About how much time can you play a stereo with a small amp on an avg single battery?

[Ozshadow]

I currently have a newer Kenwood stereo that easily plays 7 or 8 hours when we are out on the lake at a swim spot, with the engine off. I have a two average sized marine starter type batteries. They are always being charged by shorepower when the boat is at the well. I usually alternate using one or the other on outings.

I want to add a small amp - something with either 4 or 6 channels with 50w RMS power. It will power Polk 6.5" speakers.

For those who have done something similar, did you notice battery drainage problems ?

As noted, I need 7 or 8 hours play time off a single battery without destroying it. I would rather not give up a bank to dedicate to two deep cycles (by adding a third battery). We only run the water pump, vacuflush and radio when we are out. The fridge stays off unless we are on shore power.

 

[JimG]

Re: About how much time can you play a stereo with a small amp on an avg single batte

An amp will definitely drain the battery quicker. The key is to keep one battery fresh for starting after a long day on the hook as you seem to be doing. With the additional stereo drain, it might be advisable to add a third battery to one of the banks and use that set primarily for the stereo.

 

[dpvandy01]

And if you ever run the battery dead you do not want deep cycles. They don't take kindly to full discharge. I'd either use the battery switch and run off of one as stated or carry a fully charged jump pack. I always do with my 185 when I'm out and jammin. But I only have one battery and no amp (YET)

 

[Wylie_Tunes]

Re: About how much time can you play a stereo with a small amp on an avg single batte

I currently have a newer Kenwood stereo that easily plays 7 or 8 hours when we are out on the lake at a swim spot, with the engine off. I have a two average sized marine starter type batteries. They are always being charged by shorepower when the boat is at the well. I usually alternate using one or the other on outings.

I want to add a small amp - something with either 4 or 6 channels with 50w RMS power. It will power Polk 6.5" speakers.

For those who have done something similar, did you notice battery drainage problems ?

As noted, I need 7 or 8 hours play time off a single battery without destroying it. I would rather not give up a bank to dedicate to two deep cycles (by adding a third battery). We only run the water pump, vacuflush and radio when we are out. The fridge stays off unless we are on shore power.

An external amp will draw more battery current over the head units internal amp. Going with a quality class-D amp will be the most efficient in terms of battery draw v's output. If you played the speakers are the same volume level, as in your ears not the dial setting, the current draw will not be much more.

I would consider installing a group-29 deep cycle in place of one o your group-24 cranking batteries. Switch to this battery when on the hook. It will still work fine for a backup cranking, but yield more play time with engine off. You can still run on BOTH when engine running.

 

[estoltz]

And if you ever run the battery dead you do not want deep cycles. They don't take kindly to full discharge. I'd either use the battery switch and run off of one as stated or carry a fully charged jump pack. I always do with my 185 when I'm out and jammin. But I only have one battery and no amp (YET)

I thought deep cycle specifically meant it was designed for full discharge and recharge?