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Simple USB installation for kayaks

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One of the simplest installs on a kayak is a water-resistant USB port. One part of my dual USB outlet runs my iPad and its Navionics app for GPS and mapping; the other outlet either charges my phone or keeps my waterproof Bluetooth speaker charged and playing tunes stored on the iPad.
One of the simplest installs on a kayak is a water-resistant USB port. One part of my dual USB outlet runs my iPad and its Navionics app for GPS and mapping; the other outlet either charges my phone or keeps my waterproof Bluetooth speaker charged and playing tunes stored on the iPad.
I paid $14.95 for a LiDiVi dual USB outlet from Amazon. The Apie Bluetooth speaker cost $29.95 (also from Amazon). A Ram Mount Clamping Cradle with a dual clamp arm and a 1-inch ball base ­altogether cost a bit over $40. To waterproof the tablet, I got an Eonfine Clear Case for $39.99. That all adds up to about $125, without the tablet.
I paid $14.95 for a LiDiVi dual USB outlet from Amazon. The Apie Bluetooth speaker cost $29.95 (also from Amazon). A Ram Mount Clamping Cradle with a dual clamp arm and a 1-inch ball base ­altogether cost a bit over $40. To waterproof the tablet, I got an Eonfine Clear Case for $39.99. That all adds up to about $125, without the tablet.
1. Drill a hole to snugly fit the USB outlet where it’s close to what you’ll want to plug into it.
1. Drill a hole to snugly fit the USB outlet where it’s close to what you’ll want to plug into it.
2. Run wires from the back of the outlet to your battery or switch panel. I ran mine to the Yak-Power relay switching module, part of March’s DIY column about installing LED lights. You could connect the USB outlet directly to a separate battery, instead. Tighten the wires down with self-tapping screws.
2. Run wires from the back of the outlet to your battery or switch panel. I ran mine to the Yak-Power relay switching module, part of March’s DIY column about installing LED lights. You could connect the USB outlet directly to a separate battery, instead. Tighten the wires down with self-tapping screws.
3. The outlet includes a voltmeter that shows the battery’s power level. Although the iPad case and Apie speaker both purport to be waterproof, water can get where it’s not supposed to go when either unit is plugged in. If it’s going to rain, I unplug the iPad and speaker and seal everything up.
3. The outlet includes a voltmeter that shows the battery’s power level. Although the iPad case and Apie speaker both purport to be waterproof, water can get where it’s not supposed to go when either unit is plugged in. If it’s going to rain, I unplug the iPad and speaker and seal everything up.

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