Stereo Install (wiring)

[Short Strike]

I will be adding a Sony CD Marine Stereo to my Champion. I am running a 2005 225 Optimax. I have 3 batteries: All are deep cycle, 1 for starting and 2 for my 24v trolling motor. I am concerned about connecting it to my starting battery, and after playing the stereo for whatever amount of time, that there may not be enough cranking amps left for the Optimax.

What wiring possiblities do I have??

[tley]

hook it up to the 12v side of your trolling motor batteries. that way it is hooked to a deep cycle and you never have to worry about running your starting battery down.

[igs65]

Unless you are running additional amps, your stereo will not kill a healthy cranking battery.. My suggestion would be stay with a fused connection to your cranking battery..You may end up picking up interfernce from your TM if you do connect to your deep cycles

[SwatDawg]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by igs65 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Unless you are running additional amps, your stereo will not kill a healthy cranking battery.. My suggestion would be stay with a fused connection to your cranking battery..You may end up picking up interfernce your TM if you do connect to your deep cycles</td></tr></table>

+1, Don't hook to the T/M batterys. You won't drain a good cranking battery with it, besides it will charge back up when ever you run the outboard.

Use a good fuse, and make sure you ground it well. Post pictures of install.

[Short Strike]

I will stick with hooking to the starting battery. I have just heard the "horror" stories of Optimaxs' not starting with insuffient voltage. I do carry a mini version of jumper cables just in case!

Stereo being mounted under pasenger console and using 6x9 speaker boxes until I decide whether or not to cut holes for speakers.

Pics to follow!

[Pilgrim]

Hook to starting battery and don't cut holes, I cut holes in my last boat and I beleive the sound vibrated through the hull into the water and scared all the fish away...That's why I never caught any. That's my story and I'm st-st-st-stickin to it.
Stay with the box speakers.