Shore Power Adaptors
Hubbell YQ230 Intelligent Y-Adapter 50A 125/250V Female to 2x 30A 125V Male Marine Shore Power
Hubbell HBL61CM52 50A 125/250V 50' Shore Power Cable Set with Molded Connectors
Shore power adaptors are the connection point between a pedestal at a marina or campground and the electrical system aboard your boat or RV. Dock and park receptacles come in several amperages and plug configurations, and the connector on your vessel or coach often does not match the one on the pedestal. A quality adaptor bridges that gap safely, so you can run battery chargers, air conditioning, water heaters and onboard appliances without improvising.
Why the Right Adaptor Matters
Shore power carries real current, and a loose, undersized or poorly sealed connection can overheat. Marine environments add moisture, salt air and constant vibration, which punish inferior plugs. Well-built adaptors use heavy-gauge cable, corrosion-resistant contacts and weather-resistant housings, and many add a threaded locking ring so the plug cannot work loose or admit water.
Common Types of Shore Power Adaptors
- Dogbone adaptors: short cords with a different plug on each end, used to step between 15, 30 and 50 amp connections.
- Pigtail adaptors: compact marine-style adaptors that convert between locking dockside and boatside connectors, sometimes with an LED power indicator.
- Y-adaptors: combine two 30 amp supplies to feed a 50 amp inlet, useful on larger vessels.
- Generator and conversion adaptors: let RVs and boats connect to alternate power sources.
What to Consider When Shopping
Start by matching amperage and voltage on both ends. A 30 amp connection is typically 125 volts, while a 50 amp service is 125/250 volts, and a 50 amp RV or boat can only draw what the 30 amp source supplies when stepped down. This means you may need to manage loads such as air conditioners. Check the plug configuration (straight blade versus twist-lock), the cord gauge, the cord length and whether you need a right-angle end to reduce strain on the inlet. Look for safety certifications and weather-resistant construction, particularly for wet dock use.
Top Shore Power Adaptor Brands
Hubbell is a long-established name in electrical wiring and connectors, and its heavy-duty marine and Y-adaptor options suit larger vessels and professional marina installations.
Camco is well known among RVers and boaters for its Power Grip dogbone adaptors, which feature an easy-pull handle and are offered in many amperage combinations, including locking marine versions with threaded rings for a weatherproof seal.
Marinco specializes in marine shore power, with pigtail adaptors that use a sealing collar for wet locations and include an LED power indicator on select models.
AFI offers marine and RV electrical connection products that give boaters and campers another dependable option for adapting dockside and campground service.
ParkPower by Marinco is the RV-focused line from Marinco, covering 30 amp to 50 amp adaptors, locking adaptors and generator adaptors designed for campground and RV use.
Whether you are hooking up at a slip for the weekend or settling into a campsite for the season, choosing the correct shore power adaptor protects your equipment and gives you dependable power wherever you tie up or park.