Power for GPS

[Jeff_757]

Im trying to tie my Garmin GPS into the power under the helm. Maybe Im missing something, but is there a positive bus under the helm. I see the negative bus, but dont see where to plug into the positive. TIA!

'98 Sundancer 250

 

[Espos4]

Grab your test light. Clamp onto the ground you found and start probing. Or just use a fuse tap.

 

[yobub]

What boat? They all have power under the helm, it is just a matter of where to direct you.

 

[Stee6043]

Do you see something like this under your helm? You can add a fuse, connect and go.

 

[Jeff_757]

What boat? They all have power under the helm, it is just a matter of where to direct you.

Sorry about that. its a 98 Sundancer 250.

 

[Jeff_757]

Do you see something like this under your helm? You can add a fuse, connect and go.

View attachment 137390

I have a negative bus bar but there's not one for the positive.

 

[Stee6043]

I have a negative bus bar but there's not one for the positive.

I don't think you'd generally see a "bus bar" for positive. It should be a fuse block I do believe.

 

[Jeff_757]

Thanks all. I was able to have a marine electrician look at it today. He said the power is running through the gauges. He gave me a few options on how to hook it up.

 

[yobub]

I don't think you'd generally see a "bus bar" for positive. It should be a fuse block I do believe.

On a boat of that age, definately should be a fuse block. My '86 Whaler has a positive bus bar, but a newer boat should not.

 

[Skybolt]

The older boats have the power come off of the engine and is usually traced back to the starboard engine ignition. There is a common point that a bus bar could be added if one is not there. To that point the only fuse is the breaker on the engine and is not switched until power is brought to the gauges. All electronics would need to be fused individually. The larger boats like what @Stee6043 has will have the fuse panel like the one he posted. In some cases one needs to be added.

If your going to add one make sure it is not taken from the purple wire and is taken from the main feed wire usually red or orange.

 

[scoflaw]

I prefer to tap into a wire that's hot when the battery switch is on so it stays running with ignition off. GPS will have its own inline fuse.