342 stereo upgrade - power question

Black_Diamond

must be a stereo guy on here to help. Looking to upgrade my circa 2003 Kenwood. Have an 800w amp currently, fairly underpowered running 8 speakers and a sub. Looking at a 1500w amp. Would need a 120a fuse and 4 or 2 awg wire..depending on wire length. 

Big question is do I need more battery power?  Have 2x group 31 102a-hr gel deep cycles now. 40a charger. All 2 years old. I’m not usually on the hook cranking the tunes all day. Thoughts on adding a 3rd battery?  Charging system. Not looking to turn this into a massive rewire and replacing a new charger, etc

appreciate the thoughts!

LaRea

Would it change how you use the boat if you could anchor longer with no worries about your starter batteries?  

I thought the 342 came wired for a house bank.  Is yours?

Black_Diamond

2 house batteries. Just would be 2x the amperage with a 1500W amp. 

LaRea

Duh, I should read more carefully.  A bigger amp won't make that much of a difference in battery life.  On those occasions when you do feel like getting loud, nobody will notice that you run the generator for a little while.

reneechris14

I have a 1200 watt for the 6 cockpit speakers and a 400 watt for the sub all wired with 4 awg I believe. Also have 2x group 31s for my house bank. System works fine have not had a problem. Rock on bro.

Black_Diamond

Thanks...good to know. Save me fretting about that!

F1100

I use a single 31 house battery, with my 2000w 8 speaker system, with 2 10" subs.. I can run 4hrs with no issues.  I would suggest a 1 farad cap however.