Planning stereo installation - '99 22i

[Trenal]

I am hoping to start my stereo installation next weekend and I was hoping to get some advice on accessories needed an also best practices for the actual installation. As this is my first boat installation I will be asking A LOT of questions.

Photos of the interior can be found here
http://imageshack.us/g/85/boatinterior8.jpg/

My current components are:
Promariner Prosport 20
Clarion CMD7
Clarion MW1 Remote
Clarion XN3410 Amp
Four JL Audio MM651
One JL Audio M10W5-SG-TB
Two Interstate Cranking Batteries

My questions:
1) Do I need a non-cranking battery for the stereo system?
2) Can I used mixed-mode on the amp and run all 5 speakers from it or will another amp be required?
3) Is the 10" sub too big for the small spaces I have in the driver and passenger storage areas?
4) Wiring: Do I need a distribution block if I go with just one amp? What gauge?

This seems like a good start for my questions. Again any tips you can provide or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Bryan

[shawndoggy]

#1 -- Need? Probably not. Really depends on your listening habits. That's a pretty modest system, and if you mostly listen while the boat is running I'd bet you'd be fine with a single battery.

#2 -- looks like you could run two of the 6.5"s from each of the front two channels (2ohms) and bridge the rear two channels to the sub. You'd be running that amp flat out so if you crank it it could get hot, but I'd try it. If it ends up overheating and shutting down, add a sub amp and give each of the 6.5's their own channel.

#4 -- distro block, no, unless you plan to add amps. Just make sure you fuse the power wire near the battery. 4awg wire is going to be fine.

[chpthril]

1) I prefer to have a dedicated cranking and then a Deep-cycle for the house battery and backup cranking.

2)Yes, but it can depend on the amp, sub and speakers. I would need to look at the specs before making a final call.

3) Are your batteries in the starboard mid-ship storage like most of the DD's of that generation? If so, your going to have a tough time getting an enclosure in the there behind the helm wall. This means loosing leg room as the box is on the driver's side of the wall. Or, relocate the batteries to the port locker. if the batteries are somewhere else, then we can revisit this.

I would recommend NOT stowing the sub away in an enclosed locker.

4) No, you do not need a distrobution block for a single amp install. You just need to run the appropriate gauge wire from the battery to the amp with proper circuit protection right off the battery. But, if you think your may expand the stereo later down the road, then plan ahead with your wiring. Consider running a heavy gauge trunk line, then use a couple non-fused blocks. I need to check the specs on that amp, but I bet 4ga will git ur done.

[Trenal]

Thanks for the responses, I went ahead and picked up a distribution block in case I add tower speakers later. I grabbed 4ga for the amp power and a fuse block.

The batteries are in the port side locker, where I plan to put the amp and Prosport. It was suggested elsewhere that I could put the sub under the drivers seat but I should probably just pull out the bulkhead and move it out further to make installation easier.

Another question came to mind. What is the best method for cutting and securing the interior? I want to make sure I don't leave anything out and the interior start to tear a week after the installation.

[kko]

I am with Chp..I would trade one of those cranking batteries for a deep-cycle.