know nothing about amps and sound systems

[nicg]

I just put in four new 6.5 kickers in the boat and am getting ready to install four more 6.5's and a 3 halogen lightbar on the tower.I am wondering what size amp to get to run the speakers and is it a must to get atleast some kind of subwoofer?As for the stereo and the lightbar i only have one battery on the boat is it a must to install another battery and perko switch?

[RyanATX]

You can never have enough batteries :-)

[Chexi]

I would not bother with a light bar. Even with one, it is still too dangerous to board in the dark imho. They take up space, add a ton of weight when raising and lowering the tower, and drain your batteries when you use them, all without really doing a good job at what they are intended for.

I would also not use the Kicker 6x9's for your tower unless they are the brand new ones (not sure they are even available yet) HLCD 6x9's. If you want to go with not very expensive, get the Kicker KMT6 horns. At least your rider will be able to hear them.

There is a 100 amp upgrade kit available at forum sponser nautiqueparts.com. I know it works for the 351 GT40. I'm not sure what engine you have though.

A 2 channel 150 watt/channel amp is a good match for the KMT6 tower speakers. Kicker ZX450.2 is what Kicker recomends, or the marine version of the same.

[whitelakerider]

I like a subwoofer to give you a better quality sound at higher volumes. It reduces the distortion in the 6.5's by giving the bass another outlet. Also, I love a lightbar on a tower. From experience it makes pulling up to piers, loading on the trailer, and just cruising around at night so much easier.

[Chexi]

If you are just cruising at night and pulling onto a trailer, then yes, I could see a use for a lightbar.

[MLA]

I just put in four new 6.5 kickers in the boat and am getting ready to install four more 6.5's and a 3 halogen lightbar on the tower.I am wondering what size amp to get to run the speakers and is it a must to get atleast some kind of subwoofer?As for the stereo and the lightbar i only have one battery on the boat is it a must to install another battery and perko switch?

What Kickers are you going to use in both the cabin and the tower? For most of the in-boat setup, the Kicker zxm350.4 is a perfect choice. It will do 60 watts rms to each of your 4 in-boats. For the tower, I would consider going with the zx650.4. It will deliver a solid 120 watts rms to each.

A nice 10" sub will balance out the setup and compliment the 4 Kicker's. For this addition, I would suggest the zxm700.5. It will power the in-boats with 70 watts rms and will do 210 watts rms to a sub @ 4 ohms and 420 watts rms @ 2 ohm. The Kicker KM10 is a nice marine 4 Ohm sub, and the SKM10 is the same sub in it's own sealed marine enclosure. For a 2 Ohm sub, I like the Comp Vr 104. It really pounds with 420 watts and can be used in an enclosure or in an infinite-baffle install if needed. Even 2 KM10 is a great choice if you got room for a 2+ cuft enclosure.

Lots of other great options out there , this is just a couple Ive used many times.