Marine Pedestals: Shop Dock, RV & Marina Power Products

Ultimate Buying Guide for Dock & Marina Power Pedestals

Whether you’re outfitting a private dock, a marina, or an RV-park, choosing the right power pedestal can make all the difference in safety, durability, and user experience. Below you’ll find the key considerations, recommended features, and a look at some standout provider brands — including HyPower (with its PowerPort®, EnergyMate®, LightCenter® lines) and Marine Fiberglass Direct.

1. What is a Power Pedestal?

A power pedestal (sometimes called a dock or shore-power pedestal) is a freestanding utility box installed at a slip or campsite that provides electrical (and often water, lighting, cable/internet) connections to boats, RVs or other users. Premium units are built for outdoor, marine-environment operation (salt, moisture, UV), and include responsive safety and service features. 

2. Key Buying Considerations

Before selecting a model, here are the critical factors to evaluate:

a) Location & Environment

How exposed to water, spray or floods is the installation? A pedestal may need to be elevated or protected if in a flood-zone.  
Is it salt-water or fresh-water? Corrosion resistance is much more important typically in a marine environment.
Consider mounting substrate: fixed docks, floating docks, pile-mount, RV pads all have different demands.

b) Power Requirements

What amperages are needed? Many small slips need 30 A or 50 A, while larger vessels or dual-slip pedestals might need 100 A or more.  
Multiple receptacles vs single: Do you want one pedestal to serve multiple users / slip sizes?
Future-proofing: pick a unit that allows upgrades if you add bigger boats or RVs later.

c) Materials & Durability

Marine-grade materials: non-conductive housings, UV-protected, corrosion-resistant hardware. For example, some units are polycarbonate/UV stabilized.  
Weather proofing: sealed doors, drainage, protection from spray, and easy maintenance access.
Maintenance and serviceability: a pedestal that’s easy to service saves time and cost.  

d) Serviceability & Flexibility

Ideally the unit should allow quick breaker or receptacle replacement without full rewiring. For example, HyPower’s “PowerSnap®” panel technology.  
Access to upgrades: the ability to add cable TV, internet, water, lighting, metering.  
Mounting options: pole, stand-mount, piling mount, flush mount etc.

e) Safety & Regulatory Compliance

Ground fault (GFCI) protection especially for wet environments.  
Circuit breakers sized correctly, receptacles clearly labelled.
Meet local code and regulatory requirements: marina installations often involve more rigorous inspection and insurance considerations.

f) Extras & User Experience

Built-in lighting (pathway or pedestal top) for night access.
Water hookups, hose reels, storage lockers integrated (for marina setups) as value-add.
Aesthetic and branding: often for marinas the look / finish matters (to match high-end docks).
Warranty, service network, and parts availability.

g) Cost of Ownership

Initial cost vs lifetime maintenance. A more premium unit may cost more upfront but save on downtime, parts, repairs.  
Consider shipping, installation, and service access when evaluating cost.

3. Recommended Models & Brands

Here are some of the best options on the market, and what makes them stand out:

Water & Electric Shore Power Pedestal (Marine Fiberglass Direct)

Description: A pedest­al offered by Marine Fiberglass Direct with a 36” height and 8” x 8” footprint, water & electric pedestals in fiberglass/rotomolded style. 

Why it’s good: Customizable and suitable for residential docks and smaller marinas.  
Provided in marine-fiberglass style housing (which offers good corrosion resistance).
A cost-effective solution for installations that don’t require ultra-high amperage.

Tips: Confirm amperage and receptacle configuration before purchase.
For salt-water use ensure hardware is stainless and finish is appropriate.

Marine Fiberglass Direct

They provide power pedestals and water & electric pedestals for marine and RV use. 
Why they stand out:
Probably more budget-friendly / mid-market.
Good for smaller docks, residential, or RV parks where full high-end features may not be required.
Points to check:
Confirm electrical specs (amp capacity, serviceability) if you have higher demands.
For marine environments especially salt-water, check that finish and hardware are marine-rated.

4. Installation & Maintenance Tips

Mount pedestal on a solid, level base; use appropriate anchors/foundation for floating vs fixed docks.
Run wiring sized properly for the maximum load plus margin; oversizing wire reduces voltage drop and improves efficiency.
Label each receptacle with amperage and usage instructions for users.
Periodically inspect:
Corrosion of hardware
Weather seals and drainage
Functioning of GFCI and breaker trip
Lighting (if built-in) and signage

Provide user instructions for safe connection/disconnection of shore power cords.
Coordinate with marina/RV park insurance for inspection intervals and compliance.

5. Summary: Choosing the Right One 

Private residential dock + small boat/RV → Mid-capacity (30/50 A) pedestal, durable housing, basic outlets & lighting. Marine Fiberglass Direct style fits well.
Growing marina or RV park → Choose something with upgrade flexibility, serviceability, strong brand support 

Finally, Reliable energy solutions are crucial for enhancing marina operations, and recent advancements are focused on modernizing facilities to meet today’s challenges. Utilizing technology like ground fault outlets and energy-efficient lighting has proven effective in improving operations across various marinas.

These upgrades not only improve safety but also ensure a constant power supply, necessary for a wide range of activities at the docks. Ground fault outlets, for instance, are vital in reducing electrical risks, especially in wet environments.

Adding these safety features has contributed to a significant drop in incidents, creating a safer environment for all boaters. Meanwhile, LED lighting is recognized for its exceptional durability and long lifespan, which enhances visibility and significantly boosts security during nighttime.

An outstanding example of this technology integration is the 50 Amp Water & Electric Pedestal. 

Click here to see the 50 Amp Water & Electric Pedestal we have available