[C320-list] 12 volt receptacle on steering pedistal

[Jon Vez]

I've done this for my GPS....very easy to do. I simply drilled a hole in the
side. It doesn't matter which side, but Starboard is preferable only because
it is close to the starter--which is where I tapped off the power. Simply
ground to any convenient instrument in the panel for negative (you will see
the ground wires throughout). There is plenty of room inside...The only
suggestion I would make is to look for a 'waterproof type receptacle. The
first one I used was a standard cigarette receptacle, but it quickly
corroded. I ended up finding the kind they use for trolling motors and it
has been fine for the past 7 seasons....hope this helps....

Regards,

Jon Vez
Solstice #582

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Brad Kuether
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 8:12 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] 12 volt receptacle on steering pedistal

Hey everyone,

Has anyone added a 12 volt receptacle on their later model 320 to the
steering pedestal?  I am tired or losing my GPS after being out all day with
just batteries.  I didn't necessarily want to crack open the instrument case
to get to it either.  

If anyone has added a receptacle or has tapped the 12 volt inside, I would
love to get any "watchouts", for example:

  a.. Hard / Easy to take it apart and access it?
  b.. Better to tap the 12 inside the panel or run new back to the panel?
  c.. Which side did you mount the receptacle?
  d.. How much room is inside?
  e.. Anything else I need to know?
Thanks in advance, appreciate any / all comments.....

-Brad, Mary, Monica, and Jarod
"Independence"
2004 Catalina 320 Hull 1006
Middle River, MD