[C320-list] 12 volt receptacle on steering pedistal

[Robert Seastream]

Getting away from it all...yes.  We do much 'reading, relaxing,  
playing Scrabble, etc.' onboard.  However, my wife and I do enjoy  
watching Jepoardy, Antiques Roadshow, Deadliest Catch, and some other  
TV shows, whether at home or afloat, when we can.  Our daughter will  
be 27 this September, so we don't have the 'child entertainment'  
challenges others may have.  That could change, should she produce  
grandchildren.  :-)

Bob Seastream
Intuition # 906


On Aug 26, 2010, at 4:04 AM, Simon Rock wrote:

> I installed the 12volt sockets all through my last boat, so that the
> children could plug in their various toys while on the boat. I know  
> that
> some would argue that they are trying to get away from it all. But  
> there are
> always moments when you want them to leave you alone and listen to  
> their
> music.
>
> They are simply to install - just remember to add a fuse or circuit  
> breaker
> into the system.
>
> Simon Rock
> 0428 175510
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of David  
> Swanson
> Sent: Thursday, 26 August 2010 2:07 PM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> 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
>
>
>