New Amp

[lakejoe]

I have an 04 sv211te and added a 400 watt MB quart amp (in addition to 300 watt kicker amp)and a set of tower speakers over the winter. Will the stock charging system in the boat be able to handle both amps and keep both batteries charged sufficiently?

[MHayes]

RE: New Amp

lakejoe, a lot of it will have to do with how much you crank it and play the stereo with the boat off and for how long. I'm assuming that both of those amps are class D (not A) and will probably draw about 40 amps a piece. I'm not sure what size alternator comes in the 211, but it's probably around 65 amps, or maybe a bit larger. I would say that you're probably OK and that having the 2 batteries with the stock alternator would be sufficient; just make sure you isolate the batteries from one another and drive the stereo of one.

[Mikeski]

Lakejoe,

Unfortunately it's impossible for anybody to answer your question because there are so many variables in the equation. As MHayes suggests listening patterns have a huge impact on the power usage. I believe these are A/B amps but again it's an assumption. I have tried to answer this question so many times that I finally just put together a little spreadsheet to help us figure things out, at least it's better than trying to guess all the variables. My boat's system is represented pretty well by the existing numbers in the sheet. You can also use it to calculate running time and batteries. Just download it and plug in your numbers, it should give you an idea where you stand. Keep in mind that most of us tend to over rate out actual amplifier power and actual running load so be conservative with the usage factors.

Mike