Installing amp under drivers console

[korygrandy]

I am the new owner of a 2003 Glastron SX175 and I want to install a decent audio system. I want to install the Clarion amp to the carpeted board under the drivers console. Can this board be removed for easier installation or is this not recommended. If it can be removed does anyone know how and what is holding this in?

 

[ThreeMileBayWaker]

Re: Installing amp under drivers console

I know there should be holes behind the front seat cushions in the bow which back up to the drivers console. I've never taken any off, but my dealer told me they came off when I asked about running more speakers to the bow of my boat. There are access points all around to run wiring through the gunnels.

 

[Intune]

Re: Installing amp under drivers console

Hi KG! Welcome to iboats! There is a ton of info on here to keep your boat, motor, drive, etc. well-maintained & serviced.

Those Clarion marine amps rock! I have the APX290M in my SeaRay driving a couple of awesome Polk Audio spkrs & an 8" sub.

Amps get hot. I don't know where you're located but mid 90's is not unusual here in TN in the summer. Amps shut down when they get hot. A small 2.5-3.5" fan mounted in the walk-through wall with flex hose directing the flow across the cooling fins will help a ton if you mount it under there.

Cables- Amps draw a lot of power & need heavy gauge wire from the battery. Look at the starter motor cable hooked up to your batt. That's a SHORT run of wire & look how heavy it is.

Speaking of batteries, you will need a good deep-cycle batt that is separate from your crankin' batt. And a Voltage Sensitive Relay (VSR) or isolator or switch to prevent you from being stranded & to charge while moving. My amp draws almost 30amps & the bigger Clarion one draws almost 60! I can go about 2 hours before it fades and that's on a good Deka (East Penn) batt. But I can still crank the engine with the other, fresh batt!

I'm not trying to discourage you, I'm just lettin' you know some issues that need to be dealt with. Being stranded sucks. :redface: Does your 175 have bench seating aft? That's where my amp & sub are. Nice short run of heavy gauge wire. About 2-3' from the batts but separated from the hot engine bay.

I mounted the amp on a board & used the little rubber feet from the legs of wrought-iron chairs on the mounting screws so it is raised off of the floor & board for ventilation & possible water intrusion.

Good luck & have fun!

 

[korygrandy]

Re: Installing amp under drivers console

Thanks for the replies! I ran all the speaker wire but the amp location is now worrying me. I suppose I don't want a 10' cable running from the drivers console to the rear of the boat. I did it in my car when I had a system however and it didn't seem to cause any issues. I might look into getting a fan like you recommended if my amp powers off on me.

Another thing, I would like to do is have the ACC switch on the dash toggle the whole system on and off. Not too sure how to accomplish this but it looks like there is a switch that isn't being used for anything. I just bought a BEP Marine 125 Amp VSR...will that do the trick?

 

[Intune]

Re: Installing amp under drivers console

The BEP is perfect!

Mine is wired to a toggle. I want off to be off 'cause sometimes the radio will just get turned down, not off. & the next day... Ask me how I know this...

I just used the radio hot wire, works great.

If you can get to that underside of the console easily do it. That's where I wanted mine at first. The amp should be fine. They ride in trunks all the time. You'll know.

2 10' cables You MUST run the ground back to the batt.

Rock on!

 

[korygrandy]

Re: Installing amp under drivers console

Well my cd-player came in today and that is the first order of business. I have a cutout and a splashguard where it will go but not too sure how to mount this thing.