How do I add an amp?

[slap]

I'm going to replace my factory speakers and want to add an amp to drive the new ones. No amp, currently. Boat is a 2000 SS Lxi.

Would the amp go in the passenger side storage compartment with my batteries, or under the dash near the head unit? Either way, I think I would have to run wire, right? Any howto articles?

[slap]

This is actually helpful (for a complete stereo newb like me): http://knowledge.sonicelectronix.com/marine-audio/marine-amplifiers/how-to-install-a-boat-amplifier.html

So, I guess my specific questions are:

1. How do I get a wire from my batteries in the passenger side storage compartment to under the driver-side dash? Do I go through all of storage compartments (under the seats) in the bow, or is there and easier route?
   
2. For ground, is there already a place under the dash somewhere?
   
3. I have a battery switch - the 1,2,1&2, off kind. Would the new positive wire come off of "C" (common) on the switch? i.e. the same place that is supplying the starter with power?
   
4. If I have to run wire around the whole bow, that's kind of a long run. Do I need to stick with #2 AWG used for existing battery wiring?
   

Thanks!

[JTech]

This is actually helpful (for a complete stereo newb like me): http://knowledge.son...-amplifier.html

So, I guess my specific questions are:

1. How do I get a wire from my batteries in the passenger side storage compartment to under the driver-side dash? Do I go through all of storage compartments (under the seats) in the bow, or is there and easier route?
   
2. For ground, is there already a place under the dash somewhere?
   
3. I have a battery switch - the 1,2,1&2, off kind. Would the new positive wire come off of "C" (common) on the switch? i.e. the same place that is supplying the starter with power?
   
4. If I have to run wire around the whole bow, that's kind of a long run. Do I need to stick with #2 AWG used for existing battery wiring?
   

Thanks!

1: Not sure, I don't have your model of boat.

2: You could use a point there, but I prefer to make my own or run it to the battery.

3: Without seeing what is currently hooked up to what, it would be hard to say but I would suggest that wherever you get your +12v from that you have a fuse block inline before the amp to protect it.

4: Don't go cheap here, I believe the larger gauge is best between the battery and the fuse block (1/0 gauge), 4 gauge to the amps. Make sure that your RCA's stay away from your power to avoid feedback.

This diagram might help as well:

http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k491/brianinpdx/ExileMarinePowerFlowChart.jpg

Edited April 20, 2012 by JTech

[wienrdog]

More info than you want here.

The run from the battery to under the dash on my '01 goes thru the top of the ski locker. No reason not to run the same way. Check your fuse requirements.

I believe the installed run should be supplemented with an additional power wire.

Do you plan on adding an additional battery?

There is a ground bar up on the side of the boat under the dash.

[slap]

By ski locker do you mean the one in the floor?

I have two batteries, now. Are you suggesting that I need another? Or do I need to change out a cranking battery for a deep cycle?

I'll look into fuse requirements. I was thinking a simple inline fuse would be sufficient (between the battery and the amp)?

[wienrdog]

I do mean the ski locker in the floor. My battery leads go into the floor in the storage compartment, across the top of the locker & up under the helm.

A lot of the answers here will be 'it depends' on what you want to do.

No, the question was to see if you were planning on adding a second battery - not going up to three. I missed that you used the plural batteries.

If you have 2 batteries, you should be good unless you want to add a lot of amps and/or run for a long time without running the engine.

It also depends on how those two batteries are wired - Just combined, Perko switch, Blue Seas or other isolator, etc.

Sections 14 - 16 are likely most directly relevant to what you described you want to do.

Edited April 21, 2012 by wienrdog