Power connectors.....?

[amuller]

I don't have a lot of removable electrical/electronic stuff on my boats. GPS, sounder, spotlight. The weak spot is always the "cigarette lighter" power connectors. They just aren't reliable--poor retention, lack of wiping action on the center contact, etc. I would like to ban these things but what to use instead.

There are these, which seem to have and SAE standard to conform to.

https://www.amazon.com/Electop-Weatherproof-Universal-Flush-Mountable-Connector/dp/B07V6NJ37P/ref=sr_1_6?crid=7XMFSPE81MOT&keywords=12+volt+connectors&qid=1666441535&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI2LjMzIiwicXNhIjoiNS45NiIsInFzcCI6IjUuNzUifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=12+volt+connectors%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-6

Then there are Anderson connectors, which work well but the smallest common size is 50 A, overkill for most applications. Note that the different colors are keyed differently.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08312DNRC/ref=syn_sd_onsite_desktop_156?ie=UTF8&psc=1&pd_rd_plhdr=t

There are also smaller 'mini" Anderson connectors which might work well.
ANDERSON POWER PRODUCTS B02265G1 Connector Housing, Finger Proof, Red, SBS Mini Series, Plug, Receptacle, 2 Positions: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
(Amazon links for reference only. Descriptions and prices are often iffy.)

Anyone have thoughts/experience on this?

 

[Scott Danforth]

stating SAE in the name doesnt mean they meet any SAE requirement.

you want a marine rated power outlet on a boat and most of the amazon chineseum products are simply plated tin

your GPS, depth finder both have power cables that are water proof. install them and simply use the covers provided when not in use. that will give you the best electrical connection

regarding the spotlight. I would simply use a marine cigarette outlet made of stainless and brass and not plated tin like most of the cheaper ones. or you can look at trolling motor outlets as some of the larger spotlights pull about 15-20 amps

 

[airshot]

I necer buy cheap lighter type plugs, go the more expensive route and get good quality lighter plugs. I have paid over 20-25 bucks for good quality lighter plugs and dont have issues with them. Some are over 20 years old and still work like new. Go to an electrical supply store, not ebay or amazon, get the good stuff, especially for marine use....

 

[dingbat]

Anderson connectors are designed for high current applications. Use them for my winch to truck (battery) connection. Not suitable for general electrical connections

Agree with Scott, hard wire and caps

I use one of these my surf fishing rack on my truck and one on the boat

Holds up very well to saltwater.

12V Receptacle, Black

The SeaLink 12 volt family of products are manufactured from corrosion resistant marine grade materials. Exclusive to SeaLink products is a unique interconnecting system that securely locks the plug into the receptacle resulting in a positive and moisture-proof connection. The plug and...

www.marinco.com

 

[roscoe]

I installed a euro style power port on my atv, for a hand held spotlight.
Also known as a DIN Hella plug.

First time I ran across them was on my BMW motorcycle(s).
They work great on the bike and atv. I have used them for the heated gloves and pants, the phone charger, spotlight, and I back feed the battery tender right through the port.