Replacement horn

JoeStangJoeStang Member Posts: 1,138 ✭✭✭✭
in General Boating Discussions
My horn took a dive (again), and I'd like to upgrade the sound this time, if possible. I have this style currently, behind a trim piece in the anchor locker:



As far as I can tell its just 2 wires that go to the horn, and the switch at the dash activates it.

I want to replace it with this:

Bad Boy Air Horn




Will I need to use the relay they include for the new horn, or can I just use the existing two wires and get it mounted up somehow?
2013 276 Cuddy ~ 350 MAG / B3
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Comments

  • GrahamuGrahamu Member Posts: 921 ✭✭✭
    What is the current draw? Are the existing wire's gauge large enough for it? A relay usually means it has a higher amperage.
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  • davidbrooksdavidbrooks Member Posts: 1,432 ✭✭✭✭
    I put in an air horn. Dual trumpet. And I absolutely love it talk about getting people's attention when you want to
    It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere!
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  • JoeStangJoeStang Member Posts: 1,138 ✭✭✭✭
    Grahamu said:
    What is the current draw? Are the existing wire's gauge large enough for it? A relay usually means it has a higher amperage.

    It supposedly comes with a 30A relay and draws 16A, which seems like a ton, right?

    Here's the install instructions. It says to just install with factory wiring for a car, but for a motorcycle to wire in the relay to protect the horn button and wiring.




    davidbrooks said:
    I put in an air horn. Dual trumpet. And I absolutely love it talk about getting people's attention when you want to

    This is kind of a hybrid, its a mini compressor and horn so I can install in the factory location. I have to access the area via a small access plate to the anchor locker, so big air horns are not really on the menu. :/
    2013 276 Cuddy ~ 350 MAG / B3
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  • YYZRCYYZRC Member Posts: 5,470 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Reviews aren't exactly stellar.
    2006 390 EC
    2008 350 EC
    Georgian Bay
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  • JoeStangJoeStang Member Posts: 1,138 ✭✭✭✭
    None of them really have stellar reviews that I've found, maybe you see something different? I really wanted to avoid having to wire to the battery or helm, because thats a PITA and I dont have a ton of extra time nowadays for projects like that. I dont want to install anything that causes damage or doesnt work right though, I'll just get the same thing I had for now and make it a fall project to upgrade.
    2013 276 Cuddy ~ 350 MAG / B3
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  • YYZRCYYZRC Member Posts: 5,470 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I used to carry one of those mini spray can air horns, knowing that the one time I actually need my boat horn it either wouldn't work or wouldn't be loud enough.


    2006 390 EC
    2008 350 EC
    Georgian Bay
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  • JoeStangJoeStang Member Posts: 1,138 ✭✭✭✭
    I thought about that, and I might keep that as a backup, but I still want a working horn that isnt a wimpy sound.

    What do you think the factory switch / fuse / wiring is good to? 5A, 10A? Maybe I just get the loudest horn I can find that doesnt require adding a relay.
    2013 276 Cuddy ~ 350 MAG / B3
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  • YYZRCYYZRC Member Posts: 5,470 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I believe the wiring in my boat is 14 gauge which would be good for 15 amps.  The Carling switches are rated at 20 amps I believe.  Not sure what the horn breaker is but I would guess not higher than 15 amps.
    2006 390 EC
    2008 350 EC
    Georgian Bay
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  • YYZRCYYZRC Member Posts: 5,470 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Pulled out my old dash panels and the horn breaker is 5 amps. 


    2006 390 EC
    2008 350 EC
    Georgian Bay
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  • davidbrooksdavidbrooks Member Posts: 1,432 ✭✭✭✭
    Don't forget the amps have to also go through the horn switch. They aren't always wired for that.
    It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere!
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