Installing a cigarette lighter in the boat

[jiggin9]

I've recently purchased a cigarette lighter/12V plug in for the dash on my boat and was wondering which battery would be the best to connect it to. My deep cycle is a lot closer to the dash and is only connected to the trolling motor. The starting battery already has a few additional wires going to it which I believe is for the fish finder (previous owner install). I got the plug in mainly for running my GPS and charging the cell phone. I figure it shouldn't drain the deep cycle any faster in conjuction with the trolling motor than just the trolling motor alone. Any suggestions?

[Deitz Dittrich]

if it were me, I would attach it to the starting battery as well.

[SimilarIsland]

I ran two to my fuse panel under the console, which comes from the starting battery. It's safe and it works great.

[herefish101]

i would second the fuse panel, just make sure to hook it up to somthing with enough amperage to run your device.

[jiggin9]

Thanks for the replies everyone. My electrical background is lacking somewhat and I thought I'd get some advice before I get in too deep. There is an in line fuse on the positive side already. If the starting battery is indeed the way to go, I can just add some wire and run it back to the starting battery. Thanks again.

[Ralph Wiggum]

You're going to want the fuse as close to the battery as possible.

[captainstevo]

I would go to a fleet store and buy some bulk 2 wire extension cord. I found the round stuff for running in my boat and it is great because I do not have 2 wires to try to contain, it is already rated at weather proof. Also I have recently rewired and replaced some electrical in my boat because I did not take my time the first time. Use better connectors and heatshrink tube over connections, it is worth the extra $2 or $3 in the long run. Also, I used a regular 3 cigarette liter cluster designed for automotive use, it is now in the garbage and I replaced it with 2 marine ones.

If you have not installed it already I would suggest using a marine style, the automotive ones do not have stainless parts and rust as soon as you get any water near them.

I know this was not in your original question but I thought I would offer you some of my errors so that someone does not repeat my mistakes. I also second the fuse panel if you have one otherwise the starting battery would be my suggestion.