Cool new product from Blue Sea

[Tim R.]

I have been waiting for something like this that is marinized. Cannot get a price yet but hopefully it will be under $50.

http://www.bluesea.com/products/1478/360_Panel_-_12V_DC_Socket_and_Dual_USB_Charger

 

[gettinthere]

Fom the pic, it looks like a flush, panel mount. How long before usb is obsolete and that needs replacing where you've cut a big hole in your cabinetry?

I like the cig plug adapters. Amazing how ingrained the cig plug connector has become

 

[Maine Sail]

The Blue Sea 1016 can be had as a single USB outlet. I generally prefer a 12V socket and then a dual USB insert for that socket like the Griffin. Be aware with any of these they max out at about 2.1A which is roughly one iPad. You can cook any of them by plugging in more than a single iPad.

By using a dual USB adapter like the Griffin this means the socket can do multiple uses. I honestly don't think the Blue Sea is much more marinized than any of the others other than the rubber cap.

I have a source for a dual USB outlet that the motorcycle guys have been using. I suspect it may be the same manufacturer BS is using. Drop me a line if you want one.

 

[Jackdaw]

If you only need the 2 USB ports, you can go this route with Blue Sea Systems for 22 bucks.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0082CXEI8/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1BBNV161L5Q2R

 

[Bill Roosa]

Well who is going to be able to live with only 2 USB ports!!!!?????

 

[Tim R.]

I like this solution because it gives me 2 usb plus I can still use the cig plug for something else.

Sure USB could go away but not likely soon. They just keep developing and manufacturing for it. The old 9 pin serials lasted a long time and I suspect USB will go even longer. The fact that Leviton manufactures household outlets with USB plugs on them now is a good indicator of their future longevity.

 

[JK_Boston_Catalina310]

Yeah, I love mine.

I installed one this winter. We love it. Like MS said, you can't do the iPad plus anything and it does take longer than the iPad 110v plug to charge the iPad. We use our iPad for navigation which will generally run for about 7-8 hours with the wifi and data turned off. It then takes most of the night to recharge the iPad on this plug. You can do two iPhones at the same time.

I am going to add a 12v outlet in the cockpit to keep the iPad plug on longer sails. For that I plan to use the traditional socket with something like the griffin plug.

http://svsmitty.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/img_0854.jpg

 

[JonnyQuest]

I installed one this winter. We love it. Like MS said, you can't do the iPad plus anything and it does take longer than the iPad 110v plug to charge the iPad. We use our iPad for navigation which will generally run for about 7-8 hours with the wifi and data turned off. It then takes most of the night to recharge the iPad on this plug. You can do two iPhones at the same time.

I am going to add a 12v outlet in the cockpit to keep the iPad plug on longer sails. For that I plan to use the traditional socket with something like the griffin plug.

http://svsmitty.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/img_0854.jpg

In the cockpit? Nice. I have been thinking about this gizmo but Blu Sea tech support says they really aren't Marinized and not IP rated (ingress protection). Rubber cap meant only for dust and spray protection, not anything more.

I don't have any coverage to prevent soaking in rain or other dousing. Maybe placing behind an instrument panel cover might work. Hmmm, another project for The List

 

[Bob S]

I mounted this at the nav station. 2 seasons with no problems
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PB8CQI/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[JonnyQuest]

I mounted this at the nav station. 2 seasons with no problems
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PB8CQI/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Bob, do the USB ports have enough juice to recharge an iPhone? What about iPad?

 

[Allan12210]

I mounted this at the nav station. 2 seasons with no problems
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PB8CQI/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I just got this yesterday for my birthday (which was Friday). It has a 15 amp fuse. It can certainly charge a phone.

 

[chuckwayne]

Wm has a similar single dual usb socket for $25 with cover, but they are still on order from the manufacturer. also spec'd to provide 2.1a for an IPAD

 

[Maine Sail]

I just got this yesterday for my birthday (which was Friday). It has a 15 amp fuse. It can certainly charge a phone.

I think he was more concerned about the amperage rating of the USB sockets. If they say 2.1A or so they should be able to charge an iPad.

 

[Tim R.]

I mounted this at the nav station. 2 seasons with no problems
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PB8CQI/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Some of the reviews mention this device draining batteries while plugged in. It probably uses resistors to knock the voltage down from 12v to 5v.

This may be a good solution if hard wired into it's own breaker.

I should have mentioned that I am trying to minimize extra wiring so am looking for a permanently mounted solution. It will be at the nav station so no need for full IP cert.

 

[Bob S]

I hard wired it to the DP. It turns on and off with a breaker. It definitely does not drain the batteries when off but it has a small light when powered that could if you leave it on. It's never been a problem charging an iPhone. I believe one of the ports actually says iPhone. It also does my hand held and my Altec Lancing portable radio which can be used to charge an iPhone at the same time. The wiring is not tinned but is stranded. I used adhesive HS connectors. I wanted to add a few USB ports and posted a question a few years ago and got negative feed back so I went with this.

 

[Bob S]

They changed the configuration from 2 years ago. My unit has the (2)12v sockets side by side to the left of the (2) USB's but it's the same unit. One is designed for apple products and the second supplies 5v/3a .Not as pretty as the Blue Seas .

 

[kenn]

Those Bluesea USB sockets are available individually.

My preference is still for the USB adaptors that plug into the 'normal' 12v socket. They're commonly available, and with most you can turn them 'off' by removing or pulling them out partways from the socket. One of my favourite surplus outlets has adaptors with dual USB sockets and a LED for $7 each. I've bought a bunch for our cars and boat.

I'll worry about a marinized USB jack when there's a genuinely marinized, sunlight-readable tablet available.

USB seems to have become a common power standard, which is cool. I've now modified a LED trouble-light and a small AM/FM/marine radio to run from any USB jack.

 

[JK_Boston_Catalina310]

Those Bluesea USB sockets are available individually.

My preference is still for the USB adaptors that plug into the 'normal' 12v socket. They're commonly available, and with most you can turn them 'off' by removing or pulling them out partways from the socket. One of my favourite surplus outlets has adaptors with dual USB sockets and a LED for $7 each. I've bought a bunch for our cars and boat.

I'll worry about a marinized USB jack when there's a genuinely marinized, sunlight-readable tablet available.

USB seems to have become a common power standard, which is cool. I've now modified a LED trouble-light and a small AM/FM/marine radio to run from any USB jack.

My iPad with a life proof case pretty much fits that bill. Water proof to 10 feet and sealed air tight when not charging. The new displays work great in direct sunlight unless you have on polarized glasses.