Merry Fisher 695 - 12v outlet problem

[victordelta]

Hi

The boat I've just bought is 2 -3 years old and, whilst it's generally in very good condition, for some unknown reason the 12v outlet (like a cigarette lighter socket) does not seem to work. I've done all the obvious things like checking the fuse and wiring diagram (the wiring is not corroded or damaged in any way, as far as I can see).

Just wondered if anyone had a similar problem and can suggest something I might have overlooked...?

Alternatively, can anyone suggest any other simple way of plugging in a USB charging point? My phone is always running out of power!!!

Many thanks.

[795hopeful]

Pull the old unit out and put a dual usb in its place. Solves both problems likely. I believe they will be the same size. 

[victordelta]

May 25, 2021 12:24:19 GMT 795hopeful said:

Pull the old unit out and put a dual usb in its place. Solves both problems likely. I believe they will be the same size. 

Thanks. Sounds a good idea but not sure how to "pull the old unit out" as surely the cigarette lighter style socket is an integral part of the dash board?

[795hopeful]

May 25, 2021 12:34:43 GMT victordelta said:

May 25, 2021 12:24:19 GMT 795hopeful said:

Pull the old unit out and put a dual usb in its place. Solves both problems likely. I believe they will be the same size. 

Thanks. Sounds a good idea but not sure how to "pull the old unit out" as surely the cigarette lighter style socket is an integral part of the dash board?

I doubt it it’s either screwed or glued in someone how.

[victordelta]

I'll have a look. Does anyone know if one can access the rear of the 'dash board' via the wooden panel (at an angle and held by screws) behind/above the heads?

[Charlie-Bravo]

have you ruled out that it isn't the charger that you are plugging in ..... obvious but thought to mention it.

I have installed twin usb sockets, mine you can switch off the led lights

OP must have access to the rear, he inspected the wires for corrosion 

CB

[victordelta]

May 25, 2021 17:04:58 GMT Charlie-Bravo said:

have you ruled out that it isn't the charger that you are plugging in ..... obvious but thought to mention it.

I have installed twin usb sockets, mine you can switch off the led lights

OP must have access to the rear, he inspected the wires for corrosion 

CB

Thanks, yes it works in my car and I have tried another 'cigarette-lighter' device and that doesn't work in the boat either. Would be interested to know how you installed the twin usb sockets please.

[Charlie-Bravo]

My original cig lighter socket had a back nut , well more of a knurled threaded ring holding it in, it seems a common way of fixing these things. Having said that, some are designed to 'click' into place with small barbs, and un clicking the barbs will need doing from the back, or it may have plastic 'ears' that need pushing in, or snipping off to release it.

I would think it unlikely that the socket is actually part of the panel, but may appear so if a really good colour match has been found.

A picture of the back and front of it may reveal all .......
CB

i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ktwAAOSwrhpgcI49/s-l300.jpg

[victordelta]

Wow, that looks excellent. And is that an LED voltage display in the middle or just blue paint!?

I will certainly install one of these if I can find a way to get to the back of the panel - via the heads panel I mentioned before I suspect.

[Charlie-Bravo]

Yes a voltage led display ....... but not too convinced at the quality or accuracy of that bit, 
I put another in the cockpit to keep phones and ipads charged, they are not submersible but have rubber gasket and a rubber lid, so quite splashproof, ..... not 'marine' either, but at less than £10 each on fleabay I consider them consumables.
CB

[victordelta]

Thanks.