AFI Shore Power Adaptors

AFI Shore Power Adaptors for Mismatched Docks

Marinas rarely offer a single, universal power setup. One slip may have a 30-amp pedestal, the next a 50-amp outlet, and an older dock may only have a pair of 30-amp receptacles. AFI shore power adaptors are built to bridge those gaps, letting a boat's existing cordset or inlet connect safely to whatever the dock provides. AFI is part of the Marinco family of marine electrical brands, so its adaptors share a design heritage with some of the most widely recognized power connection products on the water.

Pigtail and Reverse Y Designs

AFI's shore power adaptors in this category fall into two main styles, each solving a different dockside problem:

• Pigtail adaptors: A short, molded lead that converts one connection type to another, such as a 15-amp dockside plug to a 50-amp 125/250V boat-side connector. Pigtails like the AFI 150SPP are a practical choice when you only need to change the plug configuration, not combine circuits.
• Reverse Y adaptors: These let a boat with a 50-amp 125/250V inlet draw power from two separate 30-amp 125V dock receptacles. The AFI RY504-2-30 is built this way, with two locking male plugs on the dock side and a single 50-amp female connector on the boat side.

Features That Matter at the Dock

Shore power connections live in a harsh environment: moisture, salt air, UV exposure and constant plugging and unplugging. The reverse Y adaptor is described as using integrated power isolation circuitry for added safety, along with a sealing collar system that helps protect the connection from moisture. Heavy-duty marine-grade construction is intended to resist corrosion and UV damage, which is essential for any adaptor that stays exposed on a dock or in a locker.

These details separate a marine-rated adaptor from a household cord. Marine shore power uses locking, polarized connectors for good reason: a loose or corroded connection at high amperage generates heat. Using a purpose-built adaptor with sealed, locking connections is a far safer approach than improvised solutions.

Choosing the Right Adaptor

Before selecting an adaptor, confirm four things:

• Dock outlet amperage and configuration: 15A, 30A or 50A, and whether it is 125V or 125/250V.
• Boat inlet amperage and configuration: This should match your boat's electrical panel and inlet.
• Direction of adaptation: Stepping down (50A dock to 30A boat) and stepping up (30A dock to 50A boat) require different adaptors.
• Load management: An adaptor changes the connector, not the capacity. A boat on a 30-amp or 15-amp supply still has to manage its loads such as air conditioning, water heaters and battery chargers within the limits of the dock circuit.

Explore More

This selection focuses on a specialized set of AFI adaptors. For the full lineup of marine electrical, wiper, horn and accessory products, visit the AFI brand page. To compare options from other manufacturers, including cordsets, inlets and additional adaptor styles, see the complete Shore Power Adaptors category.