Garmin Boat Switch digital switching module

Yes, Garmin strongly recommends using a professional installer with appropriate knowledge of electrical systems to install the device. Incorrect installation can result in serious injury and damage to the vessel or battery.

Before starting the installation, it is imperative to disconnect the vessel's electrical power supply. Additionally, ensure the device is properly grounded in accordance with the installation instructions before powering it on. Read all installation instructions before beginning.

You must mount the device in an accessible location, not submerged, on a flat and vertical mounting surface, with the cable harness connectors pointing downward. The location must be away from potential interference sources, such as strong electromagnetic fields, power cables, and electric motors. Accessibility is critical for activating physical switches, configuring the device, and resetting software fuses.

Mounting hardware is not included with the device. You will need to provide pan-head screws of appropriate length for the mounting surface. Do not use the device as a drilling template, do not apply grease or lubricant to the screws, and do not overtighten the screws to avoid damaging the device’s housing.

The Garmin Boat Switch must be connected to your vessel’s NMEA 2000 network using an NMEA 2000 spur cable. It is essential that the Garmin chartplotter you intend to use for digital switching is connected to the same NMEA 2000 network. The device does not receive power from the NMEA 2000 network; it requires a dedicated power connection.

The Garmin Boat Switch must be connected to a 12 V power source via a 50 A inline circuit breaker or fuse. This power connection is dedicated and separate from the NMEA 2000 network connection.

The Garmin Boat Switch is compatible with Garmin GPSMAP® or ECHOMAP™ chartplotters that support digital switching.

Yes, you can connect optional physical switches to the Garmin Boat Switch, providing additional flexibility for controlling onboard functions.

No, the Garmin Boat Switch does not receive power from the NMEA 2000 network. It must be powered by a dedicated electrical connection, protected by an inline 50 A circuit breaker or fuse.

Garmin non-aviation products, including the Boat Switch, are warranted against defects in materials or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. During this period, Garmin will repair or replace, at its sole discretion, any defective component under normal use.

The limited warranty does not cover:

Cosmetic damage (scratches, nicks, dents).Consumable parts (such as batteries), unless the damage is due to a defect in materials or manufacturing.Damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, water, flooding, fire, or other natural disasters or external causes.Damage caused by service performed by a provider not authorized by Garmin.Damage to a product modified or altered without Garmin’s written authorization.Damage to a product connected to power and/or data cables not supplied by Garmin, or to non-certified UL power supplies and adapters not labeled as Limited Power Source (LPS).

Yes, Garmin’s limited warranty does not cover damage to a product that has been modified or altered without Garmin’s written authorization.

The Garmin Boat Switch provides integrated digital switching, enabling you to operate and monitor onboard electrical functions directly from your Garmin chartplotter. It replaces traditional two-component systems (fuse box and switches) for simplified control. It allows control and protection of up to 20 circuits, detection and calibration of tank sensors, and monitoring of battery analog voltages.

The Garmin Boat Switch can control and protect up to 20 different electrical circuits aboard your vessel.

The Boat Switch offers four different types of switches:

On/Off: For bilge pumps and non-dimmable lights (such as navigation lights and courtesy lights).Pressure-sensitive dimmers: For cabin lights.Instant outputs: For horns.Timers: For livewell pumps.

Yes, the Garmin Boat Switch allows you to monitor the analog voltages of your boat’s house and start batteries, giving you visibility into the state of your electrical system.

By default, the Boat Switch is configured so that channels 1 and 2 are interlocked. Channel 1 is intended for red/green navigation lights, and channel 2 for white navigation/masthead lights. When the boat is underway, activating channel 1 turns both channels on and off. At anchor, activating channel 2 turns only the masthead light on and off, and turns off channel 1 if it is on.

Yes, if one of the software fuses is triggered, you may need to reset them by pressing the device's buttons directly. That is why it is important for the device to be mounted in an accessible location.

Yes, the Garmin Boat Switch is designed to replace traditional two-element systems, including the fuse box and switches, providing simplified control and use of onboard functions via digital switching.

Garmin strongly recommends using a professional installer with in-depth knowledge of electrical systems to install the Boat Switch. Incorrect installation may result in serious injury and damage to the boat or battery.

While the installation process is designed to be straightforward—requiring no special tools or complex configuration for basic connections thanks to 45 cm (18 in) flying leads—the planning and integration into the boat’s electrical system require expertise.

It is imperative to read all installation instructions before beginning. If you do not understand the installation requirements for this device or encounter difficulties, contact Garmin product support or consult a professional.