I need help with boat electronics

[srt4wad]

What I wouid like to do is install a radio and a few speakers in my boat and I am not sure what I will need and what I should now befor I do this. I would like to run the radio off of a switch and I would like to hook up some new lights (leds) for the stern and bow. I do a lot of 12Volt systmes in cars since I own a 12 mobile audio/video company but I have never messed with a boat even though it is 12volts is intimidating. I would like to but in a fuse panel so all wires are located in one area and just run a + and - to the fuse panel. We want to put in some new gauges and stuff and I want to hook them up right and make it look good. Please any help would be great like what to look at as far as amp draw and voltage and should I run another battery stuff like that.

Thank You
Wade

 

[Billy C]

Re: I need help with boat electronics

The only difference to me is,in my boats I solder and heat shrink all my connections.
I also like having dual Batteries,1 for running the engine,and the other for toys,pumps,stereo's etc.
the more grounds the better also.
Hope that helps

 

[drewpster]

Re: I need help with boat electronics

What kind of electrical system do you have now?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: I need help with boat electronics

12 volts is 12 volts whether its in a car or boat. However, there are couple factors you need to deal with. One is water. Many people (including me) get by nicely using car audio systems but if you want "serious tunes" then you need to consider "marine" audio equipment and speakers. Next, the chassis is the normal ground point in a car while thats not the case in a boat. Obviously fiberglass is not a good conductor and even though aluminim is, grounds are normally made directly at the battery or at a negative bus bar on the fuse/breaker panel. You are on the right track wanting to run POS and NEG lines to a fuse or breaker panel. Run the individual ciruits from there. Dual battery setups are common and would be recommended in your application. Switches are switches, but again, marine service is required.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: I need help with boat electronics

i suggest installing a master switch to before the switches to the individual accessories, this way when you store the boat, you don't accidentiallly leave something on, and kill the battery. there are many good boat wiring books on the markey or hit the library. color code your wiring, so it's not as confusing, when trouble shooting.

 

[srt4wad]

Re: I need help with boat electronics

Cool I will look for books and what not. I have a company I buy from that has a line of marine audio equipment and I want to try them out since I run there mobile stuff in the comp car and I would like to also put them in the boat maybe they will help with a sponsorship. LOL