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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Adding a 12V outlet

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Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/15/2009 : 11:04:11

Right now Iris has a 12V outlet in one of her coaming boxes, which is great for running stuff while out in the cockpit. I want to put in a second outlet below the companionway so we can also plug stuff in while we are inside.

most of the marine outlets though are flush mounted, and what I need for this application is an "undermount" like this one: [url="http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/AutoAccessories/Plugin12VoltAccessories/PRDOVR~0374487P/Auxiliary%2BPower%2BSource%2BOutlet.jsp#BVQAWidgetID"]outlet[/url]

I don't like using auto parts on the boat, but may have to here... unless someone is aware of a better option for this install. Ideas anyone?

"Iris"
1984 FK/SR #4040
http://frosthaus.blogspot.com/

Take a minute to register your boat with the association!!
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Edited by - on

glen
Captain

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359 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2009 : 11:34:04

I have used the auto part version inside Adventure with out any problems. It has been in service for years. Be sure to run the proper sized wire and have the correct fuse for your application

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2009 : 12:34:00

Chris,
I've got a couple of automotive style outlets inside SL as well. I've rewired both of them because the original wiring was scary, but I've had no problems with either of them. One's in the aft berth area (handy for plugging your GPS into, or a night light), and the other is on the transverse tunnel about a foot to starboard of the mast post. I use that one to plug in our Waeco reefer while underway.

If I had done them myself, I'd have used marine fittings, but as it is, I've had no problems. If they were outside, I'd change them to Marincos or something along those lines.

If you're going to use the one in your link, I'd go out of my way to insulate the leads at the back. Dunking it in liquid electrical tape would probably do it. I'd do a few coats.

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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5379 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2009 : 18:09:35

Chris
I got a 12V receptacle in the boating section at Walmart that was made for a hole mount. The receptacle came with tangs (one for plus +, one for minus -), and I crimped on insulated crimp connectors to some #10 AWG stranded cable. The crimp connectors slipped onto the tangs.

I bought a plastic project box at Radio Shack. I cut a 1" hole in the box and mounted the receptacle into it, then slipped on the connectors. I screwed the box to the inside of the scupper and ran the wiring back to "Deck Light" switch on the panel.

Now I can plug in a fan, a light or a GPS while in the cockpit. You could probably do the same for a receptacle inside the cabin.

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KD4AO
Navigator

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USA
202 Posts

Response Posted - 07/16/2009 : 07:13:32

West Marine has one made by Marinco. http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/30764/377%20710/0/12v%20power%20receptacle/Primary%20Search/mode%20matchallpartial/0/0?N=377 710& Ne=0& Ntt=12v power receptacle& Ntk=Primary Search& Ntx=mode matchallpartial& Nao=0& Ns=0& keyword=12v power receptacle& isLTokenURL=true& storeNum=5002& subdeptNum=9& classNum=316.

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Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 07/16/2009 : 07:40:33

Thanks bob, its just the bracket I need I guess. Looks like a prime example of "Marine markup" though.

Further thouht has me thinking I could make a little wooden box with a round hole in it to house the sucker rather than pat for a marine grade bracket. I would still pay for the marine grade outlet, but save on the mount. Plus the wires would all be hidden from the q-berth occupant (usually a 12 yr old)

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Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts

Response Posted - 07/16/2009 : 08:41:44

I placed my Marinco 12V outlet and a trolling motor plug in a mahogany box which is mounted on the port side of the cockpit. The twist lock trolling plug is used for my auto-pilot. I also use the box for mounting my GPS-depth-fish finder. It serves as a mini console for all the electronics I use in the cockpit.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.