Battery size needed to power stereo

[runabout367]

I'm installing a stereo into my boat and don't want to connect the stereo to the starting battery. I want to use a second battery and was wondering how small of a 12v battery will power the radio.

Will something like a small 8amp-hr rechargable power my radio for 4-6 hours?

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabe...t=12volt+battery&x=32&y=13&Ntt=12volt+battery

 

[runabout367]

Re: Battery size to power stereo

Re: Battery size to power stereo

just your normal marine stereo with 4 speakers..17 watt rms x 4 speakers

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/sear...m&N=0&Ntk=AllProducts&Ntt=dual+stereo&x=0&y=0

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Battery size needed to power stereo

I rebuilt a '79 Checkmate and before I wired her I was worried about the same thing. I've got a similar stereo as you describe, 4 channels rated at 20 watts per channel. I put in a CD and cranked the volume as loud as I'd ever care to listen, the stereo was pulling a whopping 3 Amps. Under more normal listening conditions it was more like 2 Amps. Based on that fact I chose not to do anything special and just wire it into the same fuse block as everything else. Most starting batteries have a capacity of around 70 or 80 Amp-hours - you can do the math.

If you really really want to go with a 2nd battery for your stereo there are some really compact AGM trolling motor batteries out there that would be perfect for this. They're a bit pricey but last forever (well, almost forever) if properly cared for - i.e. don't let them sit in a discharged state.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Battery size needed to power stereo

Just like in this thread:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=442560

Your best bet is to install a standard dual battery system on your boat. One where either battery can be used to start the boat (or run the stereo).