Don?t mean to quibble, but I think it is important to know that a fuse is intended to protect against overheating and possible fire. In reality the fuse is there to protect the wire not the lights. It is always best to use a fuse on any branch at its source. (before the on/off switch at the panel or battery) No matter the amp draw of the lights if ground and hot get together somewhere the wire is going to get very hot without a fuse. At best the wire will burn in two, at worst the heat will cause a fire. A fuse is supposed to blow before the wire gets hot. Boats vibrate allot and the chance of hot and ground rubbing together is possible. Always fuse .....always.
The amp rating of the fuse depends on the total current of the circuit and the size and length of the wire. Do a search on the electrical forum or ask around. Tons of info in there. Sorry for the hijack John...but it is important.
bummer
