Unplug Shore Power before Starting?

[Tomco]

In a recent conversation there was a (strong) opinion that you must unplug from shore power BEFORE starting the engines, otherwise the alternators are trying to charge the batteries as is the AC/DC convertor and this will damage the system.

I've not heard this before. I always start the engines before unplugging from shore power - not for any specific reason, just the order I have been doing it.

Wondering how others do it and if there is any truth to the potential risk (which may depend on the age of the electrical system)?

 

[RollerCoastr]

No risk, but a reason to unplug first is that starting while the converter is on can hide weak batteries.

 

[Almightys]

You could just flip the breaker first right?

 

[doozie]

So, what happens when you have the generator running and the engines running, I don't see how that would ever be problem

 

[Lazy Daze]

Other than possibly taking off and still having your cord plugged in :smt001 , there are no "electrical" reasons to have to do it. No issues.

 

[Sous]

That is my usual method as well, no real reason, but starting up is usually my first thing that way the engines can come up to temp a bit and I have the few minutes of engines running to detect any problems while I'm still tucked away in the slip. Other than the "hiding weak batteries" as RC mentioned, there is no real issue with doing it this way.

 

[trflgrl]

This would be relevant for staying in the slip, too--during some troubleshooting/repair work, we turned engines on and off in between tweaks. Never even thought about turning off shore power, whether at the boat panel switch or at the dock breaker. Glad to know it's unlikely this has caused damage.

When we're launching, we're not consistent with when we disconnect/unplug, as far as before or after starting engines. (It's ALWAYS been before we left the slip, though!)

 

[Sous]

This would be relevant for staying in the slip, too--during some troubleshooting/repair work, we turned engines on and off in between tweaks. Never even thought about turning off shore power, whether at the boat panel switch or at the dock breaker. Glad to know it's unlikely this has caused damage.

When we're launching, we're not consistent with when we disconnect/unplug, as far as before or after starting engines. (It's ALWAYS been before we left the slip, though!)

Well that's a good thing! :lol:

 

[Billfletcher]

And unplugging the shore power cord, prior to starting, may help prevent backing out of the slip with the power cord connected to the boat. I, of course, have no first hand experience with that potential hazard.

 

[MonacoMike]

I do not believe that anyone can give you a blanket statement as to whether or not you should or should not start your engines with your shore power plug in and your charger on. It it probably doesn't matter if you start the engines with it plugged in but it may make a big difference if the charger is indeed on and that can vary from charger to charger.

I have a ProTechi charger and if it is on charging when I start the engines the charger quits working. The culprit has been determined to be a very small unique sized glass fuse ($5 per fuse and hard to find other than Grainger) that is undocumented in the manuals. When I called about sending it in to get it repaired for not charging they suggested I check that fuse and that has happened twice.

My engine starting procedure is to turn off the breaker for the charger, start the generator, start and warm up the engines while unplugging the power cords.

ProTechi says that should not happen, but it does, every time I forget the above procedure. LOL It has never occurred otherwise...

MM

 

[ShaneOnYou]

If the boat Dosent start then you have plug them back in

Do whatever makes you happy..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[electricaldoctor]

Some people have no particular reason or order of doing things but, as a matter of habit, we ALWAYS:

01. turn off the main breakers
02. turn on the blowers
03. unplug the shore power cords
04. start the engines
05. after 4 minutes, release our permenant dock lines
06. leave the slip and enjoy the day

This habitual routine was developed so that we do not stretch the shore power cords as some of our dock mates have done in the past. It also avoids unplugging under load which will cause premature power cord & receptacle damage due to arcing.

 

[DaleM]

All I'll say is at 'some' point unplug the shorepower before you leave A shorepower cord WILL NOT prevent a 340 from pulling out of a slip. Ask me how I know.... :smt101

 

[tdgard]

I always disconnect mine before starting but only for my own convenience. I use the time it takes to lower my lift to undo all the lines, cords, and snaps. I wouldn't have any problem starting with it plugged in. I do agree with disconnecting the load before pulling the plug-although I never do. The only thing I'm powering is a float charge and a handheld rechargeable vacuum. Not enough current to cause any real damage. If your powering A/C, refrigerators, etc., it's a good idea.

 

[Mike Blake]

Some people have no particular reason or order of doing things but, as a matter of habit, we ALWAYS:

01. turn off the main breakers
02. turn on the blowers
03. unplug the shore power cords
04. start the engines
05. after 4 minutes, release our permenant dock lines
06. leave the slip and enjoy the day

This habitual routine was developed so that we do not stretch the shore power cords as some of our dock mates have done in the past. It also avoids unplugging under load which will cause premature power cord & receptacle damage due to arcing.

#2 on this one.

 

[Dani-Lu]

I highly recommend unplugging before starting your engines. I have been boating a long time, including solo handling my boat to and from Florida and I am telling you, unplug before starting engines. I am not telling you about my boating experience to brag, rather to show even experienced captains can make mistakes.

After the engines are started, it is very easy to forget the power cord, especially with guests on board. I am a safe captain and always give a speech, letting guests know where PFD's are, tell them to stay seated when I am docking. I explain how the poles won't hurt the boat and I may sometimes use them to dock, not always on purpose . With all this commotion, you can forget that you did not unplug the power cord.

With that said, I am embarrassed to admit I almost ripped the power cord from the dock power pedestal. Fortunately my daughter noticed the long yellow cord still attached and I put the boat in reverse just in time. No harm, no foul but it was a close call.

Now there is only one task to remember after starting engines - Untie remaining dock lines!

 

[Madifonzo]

For me the last line to come off the boat is a cross spring on the stern. So before that line comes off I remove the shore power cord, then the line. Everyone has their own dance.

 

[Fly'n Family]

Interesting how many ways people can do the same task.

I turn off shore power on the panel and go to dc power for starting, leaving the shore power cords plugged in. I check gauges, letting the engines come up to temp - then disconnect the two shore power lines, then all the dock lines. I once left a small stern line on as I've gone to leave the dock...once. I can say the stern cleat on a Sea Ray is most definitely stronger than the cleat on a 2 x 4. There are those that have done it, and those that will. Hopefully no more have's for me.....

 

[Sous]

For me the last line to come off the boat is a cross spring on the stern. So before that line comes off I remove the shore power cord, then the line. Everyone has their own dance.

This ^^ for all the folks with the issues of forgetting to unplug before leaving the slip. I'll say this, anything can happen... anything. However given the fact that my (dare I say most) power is connected in a locker in the transom I'd have to walk past the bright yellow power cord as I'm removing my stern lines. Could it happen? Sure. Is it likely to happen? Probably not.

 

[Tomco]

Interesting how many ways people can do the same task.

How true!

We don't need to worry about tides here so do not cross tie - so, after docking and when connecting shore power I wrap the cord around the aft line (3 times). It keeps it out of the water and I can't forget to unplug before leaving. Instead of turning off switches on panel, I'll flip the switches in the locker.