In the first of an occasional series reviewing products “I have found useful” Boating NZ DIY columnist and boat reviewer Norman Holtzhausen talks sockets.
In this always-connected world, everyone carries a mobile device or two around with them. And on extended boat trips, these need charging. Not to mention the other devices that scuba divers in particular carry – dive computers, underwater cameras, lights and so on. As a result, no-one has ever said “this boat has too many USB sockets.”
However, electricity and salt air do not play well together, especially with delicate electronics. So any form of socket should have a protective cover when not in use, and many of the products on the market fall short in this regard. Which is where the Scanstrut Flip Pro range comes in – its new range of 12V power sockets and USB ports each come with a spring-loaded spray-proof cover, to protect the contacts within. Thus the cover automatically snaps shut when the cable is unplugged, with no user action required.
The range has three models. The Fast Charge USB unit has both a USB-A and USB-C port, and will operate on either a 12- or 24-volt power source. The 12V power socket has a single socket for powering accessories such as torches or other devices. There is also a combined unit with a set of two USB-C ports and one accessory socket in a dual-head module.
Installation of all the units is easy with a simple hole saw, and the single sockets are held in place by a locking ring screwed tight from behind the unit. The combined unit can be attached the same way but also has an optional bezel that enables front-fixing by means of four small screws, very useful when access behind the panel is limited.
I have now installed USB ports on the bulkhead behind each of my couches, and an additional 12V socket in the galley area. I had already installed a dual USB port on the helm, so the boat now has six USB ports and two 12V accessory sockets. I have a feeling that still will not be enough! BNZ
Available from most marine chandlers.
