I’m curious if any other owners have these 12v, 2 pole receptacles on their vessel and what they use them for?
I have one down below under a breaker panel and two mounted on the sides of the companionway hatch cover. The screw covers are missing so i’m considering replacing them so they are weather tite again. I’m reluctant though because they are expensive and i have no idea what they are useful for? I also have the automotive style cigarette lighter type outlets both down below and one in the cockpit that are useful for charging cell phones etc.
I have several of these below at various locations, one on the companionway bulkhead at the top of the steps. I have a powerful handheld 12 v searchlight which is wired with the 2 pole receptacle; very useful for illuminating surroundings from the cockpit, approaching docks at night etc. Also a small fan similarly wired for some air movement under the cockpit enclosure on hot still days.
I had several on my current boat which I quickly replaced with the more common cig lighter 12v receptacles and/or USB outlets - 21st century style.
Ed Strazzini
N33, PELICAN #36
Deltaville, Va
Prior to cigarette lighters morphing into charging plugs these were common. I think there is a much better electrical connection that the cigarette option.
You can find the fittings and I have an “extension” with a cigarette end and plug end that I use for the flood light. There are two such pugs in the galley area I think because back in the day you could buy 12 volt two pin blenders and such. With battery technology these 12 v appliances are rare.
I have taken one such outlet and mounted the bracket for a small Hella fan just forward of the galley. I put a two pin plug on the fan and we mount it if it gets warm in the galley in the summer, it also helps cool the aft berth to some degree.
UBS is now so common it makes more sense than the cigarette plug. I have picked up one of these to replace the cigarette plug on my panel. Maybe put an end to “plug wars” on the boat.
It was the only one I could find that claims 3 amps at each outlet which seems to be what Apple devices like.
Thank you to all who have responded, i know understand that these are common and likely superior to the cigarette lighter style outlets. I"m still puzzled though why there would be two on the deck (on either forward side of the sliding hatch cover). It seems a spotlight is the only likely use. Since i have a spotlight that is battery operated i’m thinking i may just remove them and patch the holes when i’m next doing gelcoat work. Or just leave them without caps (although that does bug me).
When I bought Sandpiper she had two of these near the sliding hatch. The wiring led to a solar controller in the cabin. Apparently the panels had been removed by a previous owner.
Connectors for removable solar panels would be a great use for them, that is a possibility, guess i need to trace the wires to see if there is a a controller hidden somewhere.
There is a dodger and they are well forward of it (20") so i don’t think they will work for the disco ball we have hanging from ours!
Thanks,
Will B
N30C Z Fat Cat #181
Usually from Bainbridge Island WA, Today temporarily Waikoloa HI
Mine are under the dodger right by the clutches. I still have the controller and will eventually replace the panels. I have research to do on that however.
If they are still connected they need some form of a cap. Sounds to me like solar panels to trickle charge the battery? Put a meter on them to see if they are live. Look around for a controller. You will most likely find the wires came via the panels for the winches
Another use for a 12v outlet in the cockpit is for a second / backup anchor light that can be hung from the wishboom or halyard. I have a Davis LED anchor light with a long cord that I keep for that purpose.
