R20 (2014) new amp location and power supply

[dacton1]

Hi all; I'm new to the forum but have a 2014 R20 that I'm adding a pair of Icon8 and a new amp. Can't get a local installer. Can anybody help me with how to mount and power the amp?

1. There is a sloped raised portion on the outside wall of the port seat locker under the dash, can I screw the amp directly into this? This seems like best place as its right under the factory deck.

2. Is there any factory power supply with wires large enough for an amp in the port locker (I can't see any)?

3. Best spot to run power and ground from to amp?

Thanks for the help,

Dave

[chpthril]

1) yes, thats the spot, just be mindful of the screw length

2) no

3) you will need to bring a B+ from the switch with some form of circuit protection, and B- form the battery ground post to the amp install location. For these boat, i prefer a breaker over a standard car audio fuse holder. The ground would need to connect directly to the house battery ground and the B+ would go to a specific post on the main battery switch.

4ga cabling would likely be the proper cable gauge.

[dacton1]

Wow, thanks for quick reply chpthril. What switch do you mean for the B+?

[chpthril]

Main battery switch

[dacton1]

Thanks, I take it there is no way to run + and - from under the dash panels then? Also, I assume the breaker should go as close to battery as possible?

[stevewood]

You should install 2nd battery with isolation switch if you dont already have a second battery.

Trust me the AMP will kill the engine battery if left on with out the engine running

[chpthril]

Thanks, I take it there is no way to run + and - from under the dash panels then? Also, I assume the breaker should go as close to battery as possible?

One we dont want to overload the helm BUS with a high current draw device like an audio amp and two, for the cleanest signal, going battery direct lets us take advantage of some filtering.

[dacton1]

Thanks guys; with help of marine mechanic I wired direct to battery switch. My boat does have two batteries with the second being deep cycle for higher amp loads so I should be good.