Marine Phone & Cable TV Accessories
Stay connected at the dock or mooring with Fisheries Supply’s in-stock selection of marine phone and cable TV hardware engineered for saltwater environments.
Key Takeaways
What These Accessories Do
Boat-side phone and cable TV inlets/outlets provide sealed pass-throughs for RJ-style telephone and 75-ohm coax connections. Matching shore cords, adapters, and junction boxes complete the system so you can place calls and watch TV at the marina without exposing cabin equipment to the elements.
Why Marine-Grade Matters
Marine environments demand ingress protection, corrosion resistance, and mechanically secure connections. Look for:
- Corrosion-resistant housings — e.g., 316 stainless steel or UV-stabilized nylon/Lexan faceplates and caps.
- Gaskets and watertight boots to keep spray out of penetrations and lockers.
- Strain-relief and positive-locking connectors that won’t back out under vibration or heavy foot traffic.
- Proper impedance and shielding on 75-ohm TV coax to maintain signal quality.
Product Clusters & Buying Guide
Inlets & Outlets
Choose round or rectangular deck plates with locking caps and gasketed covers. Popular options include:
- Marinco phone/TV inlets — stainless or polymer faceplates; matching outlets and junction boxes.
- Hubbell inlets & cordsets — known for robust caps and long-life seals.
- SmartPlug shore connection innovations — enhanced contact area and lock-in geometry for AC shore power systems; look for matching phone/coax plates to maintain a unified deck layout.
Shore Cords, Adapters & Connectors
- TV coax cordsets (dock-to-boat) — outdoor-rated 75-ohm cables with molded ends reduce ingress and interference.
- Phone cords (dock-to-boat) — choose marine-rated cable with sealed strain reliefs; match connector genders to the marina pedestal.
- Adapters & junction boxes — tidy transitions from deck inlets to interior distribution.
For AC shore power (separate system), see our Shore Power Adapters to complement your communications plates.
Specifications & Standards Installation
While phone/coax hardware is low-voltage or signal-level, its deck placement and cable routing intersect with electrical best practices. Reference:
- ABYC E-11 for marine AC/DC system integrity, wire routing, and protection near inlets.
- USCG 33 CFR 183 Subpart I for compliance guidance on small-craft electrical systems.
When upgrading AC shore power hardware adjacent to your phone/TV plates, consider SmartPlug-style connectors that increase contact area and mechanical security to mitigate heat at the connection point.
Selection Checklist
- Faceplate material: 316 stainless for maximum corrosion resistance; UV-stable polymers for weight and budget.
- Sealing: cap gaskets, rear boots, and drip loops on interior runs.
- Compatibility: match connector types to marina pedestals and your onboard equipment.
- Service routing: isolate low-voltage signal runs from AC conductors per marine guidelines.
- Support: choose brands with readily available replacement caps and cords.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my household coax outside on a boat?
Use outdoor-rated, marine-appropriate 75-ohm coax with molded weatherproof ends. Household indoor cable lacks UV and moisture protection and can degrade quickly in salt environments.
Do phone/TV inlets need to be near my AC shore power inlet?
They’re often co-located for convenience, but follow ABYC guidance on routing and separation. Maintain drip loops and keep signal cables segregated from AC conductors.
What materials last longest in saltwater?
316 stainless steel faceplates and UV-stabilized polymers (e.g., marine-grade nylon/Lexan) provide excellent durability. Look for gaskets and soft-touch caps for sealing.
Is SmartPlug only for AC shore power?
Yes — SmartPlug is an AC shore-power connector system. Many boaters upgrade nearby phone/TV plates at the same time to maintain a consistent, modern deck layout.
Ready to outfit your boat? Browse our wide selection of shore power adapters.