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Constellation shore power plug

Your old Chris-Craft electrical system can be a challenge. If it runs on "juice" pose your questions and offer your advice here.

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Herb K
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Constellation shore power plug

Post by Herb K » Sun Jul 28, 2013 10:29 pm

I am looking for a female shore power plug for my
constellation that plugs into the hull side. It is not the standard twist lock that is on newer boats. It is brass and has 2 prongs with the ground provided by the frame of the plug. These were standard on the larger Connies in the 1960's. I don't know the manufacturer of the original plug. Any thoughts on where to get one would be appreciated.

Thanks


I
1966 48' Connie
1957 22 Sea Skiff

Peter M Jardine
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Re: Constellation shore power plug

Post by Peter M Jardine » Mon Jul 29, 2013 11:43 am

Dont bother. ....just buy a modern marinco plug and cords. They make one with a chrome cover. I doubt the vintage one is up to current Abyc standard ....a surveyor worth their salt would note it.

Jim Bell
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Re: Constellation shore power plug

Post by Jim Bell » Mon Jul 29, 2013 1:50 pm

I agree, all original is great to a point. I draw the line at safety. 8)

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RRGadow
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Re: Constellation shore power plug

Post by RRGadow » Mon Jul 29, 2013 8:40 pm

That old set-up is a serious fire hazard!
www.Gadowguitars.com

Varnish addiction.

jfrprops
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Re: Constellation shore power plug

Post by jfrprops » Tue Jul 30, 2013 9:52 pm

Ryan and others are right on...ditch that thing right now. Cheap insurance.

John in Va.
1980 Fairchild Scout 30
19?? custom Argentine Runabout 16'
1954 Whirlwind deluxe dual ckpt 16'
1921 Old Town Charles River 17' (founding Captain, James River Batteau Festival)

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evansjw44
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Re: Constellation shore power plug

Post by evansjw44 » Wed Jul 31, 2013 8:35 am

You need to look at more than just the plug. The standard shore inlet and cord is rated of 30 amps. The boat wiring needs to be updated as it is most likely just 20 amps. My '58 30' skiff had the 20 amp 2-conductor shore power inlet and it ran to a small fuse box with 2 15 amps circuits. You would need to update the wiring from the shore inlet to a distribution point to 30 amp #10 AWG at a minimun. You might want to add a distribution panel and break up some circuits. You probably don't have any grounds on your shore distribution either.
Jim Evans

jfrprops
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Re: Constellation shore power plug

Post by jfrprops » Wed Jul 31, 2013 9:18 am

What Jim said = right on.

John in Va.
1980 Fairchild Scout 30
19?? custom Argentine Runabout 16'
1954 Whirlwind deluxe dual ckpt 16'
1921 Old Town Charles River 17' (founding Captain, James River Batteau Festival)

Herb K
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Joined: Fri Oct 28, 2005 9:44 pm
Location: Racine, WI
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Re: Constellation shore power plug

Post by Herb K » Sat Aug 03, 2013 10:08 pm

Thanks all for the reply's. Chris Craft built these Connies with dual 30 amp services and appropriate distribution panels also there are dual receptacles on both sides of the hull to plug in shore power. Changing to the modern twist locks will require me to remove and replank that section of the hull. I have already replanked enough of it and just need a replacement plug as I dropped it when on the hard and the brass plug is now deformed and I am unable to get it to fit. I have tried to round it out but the tolerances are to close for it to work.

Thanks
1966 48' Connie
1957 22 Sea Skiff

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evansjw44
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Re: Constellation shore power plug

Post by evansjw44 » Thu Aug 08, 2013 10:40 am

The inlet plugs are standard Hubbell or Levitan. Go to a good electric supply house with your sample and they should be able to match it up. You can look at Hubbell.com or Levitan.com and match it up as well and then order it on line. It possible its obsolete or at least not stocked. You probably won't find it at Home Depot or Lowe's. All these plugs etc are made to a NEMA Standard so you might be able to get access to the NEMA standards.
Jim Evans

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