Need stereo advice for my 78 24' pontoon, also lights and battery q's

[MXHalofan]

Wanting to wire up a stereo on my boat that is Ipod compatible. Can you guys recommend one please? Looked on ebay and there's a myriad of choices.

Also I want to wire some deck lights for moving around on the boat at night. I've not been on many pontoons so any advice or ebay links would be helpful.

My boat has a deep cycle marine battery and a large trolling motor type battery. I was thinking about just wiring up the stereo and lights to the extra battery and keep them isolated. Curious about advice for managing the power. Which batt to use for accessories and which for starting? I have a fish finder wired to the starting circuit currently and can see voltage.

I had an electrician suggest I use a AC converter for lights (12Ov). Is that a popular route? Thanks forum, love you guys.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Need stereo advice for my 78 24' pontoon, also lights and battery q's

You electrician is not thinking clearly. Inverters are 85% efficient so 15% of the power input to them is lost just making 120 volts ac and that voltage on a metal boat, which is sitting on water is a potential electrocution hazard -- specially when wired incorrectly. Besides, how much light do you think you need. Use low current LEDs. You don't need to light this thing up like the WalMart parking lot do you?

 

[NYBo]

Re: Need stereo advice for my 78 24' pontoon, also lights and battery q's

I agree with Silvertip. A few 12V LED courtesy lights will give you plenty of light. Using an inverter and 120V AC fixtures is lunacy.

You want to shine any such lights down at the deck and keep the brightness as low as you can to preserve your night vision. Consider red LEDs.

Do you have a budget in mind for the stereo? How picky are you about the way it will sound?

 

[MXHalofan]

Re: Need stereo advice for my 78 24' pontoon, also lights and battery q's

Thanks for the advice! I can use all feedback I can get!

I totally don't want another Walmart parking lot haha. Just some lights to guide us around the boat at night when it's full of gear. This 24' boat fills up quick.

I might look closer at the lights at walmart boat section.

Any advice on a stereo would be helpful. I've got a good car stereo I could install but unsure about whether that's a good option. Thanks forum.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Need stereo advice for my 78 24' pontoon, also lights and battery q's

CAr stereos are ok in boats if you keep em dry. On the other hand if you are out in the seas and the big winds a boat stereo may do better since it is intended for a marine environment. Also the marine stuff won't corrode as quickly from salt air.

 

[MXHalofan]

Re: Need stereo advice for my 78 24' pontoon, also lights and battery q's

OK thanks forum! I'm going to look for some red LED courtesy lights. I've got a great alpine deck from my last car just sitting here beside the computer. I am going to try it out. At least I can get tunes rolling this weekend and have my wiring done before ponying for a marine deck. My boat has a couple speakers in the seat frames already. I just need to spend time on wiring. Now's the perfect time to wire up the courtesy lights along with the speaker circuits. Thanks again forum and any other advice? I'm all ears.