USB Rocker Switch Charger Outlets?

[hynespa]

Hi all,

I noticed West Marine now sells a variety of these:

I am deciding whether to install one at the dashboard where there is currently a blank. It would seem to be a good option rather than drilling another hole in the dash.

* Has anybody opted to go with one of these?

* Do you have any problems with charger cords plugged into these getting in the way of other nearby switches?

* Is the Blue Sea Systems one really that much better than the Marine Sport Lighting models to justify twice the price?

Thanks!

 

[ZZ13]

I bought the one from Carling as soon as it came out a few years ago. It was $55 then.

https://www.onlinecomponents.com/ca...VaYVaBR3gkgp2EAQYCyABEgJI8PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I installed it in an unused spot (middle row left). I mostly use it to charge iPad running Navionics and my phone.

 

[dtfeld]

If I had to choose, I’d go with the blue sea, good quality, twin 2.4A. I would not install one with a voltage read out unless dimmable...I think it would be distracting at night.

To add to the mix... check out scanstrut’s Rokk series of waterproof wired and wireless chargers. I think I’m going to add a wireless charging cradle at the helm. I’m streaming from an old S7 and the BT eats the battery. Would be sweet...no cables cluttering the dash.

 

[ocgrant]

I did one of the Blue Sea Systems one with the cover works great. Now I need another because the damn kids always have it full.

 

[b_arrington]

* Is the Blue Sea Systems one really that much better than the Marine Sport Lighting models to justify twice the price?

Thanks!

After reading the description on the website, I’d say say the Blue Sea is worth it. These two points stood out to me:

• Conformal coated circuit board. The internals are coated in export to they won’t corrode in the marine air.
  
• 8A output. The Blue Seas will fast charge a device like a wall charger will. The other one has a much lower output.

 

[bbwhitejr]

I bought the one from Carling as soon as it came out a few years ago. It was $55 then.

https://www.onlinecomponents.com/ca...VaYVaBR3gkgp2EAQYCyABEgJI8PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I installed it in an unused spot (middle row left). I mostly use it to charge iPad running Navionics and my phone.

I also bought one when they came out. Works flawlessly and like the spring loaded covers.

Bennett

 

[JVM225]

Another Carling USB user here. I bought and installed it last winter. Really nice upgrade and I got a lot of use out of it last season.

 

[Creekwood]

OK, I am in full boating spring fever, buying things I don't really "need". I am going to install a USB charge port but I want it switched so I can turn it off. So bought a couple parts and have it wired up and ready to install in a few weeks. The switch is stainless and waterproof (ish) and will be installed just under the USB port.

 

[hynespa]

Hi all,

I noticed West Marine now sells a variety of these:

View attachment 80768

I am deciding whether to install one at the dashboard where there is currently a blank. It would seem to be a good option rather than drilling another hole in the dash.

* Has anybody opted to go with one of these?

* Do you have any problems with charger cords plugged into these getting in the way of other nearby switches?

* Is the Blue Sea Systems one really that much better than the Marine Sport Lighting models to justify twice the price?

Thanks!

Thanks for all the advice! I ended up going with the blue sea systems USB charger. Here is a pic of it installed…

 

[ROTYDE]

OK, I am in full boating spring fever, buying things I don't really "need". I am going to install a USB charge port but I want it switched so I can turn it off. So bought a couple parts and have it wired up and ready to install in a few weeks. The switch is stainless and waterproof (ish) and will be installed just under the USB port.

View attachment 80999 View attachment 81000

I would be interested in how you ran the wires and where you ran them for power.

 

[Todd320]

I would be interested in how you ran the wires and where you ran them for power.

I installed one from west marine and ran two wires from the fuse block, just found an open fuse and inserted a 5 or 10 amp fuse.. Both ends of the wires were standard female quick disconnects.

 

[rwvw415]

I have one of the blue lighted USB chargers on my switch panel on the right. I really like the convenience of having a charger at the helm. An easy installation

 

[Creekwood]

I thought I would post the installed picture of the USB power port I installed. As I mentioned earlier, the port is blue backlit so the light would be on all the time, which i did not want, so I put a waterproof switch to turn it on and off. Works great.

 

[dtfeld]

I thought I would post the installed picture of the USB power port I installed. As I mentioned earlier, the port is blue backlit so the light would be on all the time, which i did not want, so I put a waterproof switch to turn it on and off. Works great.

View attachment 85790View attachment 85791View attachment 85793

Nice install!!!!

 

[The Bill Collector]

Installed at the helm, cockpit and in the dinghy...