Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

Okay I am slowly narrowing down the upgrades to the stereo on my Sylvan pontoon.

I am still deciding on which speakers to utilize but that is something I can figure out myself based on size and budget. I am leaning towards the Polk DB651 to replace the OEM 5 1/4" speakers. I need to add two more in the driver and co-pilot area as this is a big dead space on sound and want to add two more on the back for when we are in the water - that is a total of 8 speakers.

More importantly, I am now trying to plan out the installation and have some questions for you stereo folks. I have never installed stereo equipment outside of just upgrading speakers so I am a novice at this - I would rather rebuilt a motor than deal with electrical but I am willing to learn!

Here are the components that I have in the mix:

* Infinity PRV250 Head Unit (installed by the manufacturer)
* Dual batteries with a Perko switch (installed by me).
* Wet Sounds HT-4 amp powering 8 speakers
* Bazooka tube MBT10250

I plan to run the positive wire from the Perko switch to a distribution block under the helm. Likewise, I plan to run the negative wire from the batteries to a distribution block under the helm. From there, power the amp and the Bazooka tube.

The WetSounds amp specifies 4 AWG with a run to the battery for positive and negative. This amp has 2 25 amp fuses. The Bazooka Tube specifies at least 12 AWG and has a 15 amp fuse.

Here are the questions I have:

1. What size wire should I run from the Perko switch to the distribution block(s) under the helm? I was thinking a minimum of 2 AWG but don't know if that is overkill and should I just stick with 4 AWG.

2. Speaking of wire, have any recommendations? This is a fresh water pontoon so could I use CCA wire without issue? Who has the best prices?

3. What size fuse or circuit breaker would I need on the positive wire close to the switch/batteries? Do you recommend a fuse or a circuit breaker? Do you have any recommendations on either of these (manufacturer/model)?

4. Do you have any recommendations on distribution blocks - I like the Wetsounds that is configurable for both positive and negative in a single block. I also like the Scosche that has the same capability but both are a little spendy.

5. Using the Wet Sounds amp, I understand that I can run 8 speakers off of 4 channels as this drops the ohms down to 2 ohms and the amp is 2 ohm stable. However, can I run 6 speakers (until I get them all installed)? 4 speakers on the front channel and 2 on the rear? Obviously the 4 fronts would be running at 2 ohms and the rear at 4 ohms and I don't know if this will cause an issue or not? I do not want to blow the amp.

6. What about the remote power wiring? I have seen some installs online that utilize a relay to power multiple amps. Is this a good idea or can I just wire the amp and the tubes wires to the remote turnon wire on the head unit?

Thanks in advance.

Remote wire should have enough power for 2 amps, any more will require a relay. Buy your wire from a stereo shop, they will have a higher strand count which is needed for quick power delivery. 4 GA wire is fine. You will have no issue running some channels at 2ohm and others at 4. Be sure you understand the wiring to lower the ohms to 2. I would use a fuse because it's less expensive, but in reality a breaker would be better. Go with an 80amp. You should also get 2 ground loop isolators, you may need these to remove alternator whine.

Where do the ground loop isolators get wired in?

I will have the following

Positive
Perko switch --> fuse ------>power distribution ====> amp and bazooka

Negative
Battery --------------------->ground distribution ====> amp and bazooka

Which raises another question - I have to batteries but the negative lead from the motor comes into one battery and I have a cable joining the two negative posts on the batteries. Where should I connnect the negative cable going to the amp? First battery or second battery?

The ground loop isolators usually go in line on the rca inputs to the amplifier. I actually had to put one between my aux input and the radio on the new boat. If you had a phone plugged into the charger and were listening to it at the same time there would be some whine particularly when I would trim the motor. In a boat there is a higher likely hood of a ground loop sincentives everything grounds to the same place.

Mpilot is correct, the isolators will go on the rca wires that come from the radio to the amp. They are directional so pay attention to the hook up. You can ground the wires at any battery, its only ground. I would recommend keeping the bazooka tube off the floor, moisture will run down the length of the floor and dampen the tube. If you need any other info, just ask. One last thing....you may want to add a solar charger to this set up as it will probably out draw your alternator capacity. I added a 15 watt panel to my anchor light pole. Charges all day while moored and is ready for Saturday when I arrive.