Power Consumption

[PtownBubba]

I have an inexpensive 600 watt amp XPA 4100, says it would like to have 8awg wire for power, 10awg for grd. [it has 2, 25 amp fuses ] My question is, how long can I run this amp without the engine running ? I want to use it on my boat, so there are many times the stereo is playing without motor running. I have a 400 watt Pyle now, and used it while parked, and never had any battery drain to a point motor would not start. Hate to get stranded on the sand bar with a dead battery and no beer.

Trolling motors can run a long time on a good battery, and they would seem to be very power hungry.

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[ahole-ic]

For marine applications I ALWAYS suggest another battery and battery isolator. Also a voltage gauge. Hook your head unit and amp up to the second battery. Now you COULD drain this battery and still crank the engine because when the engine is not started, the battery isolator makes sure you cannot drain your starting battery. When you start the engine, it connects the two batteries and allows your alternator to charge both. Your voltage gauge will simply allow you to monitor that battery and make sure you don't drain it too much and ruin it (below 12.2v). If you have no option for a second battery don't even do this. It's a poor idea.

I wouldn't run that amp cranked up for more than 15 minutes at full tilt. Your chances of getting stranded are high unless you do what I recommend here.