Hi all new to forum - I know there are a lot of topics of discussion out there about this subject here and elsewhere on the web, but I can't find any that definitively describes my exact setup and wanted to get some opinions. It seems there is a lot of conflicting info on installing an amplifier in a boat.
I have a Monterrey 194FS bow rider, and last year I replaced the head unit and all 4 of the factory speakers. This year, I am adding an amplifier and a free air sub to the system.
I also have dual batteries installed in the boat, though it is just a standard switch (1, 2, or both) - no relay to isolate a battery and still charge it. So my normal mode of operation is run about in "both" and then switch to either batt 1 or 2 when floating or anchored for extended periods. I alternate between 1 and 2, so both batteries get somewhat of a work out (right or wrong... that is how it is setup, and they are marine starting batts, I know not ideal, but the system isn't a huge power hog even with the amp I am adding and I don't plan to change out a battery in near future unless I absolutely must).
The amp isn't massive - it is a JL Audio M700 5 channel, (4 channels @ 75W ea, and a 5th sub channel at 180W, all at 4 ohms). I am running 4 AWG power wire and ground from the engine compartment up to where the amp will be installed, under the left hand side counsel.
My question is, where to hook both the power wire, and ground wire for this amp. I will have a signal wire from the head unit to the amp to tell it to turn on when the head unit turns on. But I want to be able to power the amp off of either batt 1 or batt 2 when parked.
I was planning to attach the power wire for the amp to the common positive lead coming out of the battery switch, which should then allow for it to receive power in 1, 2 or both, and still allow for peace of mind that when the switch is in OFF the amp is not going to pull ANY power (even with the signal wire from the head unit as insurance). I will fuse this power lead a few inches from that attach point with a 60 amp fuse. Acceptable? or no?
For the ground, there seems to be a lot of very strong opinions and recommendations on where to hook it. It will be the same size as the power lead (4AWG) and will be run all the way back. Question is, should I hook it direct to a post on 1 of the batteries, or should I hook it to the grounding block that is a foot from the batteries and seems to have about 30 things tied into it. There is a good size cable from the block running back to the negative, I would say at least 2 AWG if not 0. Does it matter? If I go direct to a negative post on a battery, does it matter which 1 I go to (bat 1 or bat 2) keeping in mind that I want to be able to run the amp on bat 1, bat 2, or BOTH?
Would appreciate any advice. Like I said lots of discussion on the internet but cant seem to find good recommendations for exactly where to power and ground with a dual battery (non relay) setup.
thanks!
I have a Monterrey 194FS bow rider, and last year I replaced the head unit and all 4 of the factory speakers. This year, I am adding an amplifier and a free air sub to the system.
I also have dual batteries installed in the boat, though it is just a standard switch (1, 2, or both) - no relay to isolate a battery and still charge it. So my normal mode of operation is run about in "both" and then switch to either batt 1 or 2 when floating or anchored for extended periods. I alternate between 1 and 2, so both batteries get somewhat of a work out (right or wrong... that is how it is setup, and they are marine starting batts, I know not ideal, but the system isn't a huge power hog even with the amp I am adding and I don't plan to change out a battery in near future unless I absolutely must).
The amp isn't massive - it is a JL Audio M700 5 channel, (4 channels @ 75W ea, and a 5th sub channel at 180W, all at 4 ohms). I am running 4 AWG power wire and ground from the engine compartment up to where the amp will be installed, under the left hand side counsel.
My question is, where to hook both the power wire, and ground wire for this amp. I will have a signal wire from the head unit to the amp to tell it to turn on when the head unit turns on. But I want to be able to power the amp off of either batt 1 or batt 2 when parked.
I was planning to attach the power wire for the amp to the common positive lead coming out of the battery switch, which should then allow for it to receive power in 1, 2 or both, and still allow for peace of mind that when the switch is in OFF the amp is not going to pull ANY power (even with the signal wire from the head unit as insurance). I will fuse this power lead a few inches from that attach point with a 60 amp fuse. Acceptable? or no?
For the ground, there seems to be a lot of very strong opinions and recommendations on where to hook it. It will be the same size as the power lead (4AWG) and will be run all the way back. Question is, should I hook it direct to a post on 1 of the batteries, or should I hook it to the grounding block that is a foot from the batteries and seems to have about 30 things tied into it. There is a good size cable from the block running back to the negative, I would say at least 2 AWG if not 0. Does it matter? If I go direct to a negative post on a battery, does it matter which 1 I go to (bat 1 or bat 2) keeping in mind that I want to be able to run the amp on bat 1, bat 2, or BOTH?
Would appreciate any advice. Like I said lots of discussion on the internet but cant seem to find good recommendations for exactly where to power and ground with a dual battery (non relay) setup.
thanks!
