> Are there any potters out there that keep their boat in the water, and
> have "shore power" available, that use it?
>
> I am interested in keeping a fan or heater (or fan / heater) aboard to
> combat condensation. I have visions of getting a call from the sheriff
> at 3:00 A.M., asking me how I could be so negligent that I could "burn
> down" every boat at the dock.
>
> Most boats on my dock don't have "real" shore power connections, they
> just run an extension cord under a hatch. This is what I am
> considering, but I don't know what kind of fan / heater to use. This
> fan would also help evaporate any rain water that finds it's way inside.
>
> Any suggestions?
Here's my setup. Its probably not legal or safe or up to code or anything.
but so far, it has worked. I had 30A power, 125V. I got an extension cord,
bobbitted it (cut off the male end, heh heh), and put on a marine 30A
connector. I run it to a Y-cable, running to a west marine 'air dryer' (i.e.
small heating element in a protective chassis) beneath the cabin ladder and
to a cheap Target clip-on fan clipped to the edge of the chain locker door
pointing up through the vent above it.
The combination of a heater and forced ventilation does a much better job at
keeping the condensation at bay than either appliance alone, and I have
tried each alone extensively.
> 1. It has to be SAFE
My setup probably wouldn't pass inspection. It would probably be better if I
put a 15A fuse in there somewhere.
> 2. It has to be CHEAP
My setup IS cheap.
> 3. I would rather not drill holes in my boat
I run the cord out the forward hatch, up to some velcro on the bow pulpit,
and looped down to the shorepower, in such a way that any drips on the line
drip into the lake, not into the socket.