Axis Wakeboard Boat Forum

So I just finished installing my new exile harpoon amp with sxt65's. Along with my mtx 600.4 and 400.4 and thought no better time to finally put in my 2nd battery...

What I have done....
Disconnected my head unit from my key. Ran blk/red/yellow to stereo battery location with a 30 amp fuse on both red and yellow. Connected red to my rocker switch and back to head unit. yellow/blk direct from head to batt. Capped boat harness red and yellow wires

Ran 4 awg power and ground from distributors, about 3', to battery location

Connected power wire to #2 on blue sea switch. And trimmed out a ground to connect to starter battery.
WHAT AWG SHOULD I USE HERE?

My goal is to keep my battery switch on 1 but run my stereo on battery 2.

Look go so far?

Still need to buy my stereo battery... So the age old question...

What would the best deep cell battery be for my system?
I am no battery guru so any help would be great!!
Thanx

You want a deepcycle battery. I dont think optima has the lock on premium batteries anymore. My philosophy - Find a deal on a reputable name; Diehard, optima, interstate, etc...good luck and enjoy!

If you're running more than 2 amps, I'd recommend 0 gauge from switch and ground to distribution. From there, run 4awg for ground/power to amps.
How long do you tie up and listen to radio? It might be better to go with 2 batteries for stereo if running several amps and you plan on getting 2+ hours out of it. It's less wear as well. If you go with one and are consistently depleting/recharging it's not going to last.
I went with two srm-29 Interstate batteries and a prosport 3 bank charger. With this setup I was able to run more than 4 hours with volume at halfway or a little more at times. I'm about 3000w RMS for my system.
The charger will save your alternator and keep the batteries topped off on charge next time out.

0 awg to my distribution... Dang I have 2 awg to my distribution's and 4 awg to amps. I understand the concept of bigger wire better flow but but I thought the exciting 2 down to for would be ok at only 3 feet.

We ride a lot but have late night booze cruz and cove up for lengthy periods of time... But have always been on my last 2 boats.

I don't have a on board charger but I am putting on a pig tail for a tender I have until I can put a charger in. For at home but was wondering when we are camping I will just have to switch over to #2 for a good charging. I was hoping to skip battery 2 and charger after dropping some coin on the sound system

A good onboard charger is a wise and inexpensive investment when it comes to maintaining and extending your batteries. As mentioned above...I'd go with 2 stereo batteries. I have 3 Interstate SRM-29 for my modest stereo. If you're going with AGM batteries I'd go with Deka (had 2 in my previous boat) for wet cell batteries Interstate is very popular. My next boat I'm going with two Trojan 6 volt golf cart batteries for the stereo.

Ajwest it is in my plans to get the charger. Baby steps though... I was wondering if your at the lake for a week no plug in for the charger how are you charging the stereo bat's?

If you have no shore power for a week straight and playing your stereo with 2 batteries for a few hours a day at medium volume you're probably going to deplete your batters in just a couple/few days (volume, watts, amp efficency, and other factors will come into play). Your alternator can only do so much and if you've played your stereo a few hours then decide to go ride a set and want to crank up your stereo while riding you're putting a big load on your electrical system. If you play your stereo for a few hours you should just turn off your stereo completely, start the boat, and run it for approx 15 min at speed (not idle) to get your volts back up some to take the load off your boat's electrical system then turn on the stereo. You should look into the Trojan T105 6 volt batteries plus charger if shore power is an issue. You can find these batteries for $175-ish and they have 225 amp hour rating @ 20 amps. Get 2 of these batteries and you have 450 amp hours which is about 4 Interstate SRM-29. Interstate also makes a good 6 volt that has a reported 230+ amp hour rating @ 20amps. With the 6 volt batteries you'll have to keep an eye on the water levels just like any wet cell 12 volt battery

You're good if you have 2 4awg to distro. Do the same for neg block. Wire everything to common on switch.

You will be good for a bit without an shore charger, but taxing your alternator and batteries. You will not get a full charge on the stereo bank if you run them down and spend 15 minutes driving back to launch. I know its one thing after another with purchasing, but I learned the hard way. With speakers, batteries...lol

I've went through 3 or four systems in 2 boats and wish I would have done it right the first time. Hell- I still want upgrades-

Holla if you have any questions.