[C320-list] 12 volt receptacle on steering pedistal

[Bill Culbertson]

Dave,

This is slightly off-topic but your remark about a 12v socket in the anchor 
locker for mooring buoy spotlight caught my eye.  For that, I'd use a 
rechargeable 12v spotlight and charge it via one of your 12v outlets below.  No 
cord to deal with when hunting for the buoy.

 -bill
 Harmony #859



________________________________
From: David Swanson <kswanson123 at comcast.net>
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Sent: Thu, August 26, 2010 12:06:57 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] 12 volt receptacle on steering pedistal

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