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Thanks for the tips. I don't plan on doing a microwave there certainly isn't room for it...a heater...maybe next year in May...

As I mentioned in my reply, the modified extension cord is NOT the right way. It will work, and did for years as once you have a working "prototype" or low cost "Suitable substitute" you never seem to find the time to go back and do it right. I should have mentioned a better cord (like a 14/3) is a smarter choice, and you could always replace a cheaper cord later (as the plug and receptacle can be reused), but once the "Fix" works (even if it is the wrong way)...it seems to stay Since it seems you have a specific dock you are going to use at Petoskey, you could also buy a shorter cord if the marina powerbox is closer. Drawing the power for a shorter distance under load is also a better idea. Enjoy the 4th weekend.....Scott

Power cable completed! I took it down to the pier this evening to test it out. The polarity tester shows I did it all correctly. I cannot wait to actually listen to some tunes this week while not using my battery. This will get me by until I can get a real connection into the side somewhere.

For $104.69 with Home Depot parts. The cable is 12/3.

Sorry about my feet. haha

Nice work. Appropriate footwear.

--Russ

Great Job!

When I had mine, I mounted the plastic box when I figured out where it should go inside the cabin. Over 7 years later I was still using that cord, always thinking "I'll put a proper electrical connection in someday" My biggest use was to charge the twin battery bank with an average battery charger from Walmart. That and a heater to keep the admiral warm, or a fan to keep the admiral cool when in port. Twin batteries could provide all the music I wanted, an anchor light, and even power the tiller autopilot for about 5 days. By far the autopilot was the biggest power hog!! Sail back to a marina every 5 days or so....charge everything...get ice. My life for around 6 summers....

Enjoy the summer with power!!! Another up side to your power cable....you can leave it on the dock when you go out for a sail....It won't fit anyone else's fancy hook-up Fair winds...Scott

Scott,

I had no idea you could run that much with twin batteries! What size are they? I think my battery is a marine battery, it looks like a full size sedan or SUV car battery size.

-Mark

Well, I have successfully used my shoreline power cable this weekend. I secured it to the dock with some unused cleats and it made it all the way to the pop top and I hung the outlet there right over the galley table so I could use my laptop and charge my phone.

I slept on the boat in the bow area for the first time. It was just like camping except there was a lapping of waves that kept me up for a while haha.

Sadly, though, my outboard motor is not cooperating so I can't even get out of the harbor easily right now unless I paddle myself out.

I am hoping I can find a mechanic who has time to look at it before July 4. I should have tested the motor months ago but didn't have time. Now we may not be sailing on the 4th or watching the fireworks from the bay...instead we'll have to watch from a floating RV with engine problems.

Well now.... If it is only a motor you lack and you read the forum often....send me an email outside the forum and you can barrow mine for the 4th. Keep in mind you have a Mac 22, NOT a 26X which can handle something like a 50HP. I have a 5hp mariner which works most of the time:-) I'm getting ready to modify a trolling motor to work in tandem with my tiller, but that is AFTER window install and keel reinstall. Again...if it is only a motor you lack for the 4th...send me an email....I'm 40 miles away. Or you said you had a deep cycle battery....I've seen folks get in/out of the marina with a trolling motor on small Macs before. You won't be able to motor for hours with it, but you can get in/out most likely. That is my goal with the modified trolling motor....get rid of gas motor entirely. Email is bobbieaw (at) live (dot) com. Or even...look around the marina and see if someone has a "kicker" or trolling motor they will let you use. Again....you only need to get out of the marina....then sail! On a side note....if your motor won't start, try new fuel filter, new sparkplug, and new gas/oil mix. About 95% of the time, that will fix your problem with an older small outboard ...Scott