Quote:
Originally Posted by slowgoesit
My concern with SmartPlugs is that if I DO have a problem with it, and am in a remote area, my chances of getting a new Smart cord, and associated receptacles is a lot lower than being able to get a standard Marinco cord or plug. . . . .
So the "solution" would be to carry spares . . . . . .
A spare SmartPlug cord is around $800.00. And SmartPlug ends ($180.00 to $250.00 EACH) . . . .
My spares budget is not unlimited, and a Marinco cord as well as Marinco replacement ends are about 1/3rd the price of the SmartPlug (per SmartPlug's website).
And I'm still not convinced that the SmartPlug is any better. I recently helped a boater replace his SmartPlug receptacle (He paid over $200.00) after it overheated and burned. . . . He had the new cord ($800.00 including tax) on order. He was NOT a happy camper . . . . or rather boater.
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When I changed to a Smart Plug, at the boat to shore cord connection, I saved the old Marinco boat end. Then when my Smart failed, which the original design was prone to do, I swapped back to the Marinco connection, used my spare that still has its original Marinco end and contacted Smart for a replacement. That arrived within a couple of weeks, so I again did the swap, and now have the second generation Smart, without the prone to failure issue of the first. I also still have the old Marinco unit.
Scot, change to the Smart Plug, get the second generation unit, and save the old Marinco unit. Check with your insurer. Some offer a rebate if you change to a Smart. Mine did, though that was several years ago.