newbie - amp draw from new boat system

[groove508]

Hi everyone. I'm upgrading my stereo in my pontoon and have some questions. I'm replacing my 4 speakers with 4 infinity 602m's, a jbl 4-channel amp ( 60 x 4 ) and a bazooka 200 watt powered sub ( mbta8200 ). I have a 50hp honda outboard with a 10amp alternator. I have a standard marine battery ( probably a middle of the road oem battery ) I was able to listen for hours while not running the engine without any battery problems with my old stereo.(head unit and 4 speakers). What problems am I going to encounter now? I dont know if the alternator will keep up with amp draw while running , let alone sitting still. what are my options? Thanks, groove

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[undeadxsunshine 10+ year member]

Add batteries, then upgrade alt.

 

[Einzee 10+ year member]

Add batteries, then upgrade alt.

Agreed. But I'm unsure if the alt on an outboard could be upgraded.

But in any case.... Id highly recommend using a battery isolator when you install more batteries. The isolator separates your main bat (starter) from your aux bat (stereo/accessories). That way your stereo equipment will not drain the main bat and leave you stranded in the middle of the lake.

 

[rocky 59 5,000+ posts]

Agreed. But I'm unsure if the alt on an outboard could be upgraded. But in any case.... Id highly recommend using a battery isolator when you install more batteries. The isolator separates your main bat (starter) from your aux bat (stereo/accessories). That way your stereo equipment will not drain the main bat and leave you stranded in the middle of the lake.

you dont an isolator there just another BS piece to buy that dont do shit.

on that outboard i would suggest a 110 volt charger hooked up to the dock to charge 2 batt's over nite after i hard drive around the ole fishing hole lol.

 

[groove508]

The charger is not really an option. I'll be in a marina with no power. A spare battery or larger battery is an option but isn't that just gonna just give a little more time? Is my alt not gonna keep up?

 

[rocky 59 5,000+ posts]

The charger is not really an option. I'll be in a marina with no power. A spare battery or larger battery is an option but isn't that just gonna just give a little more time? Is my alt not gonna keep up?

no its not to be honest, have a small generator??

 

[whitem1ke88 10+ year member]

Does bass on a boat disturb sea creatures? //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif lol something ive always wondered..

 

[Louisiana_CRX 5,000+ posts]

i'd recomend isolating your stereo battery from your main battery ...get a PAC 80

 

[loopkiller 10+ year member]

I would suggest keeping the audio battery on a completely separate circuit to avoid buying an isolator, then take the batt with you when you dock and charge it at home.

/thread

 

[drpeeb 10+ year member]

The charger is not really an option. I'll be in a marina with no power. A spare battery or larger battery is an option but isn't that just gonna just give a little more time? Is my alt not gonna keep up?

The simplest and absolute safest way to not get stranded: You just need a 2nd battery. Do not wire it to the main battery; Just set it in your boat and connect your stereo to it. Run your stereo off it until it dies, then charge it when you get back as soon as you can. This way you won't ever kill your main OEM battery.

Now if you want your small OEM alternator to also charge this 2nd battery when your motor is running, you need to wire both batteries to a manual battery isolator switch. After you're done sitting and jamming, start the motor with the OEM battery, then turn the switch to "All" so both batteries receive the alternator's charge. This switch is not very expensive; The common brand is "Perko" and is available at most boat places. I have a $65K Cobalt boat and this is the way it comes setup. In fact this is the standard setup for boats with dual batteries. The danger of this, though, is that you do still have to manually switch the battery switch, and to the correct position. If you don't you could kill both batteries listening to the stereo all day.