How long can you run your stereo before draining battery?

[Timxxl]

I have a 625amp battery (brand new) and a 50wx4 stereo pushing two 6.5" speakers and two 4" speakers. Typically I've had the radio on for about an hour before starting up the motor to charge the battery.

What does everyone else do? I know you can buy a battery dedicated to the stereo only, but I don't have a very powerful stereo (at least not yet ). Last thing I want is to get stuck out there with a dead battery!

 

[njrextreme]

Re: How long can you run your stereo before draining battery?

Your best bet is to buy a batt. gauge and keep an eye on it. I run my stereo off my trolling batt.. I Like to keep the starting batt. as fresh as can be.
Nick

 

[ftl900]

Re: How long can you run your stereo before draining battery?

Second battery. If nothing else, it's worth it for the peace of mind, not second-guessing yourself about how long the stereo has been on.

Get a second battery and a battery switch, and then you can relax.

 

[DevonS]

Re: How long can you run your stereo before draining battery?

Perfect question. I had my first ever run today. The fish-finder and stereo are wired directly to the battery. I never even turned off the boat for fear I would be a dead stick on my first outing. I'm going to pick up a second battery and either a switch or isolator. The switch is cheaper and looks like exactly the thing... charge both batteries, but not kill the starting battery.

So what kind of battery? Cheapest marine battery I can find? It's just for the "accessories".

 

[Reel Kahuna]

Re: How long can you run your stereo before draining battery?

...So what kind of battery? Cheapest marine battery I can find? It's just for the "accessories".

Wally World Marine Battery at $60.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: How long can you run your stereo before draining battery?

Another option to adding a second battery is to buy one of those booster packs. Keep it charged up and throw it in the boat when you head out. If the battery dies, boost the motor with the booster pack. No battery switches and added cabling to deal with.

 

[battscrew]

Re: How long can you run your stereo before draining battery?

Another option to adding a second battery is to buy one of those booster packs. Keep it charged up and throw it in the boat when you head out. If the battery dies, boost the motor with the booster pack. No battery switches and added cabling to deal with.

that's what I am doing this year. From what I have read my Outboard won't be able to fully charge a second battery, so opted for a pack that is 800A heavy-duty marine booster pack. 33AH deep-cycle battery. Figure this should be enough?

Also my stereo and amp are direct wired to my battery so I am in the process of installing switches to turn off the (accessory on) stereo and one for the remote on for the amp.

 

[ScubaAl]

Re: How long can you run your stereo before draining battery?

I installed combiners on my boat last weekend.
http://yandina.com/

Al

 

[RickJ6956]

Re: How long can you run your stereo before draining battery?

A battery isolator will do the same for less than half the price. Added benefit: Buying from iBoats supports these forums.

 

[DevonS]

Re: How long can you run your stereo before draining battery?

Does everything on a boat have to be "marine"? I can get an isolator from Canadian Tire for $50, 90 amps, but it doesn't come with the "marine" tag. It's still a 12 volt system, right? That one should do the trick I'm guessing.

 

[brian102]

Re: How long can you run your stereo before draining battery?

just put in my second battery connects the two as soon as the ignition switch comes on never worry again! with that you could probably run the stereo along time off a battery though and not worry