USB charger

[briangcc]

I searched and didn't find anything related to this....(hey I'm old and I'm fat if I missed it - that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it :lol: ) Admiral wants to be able to charge the phone in the boat and the stock USB connection to the radio doesn't....at least that's what she reports and we don't question do we??

Anyone install something like this in their boat? Pro/Cons?



Evilbay link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/124677050322?hash=item1d0754cfd2:g:z8YAAOSwMyVgc63P

I'm trying to stay to KISS and drill only (1) hole in the boat - thinking glove box next to radio - and a couple wires.

There are other things that *could* be done but for reasons I won't get into have been crossed off already such as the ever popular cigarette lighter adapter.

 

[alldodge]

Not in a boat but wife does use it in her car. There cheap so they last a few years and are not high output, but will do a slow charge

 

[aspeck]

Do you have a 12V outlet in the boat? If so, they have those that just plug into the outlet. That is what I use on the boat (and in my older Yukon, also).

 

[Alumarine]

I've installed a few that are similar in boats and cars.
They seem to work just fine.
I've never installed the ones with the power switch though.
I've installed mine on a circuit that's off when the key is off.

 

[briangcc]

Do you have a 12V outlet in the boat? If so, they have those that just plug into the outlet. That is what I use on the boat (and in my older Yukon, also).

I do have a cigarette lighter port but as mentioned this option is ruled out. It's yet another item to roll around and eventually end up at the bottom of the lake. Also another point of failure to troubleshoot when a phone isn't charging.

 

[airshot]

Take the item in your pic and install next to cig lighter and connect to same power that feeds the lighter. If you dont want to drill a hole, the make metal plates with a hole for your adapter that attach to an edge so no drilling is needed. Lots of solutions if you search for options

 

[briangcc]

Plenty of space next to the radio. Direct run back to the battery on same side of the boat. 1 hole to drill and out of the way when not needed. I have plenty of access behind there to do what I need to do.

**The covered black port is the stock USB port which doesn't charge a device but does interface with the radio...which needs to go too but that's for another time/thread. Radio is horrible to use - engineer who worked on it should be fired. I have an Rockford Fosgate unit picked out....just gotta set aside the $$$ for it.

 

[dingbat]

Kill two birds with one stone.
Wire a cheap Bluetooth to the radio and use your phone as a streaming device. Then replace “data only” USB port with power ports.

 

[roscoe]

I do have a cigarette lighter port but as mentioned this option is ruled out. It's yet another item to roll around and eventually end up at the bottom of the lake. Also another point of failure to troubleshoot when a phone isn't charging.

If the adaptor would end up in the lake, would the charging cord also?
Or the phone?

Why would you ever need to remove the usb adaptor from the port?
Just asking, cause I don't get it.

Make sure you are getting 2.4, or 3 amps or more, per port, or you won't be doing much charging.

The built in ports in my cars are slower than molasses.
But the adapter in the cig port will charge a phone and iPad very quickly simultaneously.

 

[Kola16]

I put a double one of those in my boat about 5 years ago. Still charges without a hitch. If I remember right, it was like $6. I put mine inside the cuddy though so it is very protected from the elements.

 

[briangcc]

You're all missing the point here.

This isn't what I could do as options....read my opening remarks. I wanted to know experience, good or bad, with the option I listed.

Cigarette port adapters have to be stored somewhere. I have 3 boys. It's going overboard at some point then what? Kinda like my son's 6' rod sock that is completely awol after a large bass was netted. See the issue now?

I'm in IT and I want it simple as possible. Adding layers of troubleshooting due to extra adapters....I have better things to do with my time on a boat don't you??

Don't need another bluetooth adapter either - radio has bluetooth built in. Why carry yet another adapter that's going to end up in the lake?

Or to put it another ways...think folks. Storage is limited on any boat. Why add yet more stuff to carry around when a hard wired option that can't be lost/misplaced/go swimming will work?

 

[dwco5051]

I would guess the internal workings are the same as the ones that plug into the lighter socket.

 

[bruceb58]

Do yourself a huge favor and don't buy the cheap USB outlets. Buy the BlueSea one. I am using these in my boat and my travel trailer. They are high quality and high current.

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Systems-Charge-Charger/dp/B01BV1MTAA/ref=asc_df_B01BV1MTAA/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309812019776&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18049280858724391266&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031153&hvtargid=pla-526768354932&psc=1