I went out a few days ago to get some sailing time in, but the weather wasn’t really cooperative. So instead, I decided it’d be a good time to get some boat work in. I had a 12-volt DC dual charger that I’ve been meaning ย to install for a while. I haven’t really had a whole lot of need for it to date since I’m connected to shore power and can charge onboard electronics [if necessary] from an AC power strip. But I will eventually be taking the boat out for at least a weekend stay away from the dock, so I’ll need to be able to charge phones, tablets, etc.

I took Karma with me and she dutifully slept in the cockpit while I worked in the salon. She normally likes to watch the ducks and other wildlife, but I guess she was more tired than she was curious today. ๐Ÿ™‚

Karma sleeping in cockpit.

Karma sleeping in cockpit while I worked.

I had previously ran the wiring for the charger, so it was a fairly easy task of connecting everything and installing the charger. I had previously read somewhere that it’s not a good idea to use twist-on wire connectors, so I used butt splice connectors to connect the charger to the wires I previously ran to the battery. After butt splicing them, I used electrical tape to protect the splice and ensure nothing moved out of place.

To install the charger, I didn’t want to drill any holes or use screws, so I used a high-strength Velcro strip. Installed it between the stove and sink above the counter-top….I don’t really know what that area is called..lol. See photo of placement and sound off in the comments if you know. ๐Ÿ™‚

Here’s a couple photos to document the process.

Butt-splicing

Butt-splicing

Butt-splicing all taped up.

Butt-splicing all taped up.

12-volt DC charger installed.

12-volt DC charger installed.