Stereo Amp in Engine Compartment?

[splugeeman]

Question for all that would like to comment. I am upgrading the stereo system on a 28' cruiser. Is there any reason I should be hesitant about placing a marine grade amp inside, on the side, of the engine compartment. It will be placed well away from all moving parts by the perko switch.

 

[troypolla]

Re: Stereo Amp in Engine Compartment?

My only concern would be gas fumes and sparks from the amp.

 

[splugeeman]

Re: Stereo Amp in Engine Compartment?

I thought of that......has anyone else put an amp there? i am looking for a place to place good sized amp (out of the way).

 

[imported_DANA1]

Re: Stereo Amp in Engine Compartment?

dont know what kind of boat you have? but if you look around you mite find some removable panels should be lots of room but anywhere is better than the engine compartment amps dont like heat and if its not ignition protected its not safe! i think ignition protected means wont ignite fumes

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Stereo Amp in Engine Compartment?

the amp is air cooled, you want it in an area thats going to get circulation. have you considered and electronics box near the helm. usually mounted above the helm, with all the goodies in it.

http://www.iboats.com/Todd_Electron...337029873--list_time.1174037015--view_id.2120

 

[Zim]

Re: Stereo Amp in Engine Compartment?

Just from experience with car audio, keep it in a well ventilated cool area. Even with that box, I wouldnt put it in there cause there's no air ventilation.

Maybe make a plexiglass cover for it somewhere and make it look cool sitting out somewhere.

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: Stereo Amp in Engine Compartment?

You'll get sparks from solinoids and trim motors, etc. I don't think there's spark problem with solidstate amps and they should be protected with fuses or cb's. Both of mine (26' Wellcraft) are mounted in the engine compartment. On the bulkhead, opposite of transom. It is well vented and doesn't seem to get very hot in there. You could always add a big heatsink mount or another bilge blower (dual purpose) if it's gets too hot.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Stereo Amp in Engine Compartment?

You'll get sparks from solinoids and trim motors...

No you won't. The only way those item are allowed in the engine compartment is if they are spark shielded.

Speaking of solenoids, is the one in the lower left of your picture a marine solenoid?

 

[splugeeman]

Re: Stereo Amp in Engine Compartment?

Paid to have the Experts look at it and they gave me the Thumbs up!. The Amp is now down in the engine compartment on a cruiser on the fore wall.

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: Stereo Amp in Engine Compartment?

What I meant was (in general) with electromechanical devices (most likely) give you sparks..shielded only means the sparks are covered, not that they do not happen. Inert solid state stuff just doesn't spark in their normal operation.

If your wondering about my solenoid(s), yes they are shielded.. and the difference is? . i don't leak, i do check, I also run my blowers, have a Halon system and insurance.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Stereo Amp in Engine Compartment?

Here is an example of an ignition protected relay:

http://bluesea.com/category/1/productline/8

 

[isp184dude]

Re: Stereo Amp in Engine Compartment?

No problems with my amp in the engine compartment. Although I have touched it after about 3 hrs on the water and it has been HOT. I know amps get hot on their own. I just run the blower more often and check it once in a while. A good amp is built pretty tough and able to withstand high temps.