[C320-list] 12 volt receptacle on steering pedistal

[David Swanson]

I just put two 12V outlets in my C320.  

As you know they are very convenient for charging cell phones, ipods and for using a 12V spotlight.  Like your boat, ours did not have a single 12V receptacle either.

I used the marine style 12V adapters by Marinco.  They mount easily and work very well.  I have used them on previous boats as well.  

I installed one in the cabin on the forward side of our electrical panel along with a CATV and iPod input.  It is out of view and conveniently allows devices to sit on the shelf when charging.  The 2nd one was installed in our instrument panel, on the STBD side.  I just tapped existing circuits.  There is lots of room inside of both locations.  I believe that the hole size for this specific Marinco outlet is 1.125", so a small hole saw bit for a drill is necessary. 

The housing on the instument panel is fiberglass and the cabin location is plywood with teak veneer, so drilling for the 12V outlet was simple.  Just make sure when you drill the hole that you protect the surfaces on the fiberglass and teak with blue painters tape to keep the surface from chipping and protect the adjacent surface.

Make sure you use tinned copper "marine grade" wiring and connectors and heat shrink tubing to ensure longevity of the connections.

A third location I am considering installing a 12V outlet is in the anchor locker.  This location would be convenient for use with a 12V spotlight when picking up a mooring at night.  I haven't done it yet, but I may.

Considering how prolific handheld electronics are, I am surprised that Catalina has not installed any of these in their late model C320 boats.  Anyway, installing them is a simple and low cost project that provides significant benefit.  It is getting harder and harder to find these kinds of projects!

Dave    

David Swanson
S/V Emily Ann
2007 C320 MK II, No. 1107
Mukilteo, WA



On Aug 25, 2010, at 5:11 AM, Brad Kuether wrote:

> 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

David Swanson
kswanson123 at comcast.net