12 volt power - socket or USB or..?

[Pdxmgunner]

I am considering putting some form of aux power for charging phones and portable speakers etc. I may want to plug an inverter in for something someday as well.  I am thinking a 12v socket (cigarette lighter style) or would it be better to have something else?  I don't know much about these systems I just know I can wire whatever in so I am totally open to any thoughts.

Tentatively, the plan is to mount a 12v socket somewhere at the helm area. I have considered a pad or usb only but it would be nice to have a spot to plug an inverter in.

[fishmeister]

When I re-wired after buying my SH this spring, I added a 2-port USB charger.  Wasn't planning on it.  But, I stumbled on to it while shopping for the rest of my other electrical items at West Marine.  Decided "why not?".  If your doing other major wiring work, this is a pretty easy and inexpensive upgrade to add to the list.

I've found it handy for cell-phone charging.  I'd consider it to be a good addition.  Probably going to be needed for quite a while into the future since more and more basic items are starting to be powered this way.  I'm a residential electrician and a popular "upgrade" is installing household 120V receptacles that also have built-in USB chargers.

Here is the one that I installed:  https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine--surface-mount-dual-usb-charger-socket--15830482?recordNum=4

Of course, if you can't decide which is best, there is also the option for both:  https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine--combination-12v-outlet-and-dual-usb-outlet--15830508?recordNum=5

[Pdxmgunner]

Alright, thanks Miester. Those two options are what I am thinking exactly. I need to identify possible mounting locations.

[davidsea]

 I sleep on my boat several times a year, so my needs are a little different.
I have three 12volt sockets and three USB ports.   One 12V socket behind the helm seat for my refrigerator, one 12V socket at the helm for a hand-held spotlight and charging my hand-held VHF, and another in the cuddy for running a small inverter to power my laptop charger.  All 3 are fused at 10A.  I have 2 USB ports at the helm for phone, iPod, and charging a Bluetooth speaker.  One more in the cuddy, along with a voltmeter and switch, for charging my phone at night (alarm clock).  See the combo below, with on-off switch. (Note that these aren't very waterproof, and need to be protected if not under cover)
  Seems like a lot, but the stuff is cheap and easy to install, especially if you're doing some rewiring.  Make sure everything is fused at the power source - not at the sockets.

[Pdxmgunner]

Right on, Sounds like you use yours quite a bit. It will get power from the fuse panel, 10 amp fuse pointer - helpful.

[La-Z-Buoy]

I sleep on my boat several times a year, so my needs are a little different.
I have three 12volt sockets and three USB ports.   One 12V socket behind the helm seat for my refrigerator, one 12V socket at the helm for a hand-held spotlight and charging my hand-held VHF, and another in the cuddy for running a small inverter to power my laptop charger.  All 3 are fused at 10A.  I have 2 USB ports at the helm for phone, iPod, and charging a Bluetooth speaker.  One more in the cuddy, along with a voltmeter and switch, for charging my phone at night (alarm clock).  See the combo below, with on-off switch. (Note that these aren't very waterproof, and need to be protected if not under cover)
  Seems like a lot, but the stuff is cheap and easy to install, especially if you're doing some rewiring.  Make sure everything is fused at the power source - not at the sockets.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/TZsAAOSwcVZhMmwv/s-l1600.jpg

I like the picture but can you send a web site or URL of the item. Thanks.

[davidsea]

I sleep on my boat several times a year, so my needs are a little different.
I have three 12volt sockets and three USB ports.   One 12V socket behind the helm seat for my refrigerator, one 12V socket at the helm for a hand-held spotlight and charging my hand-held VHF, and another in the cuddy for running a small inverter to power my laptop charger.  All 3 are fused at 10A.  I have 2 USB ports at the helm for phone, iPod, and charging a Bluetooth speaker.  One more in the cuddy, along with a voltmeter and switch, for charging my phone at night (alarm clock).  See the combo below, with on-off switch. (Note that these aren't very waterproof, and need to be protected if not under cover)
  Seems like a lot, but the stuff is cheap and easy to install, especially if you're doing some rewiring.  Make sure everything is fused at the power source - not at the sockets.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/TZsAAOSwcVZhMmwv/s-l1600.jpg

I like the picture but can you send a web site or URL of the item. Thanks.

Slightly different versions all over the internet - probably all from the same Chinese factory.

******* Sorry, had to delete the link I had posted here - it included some personal account information.  Search on eBay to find the pictured device ********
  Search for:  4 gang 1 Panel Dual USB Socket Charger LED Voltmeter + 12 Volt Power Outlet Car Boat     ($14.95)

[La-Z-Buoy]

No worries, I used the link before you deleted. Didn't see your info. I like the setup. Thanks.

[DevMah]

Here is a blue seas model...

https://www.bluesea.com/products/1016/12_24V_Dual_USB_2.1A_Charger


IMO
If going to a USB charger make sure its marine rated and has UL, CE .. certification

Just be careful of the offshore stuff as it may not be suited for a damp marine environment.

Dev

[Pdxmgunner]

Here is a blue seas model...

https://www.bluesea.com/products/1016/12_24V_Dual_USB_2.1A_Charger


IMO
If going to a USB charger make sure its marine rated and has UL, CE .. certification

Just be careful of the offshore stuff as it may not be suited for a damp marine environment.

Dev

I agree.

[CaseyC]

Cigarette lighter, so you can run a spotlight.

[disposable]

Dev's totally right about cheap non-marine stuff. I replaced two cheap eBay ones in the same year, love blue seas. They have many options, cigarette, usb, with/without meter, with/without switch... this is my favorite but go find the one you like on their site. It's in the "-panels-DC" menus:

https://www.bluesea.com/products/4366/Water-Resistant_Accessory_Panel_-_Circuit_Breaker_12V_Socket_Dual_USB_Charger_Mini_Voltmeter

[AlexB]

I just added a Blue Sea 2 port USB power source. It was very easy to swap it in place of the Sea Dog (?) 12V socket that came on my boat - same hole size. The Blue Sea unit appears to be very well made, and I expect it'll last a good long time.

[Pdxmgunner]

I just added a Blue Sea 2 port USB power source. It was very easy to swap it in place of the Sea Dog (?) 12V socket that came on my boat - same hole size. The Blue Sea unit appears to be very well made, and I expect it'll last a good long time.

Right on, I need to put on in my system. Thanks.

[agoodhi]

Dev's totally right about cheap non-marine stuff. I replaced two cheap eBay ones in the same year, love blue seas. They have many options, cigarette, usb, with/without meter, with/without switch... this is my favorite but go find the one you like on their site. It's in the "-panels-DC" menus:

https://www.bluesea.com/products/4366/Water-Resistant_Accessory_Panel_-_Circuit_Breaker_12V_Socket_Dual_USB_Charger_Mini_Voltmeter

do you know if the breaker switch shuts off the voltmeter too?

[disposable]

you can wire it either way. mine is set to turn off the voltmeter (so I lower my nighttime draw).

[Pdxmgunner]

My Multifunction gauge displays the battery voltage so I will skip that feature.  I would like to put in a blue seas 12v USB/lighter plug, might tuck them under the dash so the plug areas are always dry and not actually visible.