Adding power to dash question

[Chexi]

I would like to add some extra power to my dash. While my PP isn't flaking out per se due to low power, my depth sounder is, and when I had my depth sounder tied into my analog speedo, the speedo or the depth sounder was. I know that the wire gauge to the dash on these boats is barely sufficient to cover stock needs, let alone add-ons. If I had a key, this would be easy, but I have a key pad. Does anyone have any ideas on where to hook up a second power line from the battery to safely boost the power to the instruments?

I'm guessing it's the grey wire to the keypad, and that I can just tie another line in as close to the keypad as possible... but (a) I want to be sure and (b) I don't want that little bit of wire to the key pad to fry.

[Chexi]

Edit, actually, it's probably the purple not the gray, but again, if anyone has done this, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

[AirTool]

Edit, actually, it's probably the purple not the gray, but again, if anyone has done this, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

I think it is purple from my previous posts for you. It is on the wiring diagram but it is general for the engine not necessarily the boat. You need to print the diagram and reconcile a few of the wires to build confidence in the diagram. Be careful (don't) pulling off the keypad wires because it is "soft" (at least on the new ones) it has power going to it but signals coming out.

I'm trying to think of a relay scheme for you.

[Mikeski]

upgrade the main power red and black between the main breaker panel and the battery. I like this cable: genuinedealz.com They previously had 6/2 red/black pre-tinned duplex wire, I don't see it on the site tonight. I have a small sample in my leftover wire box.

[Chexi]

Thanks guys. I love geniundealz.com. I see that they have 6/2 in red/yellow, just not red/black listed on their site. I have to order some wire anyway for my ballast project, so I'll call them and see if they have in red/black.

[TX-Foilhead]

I did the same thing in my 93, I know your going to be a bit different, but with a wiring diagram you should be able to figure it out. I paralleled the feed to the dash with a 10/2 duplex wire. The ground wire runs from the ground on the block to just before the first split at the dash where the grounds start to break out to the gauges. The power wire goes from the protected side of the 50amp breaker to the main ignition breaker on the dash. I think that would be your key pad unless you have another button that powers up the dash. Figure out where you're going and what you need to connect it first, I don't remember any of the connections being the standard connections I keep around.

I ended up picking up about 2 amps on the dash gauge if I remember right, and it never dips below 12 with everything running.

[crobi2]

I ran a 6 gauge wire from the battery to my ballast switches and then continued it on to the main switch on the kick panel for extra current at least to the main switch. I also ran a 6 gauge ground wire from the battery to a distribution block under the dash to help out with grounding.