Battery/Stereo Question

[captdade]

I want to install a stereo on a small boat with a 70 hp motor but im not sure if the battery can handle the draw if the motor is not running. The boat has one battery used for starting, bilge, livewell, lights, and tachs. How can you determine how much is too much. Any info about amperage draw calculations etc... would be much appreciated. I am new to boating and want to learn about the electrical basics. Thanks in advance!!

 

[JeffsAV]

Re: Battery/Stereo Question

I have a stereo in my boat that uses a cd player, 4 speakers, and a bazooka 10" powered sub. I can run it for hours on my cranking battery and I have no problems starting the engine. I also have a 70HP motor. My battery is a Cabela's brand marine cranking.

Here is a link to see my setup:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=289933

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Battery/Stereo Question

How long you can run something from a single battery depends on the capacity (Amp/Hr or reserve minutes) of the battery. Sort of like how much water can you carry in a bucket. It depends on how big the bucket of electricity is. The next question is recharging the battery. Unless you make long runs, a deeply discharged battery will not be fully charged in a 10 minute run back to the dock. With a group 27 (physical size) you should have no trouble. But then it all depends on whether or not you add a gazillion watt amp.