Stereo Issues (Boat Noob)

[hockz]

Hey guys, just bought my first boat and this is my first post here in the forum.

I just connected my batteries for the first time (boat is on the trailer only), and went to check out the stereo system on the boat to make sure everything was working fine. The first time I turned it on, it sounded like that some of the speakers were blown, and the sub wasn't kicking in - you could hear static when nothing was playing and when I changed the source. I tried again a little while later, and everything was working fine - nice clear sound from all the speakers and sub. Tried again later in the day, and the same issue came back.

I have no manual to go by, so I have a couple questions:

• shouldn't there be a ground on both batteries? I only noticed one to connect on the battery on the port side.
• What when should I have the battery disconnect set to on, versus the connect both batteries option?
• Anything else I should look into that might be causing the issue? Wiring/connections all looks to be good.

Thanks for your help!

[chpthril]

There will be one main engine ground cable connected to one battery, then a cable that connects the two battery ground posts together.

Under normal use, the switch will be in the ON position, OFF when boat is not in use and COMBINE for an emergency start.

Try a different music source like tuner, CD, SAT, USB or 3.5mm headphone to the AUX. See if its across the board or isolated to one source. Low battery voltage is a very common suspect gieven you just bought the boat and connecting batteries.

[hockz]

Thanks for the info - got it all working properly now.