How to Install Boat Stereo Amp

Whether I'm taking my boat out for an early morning fishing trip or a sunset cruise, I want my marine stereo to sound as good as possible. An amplifier is the key to great sound since it increases the power output to the speakers. Find out how to install a boat stereo amp and get ready to rock out or chill out on the water.

Installing a Boat Stereo Amp

Image via Unsplash by amolinari

Here's how to install an amplifier in a boat in four simple steps:

1. Check Tools and Supplies

Before beginning, I recommend making sure you have the right tools and supplies on hand. In addition to a marine amplifier, here's what I use for the installation process:

• Amplifier wiring kit with a power cable, ground cable, RCA cable, connections, and fuses.
• Wire cutter and stripper to trim wires safely.
• Phillips and flat head screwdrivers to secure screws in place.
• Drill and bits to create screw holes for placement.
• Jigsaw to create cutouts for amp placement.
• Flashlight to help see the workspace clearly.

2. Choose a Mounting Location

When I'm sure I have all the tools and supplies I need, I choose a mounting location for the amp. Because I know I won't need easy access to the amp after installation, I aim to place it in a hard-to-reach location. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:

• Pick a mounting location with decent ventilation to prevent the amplifier from overheating or malfunctioning.
• Select a spot that's safe from direct sunlight to avoid damage and overheating.
• Choose an area that's safe from spray, splashes, and drips to avoid getting the amp wet.

Many boat owners install their amps under the dashboard or below the seats at the rear of the boat. Once I've chosen a good location, I mount the amp on a board before moving on the wiring.

3. Configure the Wiring

When I'm ready to configure the wiring for the amp, I start by disconnecting the boat's battery. Taking this step can help avoid electric shocks and can prevent damage to the system.

Then I check the marine amplifier wiring diagram to get a sense of where each connection should go. All the wires use standard color-coding to indicate whether they're ground or hot connections, which makes the wiring system easier to handle. As I connect the amp to the boat's battery, I make sure I'm always linking the same colors together.

Next, I run a power cable from the battery to the amp, connecting the amp's positive input to the battery's positive terminal. Then, I connect the ground wire to the amp's ground terminal. I link the other end to a metal surface in order to ground the amp safely.

Then I run a cable from the amp to my boat stereo and connect the two units. I connect the head unit's remote wire to the amp to ensure that it automatically shuts off when I power down the stereo.

Then run speaker wire from the amp to each speaker. I keep these rules of thumb in mind when deciding between wiring speakers in series or in parallel:

• When wiring speakers in series, connecting additional speakers increases the total resistance. As the ohm load increases, the power flow the amp provides decreases. I recommend making sure the amp can support the ohm load the speakers create.
• When wiring speakers in parallel, adding speakers decreases the total resistance. Again, it's essential to know the amp's ohm rating and capability to configure the wiring correctly.

4. Reconnect the Battery

After I've finished setting up the amp, I reconnect the boat's battery. Then I turn on the stereo system and test out the power of my newly installed amplifier.

Tips for Boat Stereo Amp Installation

When purchasing and installing an amp for a boat, I recommend keeping these tips in mind:

Always Opt for a Marine Amplifier

Since I'm a bit of an audiophile, I already have a preferred brand for receivers, speakers, and amps. No matter how great the brand is for home or commercial stereo equipment, however, I know that I shouldn't use a standard amp on a boat. Instead, I make sure to choose an amplifier that's designed for use on watercraft. Marine amplifiers are waterproof, so they can keep the music coming even if they get wet.

Choose an Amp With Enough Channels

Most marine amps come with anywhere from two to six channels. It's easy to assume that more channels are always better, but that isn't necessarily the case. In general, each power channel should support no more than two speakers. That means a two-channel amp can work beautifully with two to four speakers.

For a larger boat with more than four speakers, however, it's important to choose an amp with more channels. In addition, to control the sound from the front to the rear of the boat, I look for at least a four-channel amp.

Use the Right Wire Gauge

When buying a wiring kit and an amplifier together, chances are the wire will already be the correct size for the amp. However, when purchasing the two items separately, it's important to choose the right wire gauge. In general, the smaller the gauge, the higher the wattage. Smaller gauge numbers also signal thicker wires, which can be challenging to work with, especially in hard-to-reach places on a boat.

Ask a Professional to Help With Tricky Wiring

In most cases, wiring a marine amp is pretty straightforward. This is especially true if the boat and audio equipment are relatively new. However, if the wiring for the boat's sound system appears damaged or nonstandard, it's always a good idea to consult with an electrician or a boat mechanic. I've learned that getting expert help can ensure that your amp is installed safely and securely so it can be enjoyed for years to come.

Now that you know how to install an amp in a boat, you're ready to hook up your sound system. Follow the steps above to take your boat's audio to the next level.