Coinjock has seen a well thought out situation. Their electric is on the shore side, so ever few boards are spaced so you can drop the power cords under the dock. Simple solution, just needed someone like Lewis to think of it,
  13. Beau, Jul 13, 2014
    #13
    Beau

    Beau Senior Member

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    Slip an old piece of canvas fire hose over it?
  14. Capt Ralph, Jul 13, 2014
    #14
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I like that idea.
  15. olderboater, Jul 13, 2014
    #15
    olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    New 115' Boat, Crew including Engineer, and he won't let you buy a cable service ramp? That's just insane.
  16. Capt Bill11, Jul 13, 2014
    #16
    Capt Bill11

    Capt Bill11 Senior Member

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    The fire hose is a good idea. Or you could wrap it in a hose the right size to slip over it after you slit the hose length wise.