Stereo Amp Installation/Location

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AustinPaul

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Hey all,

What are your thoughts on having a power amp installed in the engine room? There is a marine amp in there now, but it seems to be shorted out. I think it is related to another issue however.

My marine mechanic thought it was a bad location for the heat that is down there. It really doesn't get that hot down there, and as I don't leave the AC on when I'm gone, I would expect an installation in the cabin to get quite hot too. Besides that, I just don't go on extended cruises that cause the ER to get extremely hot.

What do you think?

Thanks!
Paul
 
Gas or diesel? Diesel ER are much hotter than gas especially after shutting down as the diesels have larger mass and retain a lot more heat.

I would definitely move it out of the ER, go down there after shutting the mains down and you ll see how hot it gets...
 
If they are gas, would you want a power amp in there?
 
If it's a gasoline engine, a power amplifier (or any unapproved, non ignition protected electrical device) should never be installed in the engine compartment. It's a fire and explosion hazard. Your mechanic should have warned you about that, not the heat.

Even if it's a diesel powered boat, the engine compartment is a poor choice. It's hot (what if you someday do go on an extended cruise or a future owner decides to?), and can get wet if a hose or fitting leaks. Whoever installed the existing amplifier in the engine room apparently wasn't thinking clearly and didn't think to ask for advice.

Somewhere in or near the cabin is the logical choice as it's protected from rain and excessive heat. The installation instructions (you did read them, right?) should specify how much ventilation is needed, clearance from enclosure walls, etc. and possibly orientation.

If you don't leave the amplifier running with a high power signal when your not on the boat and the air conditioning is off, heat is not a problem. It will never get hotter in your cabin with the AC off than the amp will get when playing high power audio.
 
I'll bet the reason it is shorted out is from the heat.
Amps do not like heat. We have one (1000 watt) under a bunk in the cabin.
Ran it for a year without the a/c running and it started clipping.
Shortly after that it died.
Oh, I have never seen an amp approved to mount in the engine room.
Too many open connections for one thing.
Just my two cents
 
Thanks all. Yes, I will have the new one installed down below.

Ron, no directions to read. It was already installed.

Paul
 
I don't get it. You ask for advice and everyone says don't install in engine room,but you aer going to install there anyway?
 
quote:
Originally posted by AustinPaul

...........Ron, no directions to read. It was already installed.

Click to expand...


I thought you were asking about installing the new amp. A new amp should come with installation instructions.
 
Planning to install in hanging locker. Do not have the replacement amp yet.
 
Sounds like a better place then the ER. Although car trunks aren't exact;y the best places for electronics and plenty of high powered amplifiers are installed there.
I think Austin Paul has a diesel boat so it wouldn't be a safety concern like it would in a gas powered boat.
Just another reason to own a diesel powered boat!
Bill
 
quote:
Originally posted by Billylll

Sounds like a better place then the ER. Although car trunks aren't exact;y the best places for electronics and plenty of high powered amplifiers are installed there.
I think Austin Paul has a diesel boat so it wouldn't be a safety concern like it would in a gas powered boat.
Just another reason to own a diesel powered boat!
Bill

Click to expand...
Thanks Bill. Actually, I have a gas hog like you, but being on an inland lake, the extended cruises don't happen. This boat is basically living in a retirement community! It's in a covered freshwater slip, mild winters, and short distances to anchor. It still manages to cost me an arm and a leg though! :-)

Thanks again all!

Paul
 
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