Spotlight electrical connector

[Gary]

I have a Catalina 30 on which there is a small electrical connector (fitting) just below the engine instrument panel. It's labeled "Spotlight." I've seen the same connection on other Catalinas we've sailed. My question is "What good is it and what is it really used for?" I've never seen any kind of spotlight that had a fitting which would plug into it (most have standard 12 volt cigarette lighter plugs). Never seen anything else that could plug into it, for that matter. Having a 12 volt supply right there is a great idea, but the fitting is so odd that it seems pretty useless. Anyone replaced it w/ a cigarette lighter socket, seen a fitting that would actually plug into it, found an adapter that made it into something more useful, etc?Thanks in advance.Gary KunkelFolie a DeuxChannel Islands Harbor

 

[RonH]

connector

That's a fairly common 12vdc watertight connector. I think Perko makes them. West or most any other marine store should have the mating plug.

 

[Tom]

Watertight connector

That's a watertight connector, whereas a lighter plug connector would not be watertight. You would replace the spotlight's lighter plug (non-marinized and subject to corrosion) with a replacement watertight plug from West Marine, for example, and have a better connection for your spotlight.

 

[Tim Leighton]

SPOTLIGHT

Tom: I installed the same plug in both the cockpit of my C-400 and in the anchor well just as I did in my old H-31 years ago. I put one in the bow to allow my first mate to use a spotlight while threading around crab pots in tight spots at night and not destroy my night vision in the cockpit. I also use that plug to operate my high capacity air pump to inflate our dingy. One word of caution; if you ever decide to put one in your anchor locker, make sure you "upsize" the wire AWG. Spotlights use a HUGE amount of power and while not a problem for your ships' batteries, will quickly overheat the normal 16 gauge wire normally found running around the boat. I went with 10 gauge because of the long run from the bus bar to fitting in the bow. Of course, you could always buy a battery powered spotlight and not worry about the rest! You can get them all over the place for around $30 and still get 1 million candlepower. Smooth Sailing!Tim LeightonS/V "Magic"S. Chesapeake Bay