Recommended Amplifier Location

[Goad2001]

Need some recommendations on amplifier locations for a 2001 Pro Air Nautique. Space is extremely tight on this boat and the amps (2) I have chosen are large in size. They won't fit under drivers side dash and I can hardly stand to lose storage space under observer seat.....any recommendations???? Thanks in advance for your replies..

[EarmarkMarine]

So you purchased the amplifiers before determining where they will fit?

[ers906]

THe most common place which I have seen/done is the port side under the gunnel, right behind the observer seat. recommend you build an amp board, glass it and carpet. just my 0.02. David at earmark can give you the best info

[Goad2001]

I know they will fit in storage area behind/under observer seat, just asking if anyone has installed them elsewhere in this boat in an attempt to save storage space. After reviewing previous threads, looks like most everyone installs in this storage area.....

[Goad2001]

Eric
Does that bear go out on the boat with you???? lol
Got any pics of your boat to share????
Thanks

[gsxrgessler]

I used a 1/2 inch thick piece of lexan, and a piece of 2"x2"x1/4" aluminum angle stock together to create a vertical surface behind the driver side kick panel (out of sight). Then mounted my amp to the face of the lexan. It has worked very well for the past few years, and the only drawback that I can see is that if you wanted to install a subwoofer, this would really limit installation space.

[Mikeski]

Can you mount them under the gunnels like Grant has done in his boat?

[wake_fun]

I mounted mine on the side gunnel, passenger side. Follow my signature link for pics.

[h2oski]

I have a 1999 Air and struggled with where to mount my amps too. I thought about under the trunk lid, under the observers seat, behind the drivers kick panel, etc. I ended up using the port side gunnel as suggested. I actually like it best. The amps are mounted behind the coaming pad, up high above the floor, out of the way, pretty well protected in general. I used the aircraft stand-offs and 3M 5200 marine adhesive to attach them. I didn't go with an amp mounting board because the board is flat and the gunnel is not. The board wouldn't give me the fit-n-finsh I wanted unless I moved the board towards the stern; as the gunnel flattens out. I wanted to keep the amps as close to the observers seat for better protection. I wish there were more options, but without a bunch of carpentry, I think the gunnel is a good choice.

[jamiewilson3]

Is it possible to ground the amp to the underside of the bow lifting ring? A good ground is not nearly as available as on a car.

I am working on my final placement of my amp. I am thinking about putting it on the inside of the gunwale under the bow, and it would be nice to ground somewhere under the bow, rather than go all the way to the battery negative. It would end up looking much neater and keep the wires shorter.

[ski4evr]

You will need to run the same size ground from your power source (battery, combiner, etc.) as you positive wire. The same amount of current will flow through both the positive and ground. I would also reccomend proper fusing for the equipment at the source also to prevent a "short" in the middle of the run of the cable causing a fire. Have fun!!