Is this setup any good?

[azeus17]

I bought this boat a few years ago and never really had a reason to dig into the stereo system installed. It worked and sounded good. The other day, I was working on something else and my curiocity got the best of me, so I pulled the sub enclosure out and this is what I found. I know very little about audio. My main questions are: 1. Are the large 200 amp relays better than a perko switch? 2. Why are there two of them? 3. What is the small silver box (picture 2)? It has 2 large gauge power and 2 large grounds going into it and I think it says something like "Aluminator" on the end of it.

So, is this a decent set up, or should I be looking to switch to a perko style switch? Comments overall about the system? Not shown is a Zapco 200.2 that I believe is running the tower speakers.

[MLA]

"1. Are the large 200 amp relays better than a perko switch?"

IMO, no. I like a dual-bank manual switch for the ability to use the house bank as a backup cranking battery.

"Why are there two of them?"

Cant imagine why.

"What is the small silver box"

custom/homemade amp????? Capacitor prolly, but hard to tell from the pic, but thats my best guess based on only having battery cables to it.

"So, is this a decent set up, or should I be looking to switch to a perko style switch? Comments overall about the system? Not shown is a Zapco 200.2 that I believe is running the tower speakers."

I would bet that that sub box is un-coated MDF under that carpet. if so, its probably swollen pretty good. Thats makes a sub sound sloppy and muddy. Im not sure, but im thinking that a JL W6 would like to see 600W, not split 600W. So new amp and redo the sub setup.

If it were me, I would gut the entire system for a rewire, but thats just me. Heres a recent before/after




Took out a continuous-duty solenoid and made proper use of the factory installed switch and VSR.


Here is what was eliminated cable wise.

[Mikeski]

There is some decent gear there but the install looks pretty shoddy. I agree with MLA, remove all of it, plan the new system, reinstall.

[azeus17]

I agree, it does not look very clean. I probably will not undertake the project of cleaning up wiring for no reason as I can't even see it when the subs are stuffed in there. Maybe someday when something needs replaced. I am still very curious as to why there are 2 isolators/relays.