Upgrade wire to fuse box 2001 SAN

[vr6mole]

I remember someone posted something about this because their Perfect Pass was shutting off due to a voltage drop but couldn't seem to find the thread.

I noticed that the power/ground for the fuse box under the dash is only about 16 AWG. I was planning upgrading this to 8AWG for better voltage to the dash and other important accessories. I noticed before when I would turn on the blower or other items then the voltage on the dash would drop pretty significantly.

1. I tried to trace the red wire with the black tracer back to the engine and can't seem to find where it ends up. I imagine it is on one of those large fuses next to the ECU 60/30/5, any idea which one?

2. Could I just run the 8AWG wire with a 60 amp fuse right off the battery and power the fuse box? Basically treating it as an extra amp on the boat.

[KPNautique]

I believe your fuse box currently gets its power directly from the Batt. Is there a smaller gauge wire connected to the positive baterry terminal?

I powered my 02 Air fuse box from the Batt selector switch that I added with #8. This has worked well.

[vr6mole]

no, its not coming from the battery. It should be fused which is why i think it comes from the area next to the ECU.

What did you do with the exiting wire when you upgraded to 8#? Notice any voltage drop when using accessories such as the blower?

[KPNautique]

It was years ago that I did this. The reason I changed it was exactly what you are talking about.

I installed two batterries that are connected to a (1 or 2 or both) battery switch under the dash. The switch feeds the engine (starter and alternator) and the fuse boxes directly.

I only installed a 40 amp fuse to the box as my amps and balast pumps are connected to a separate fuse block.

I no longer get a voltage drop.

[KPNautique]

Don't forget to upgrade the neg. wire also. That is just as important.

[WakeSlayer]

This is on my Spring project list also. My plan is to just tag an additional powers and grounds off of my distribution blocks for my amps. I have 2ga. wire up to those. And will jump from the blocks with 8ga.

[vr6mole]

What did you do/plant to do with the existing power and ground wire?

Did you leave them in place on the fuse box? (shouldn't hurt anything)

Or we may use that to as a source of constant power for something else.