Advice needed. Wiring GPS to power source.

[Steve L]

I have an Lowrance Elite 5 HDI that I want to install on my 2016 242 Limited S. When I look under the helm, I see there is no fuse panel available to which to add a circuit to power it. Does anyone have any suggestions on options to connect power? I was also considering adding a switch panel with fuses for future add ons. Any suggestions on the best way to get power?

 

[Julian]

I will be facing the same issue soon. I just wired a fuse block by the battery, but will in all likelihood add a switch panel at the helm just for convenience. I installed a 4 gang Bluesea one on my old boat and was very happy with it....so I might go that route again.....looks like this (comes in white or dark grey):

You will then run dedicated power and ground lines from the battery to this and a ground bus and can then connect stuff at the helm at will.

 

[justason]

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Systems-Blade-Block/dp/B001P6FTHC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467821915&sr=8-1&keywords=blue+seas

I am currently using the blue sea solution , I bought the 6 circuit and wished I got the larger one ! I ran a heavy gage "lamp cord" from a dedicated house battery to under the dash. from there I can easily branch out to anything for a dedicated fused power solution. Stereo, lighting, marine radio, charging ports, etc.

 

[Noko]

I have an Lowrance Elite 5 HDI that I want to install on my 2016 242 Limited S. When I look under the helm, I see there is no fuse panel available to which to add a circuit to power it. Does anyone have any suggestions on options to connect power? I was also considering adding a switch panel with fuses for future add ons. Any suggestions on the best way to get power?

I have a Lowrance Elite 4 I just installed. I tapped into the 12v power outlet in the helm. I spliced into the wires behind the helm. Its the outlet I'd call the cigarette lighter outlet. I used these red plastic connectors to tap into the power. The Lowrance came with a fuse that I used. From what I've seen, the Lowrance units don't draw that much power.