Peter,

Thanks for the clarifications.  I do have two 12V sockets in the cabin, which I mostly use for USB chargers (one of which also displays battery voltage which is useful).

I use Navionics on an iPad for navigation which uses a lot of battery so that’s why I want a convenient socket in the cockpit. I also have a couple of tools that run on 12v like an inflator for swim toys and a rinse down pump/hose.

Michael McKay
(630) 209-2054 (m)

Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 2, 2022, at 4:54 PM, Peter Nyberg <peter at sunnybeeches.com> wrote:
> 
> Mike,
> 
> My tiller pilot connection socket is also in the starboard coaming pocket, and that has worked out well as it is well protected there.  I often don't bother to put the cover flap in place after disconnecting, and that has never caused an issue.
> 
> I'm curious about the need for a 12 volt socket there as well.  I have one of these in the cabin, but never use it.  Everything is either hard-wired or uses a USB plug for power. I'm up to 8 USB outlets in the cabin.
> 
> I don't have a clear recollection of the wiring process, but I'm sure I use a fish tape.
> 
> I find it pretty easy to get into and work in the lazarette.  To fasten the wood block reinforcement to the underside of the gunnel, I used a quick setting epoxy syringe from Home Depot, lay on my back in the lazarette, and just held the block in place over my head for 5 minutes.  This did fail on me once, so the technique could probably be improved on.
> 
> --Peter
> 
>> On 2022-02-02, at 14:01:54 EST, Michael McKay wrote:
>> 
>> Hi Peter,
>> 
>> I do have Bill's writeup, as well as Roger's email describing his Tiller Pilot 
>> installation.  My boat has speed and depth transducers in the lazarette, so the 
>> pathway into the coaming is already present. 
>> 
>> Since I will be drilling holes in my boat for the first time, I want to make 
>> sure my plan sounds reasonable based on your experience.  I intend to install 
>> the electrical socket for the Tiller Pilot in the starboard coaming pocket.  I 
>> will also install a 12V socket there as well.  Since these will be relatively 
>> small holes I am guessing that I will need to use a fish tape or something like 
>> that to get the wiring from the electric panel connection to that hole.  Is that 
>> how you did it? 
>> 
>> I'm also hoping that my gunnel is thick enough so I don't have to reinforce the 
>> Tiller Pilot mounting socket from underneath.  If that is not the case, I 
>> believe I can reach that point from inside the lazarette.  Is that what you did 
>> to put the hardwood backing block in Silverheels? 
>> 
>> Thanks for all you help and for the amazing library of videos you have shared 
>> with our community. 
>> 
>> 
>> Mike McKay
>> s/v Liber (2006/2018)
>> Allatoona Lake
>> Acworth, GA
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>