Overview

The Blue Sea Systems Contura Switch Panel with USB Charger is a 5-position 12/24V DC control panel with an integrated 4.8A dual USB charger for open-cockpit and flybridge applications. It gives a helm, cockpit, or flybridge a clean way to control onboard DC loads while keeping phones, tablets, and handheld electronics charged from the same panel area.

The panel uses Contura OFF-ON SPST switches with embedded ON indicator LEDs, so each active circuit is easy to see in low light. It is built for 12V or 24V DC systems and carries a 45A cumulative panel rating, with switches rated at 20A at 12V DC and 15A at 24V DC.

A watertight mounting gasket helps protect the installation where spray, rain, and washdowns are part of normal use. Across the range, the key choice is the panel color and circuit protection style, with the gray version using fuse holders and the white and black versions using push-button reset circuit breakers.

Key features

• Five switch positions for grouping common DC loads at the helm, cockpit, or flybridge.
• Integrated 12/24V dual USB charger rated at 4.8A, with device recognition to help charge connected electronics at the proper rate.
• Works with 12V DC and 24V DC boat electrical systems.
• 45A cumulative panel rating for managing multiple switched loads from one panel.
• Contura OFF-ON SPST switches include embedded ON indicator LEDs for quick status checks.
• Watertight mounting gasket helps protect the panel opening in exposed marine locations.
• Available in gray, white, and black finishes to match different helm layouts and existing controls.

Variants

This Contura panel is offered in three configurations. The main differences are color, panel width and depth, and the circuit protection hardware used behind the panel.

The 8121 gray version is the fuse-holder model and measures 7.5 in high, 5.25 in wide, and 3 in deep. The 8421 white and 8521 black versions use 15A thermal trip, manual push-button reset circuit breakers and measure 7.5 in high, 4.5 in wide, and 3.25 in deep.

• 8121, gray. This version suits installations where a gray panel face works with the surrounding controls and AGC/MDL fuse protection is preferred for the connected circuits.
• 8521, black. This version uses a black panel face and push-button reset circuit breakers, giving the helm a darker control layout with reset access at the panel.
• 8421, white. This version uses a white panel face and push-button reset circuit breakers, which can blend well with lighter fiberglass consoles and cockpit panels.

Installation and setup

This panel is a practical fit for boats that need a compact switch bank near the operator, especially where accessory circuits and USB charging are both needed in one location. It can be used for typical DC loads such as lighting, pumps, electronics accessories, or other properly rated circuits, as long as the wiring and overcurrent protection are matched to the installed equipment.

The panel should be mounted where the switches remain easy to reach and where the rear depth has enough clearance for wiring and circuit protection hardware. The watertight gasket supports exposed mounting areas, but the wiring behind the panel still needs proper strain relief, drip loops, and corrosion-conscious terminations for saltwater service.

Electrical and system integration

The 12/24V rating makes this panel useful on a wide range of small and mid-size boats, including vessels with 12V house systems and boats using 24V DC distribution. The integrated USB charger reduces the need for a separate charging socket, which helps keep the dash cleaner and saves space in crowded helm panels.

The white and black models include 15A reset-only circuit breakers, while the gray model uses panel-mount AGC/MDL fuse holders. That difference matters when matching the panel to how the rest of the vessel is serviced, since some owners prefer replaceable fuses and others prefer resettable breakers at the switch panel.

Use cases on board

This panel is a good match for open-cockpit powerboat helms, flybridge stations, fishing boats, and refit projects where older switches need to be replaced with a more organized 5-position layout. It is especially useful when crew regularly charge mobile devices or tablets at the helm while underway.