Fusion AMP and 3rd set of speaker adds. Power supply question...

[Fishtales]

I decided to tackle this yesterday. I'm planning to mout the amp inside the port wall of the aft birth. Good access to the head unit and can run the power to the aft end of the boat. I installed the speakers and got the wires almost to the point I need to connect to the amp. Waiting on parts to build the power cable. I had to relocate the two cockpit circular Attwood lights. I ended up moving both toward the aft in the same spot. Used a 2 1/8 hole saw for them. The speakers needed a 5" hole saw opening and took the space the factory cockpit lights were. Good to see no water intrusion issues, sealed up all edges well. Speakers in and ready for amp wiring, and cockpit lights in and working.

My question is how to wire the switch power wire for the amp. I will run the power directly to the battery with a 25a fuse and the tie to ground. The amp also has a switchable power line that will control the amp - instructions recommend connecting to something that is switched so the amp isn't always on. I guess I can tie to the radio power and control both radio and amp with the breaker but should I forget, the radio would be off but the amp powered. Another idea is to put a switch in just for the amp. Looking for ideas from the forum. Thanks in advance!

 

[grady33]

i have a 330 and I just installed a fusion Signature Series 6 Channel AMP and added 2 speakers in the cockpit above steps. Connected to my Fusion Ra670. AMP is connected directly to battery box (ran #2 AWG) and positive is run thru a 125 amp breaker behind the switch box (where batteries are). AMP is located in space behind the fridge.

If they share the same ground (battery connection), there is a wire that connects the stereo to amp and allows the stereo to turn the amp on and off.

 

[blindmullet]

I would check the specs on the amp for the proper breaker/wire size. Wire direct to battery with a breaker close to the battery. The remote wire on the amp will go to the radio so it turns on and off with the radio. I flip the breaker off for the amp when my boat is in storage.

 

[Fishtales]

Installed the amp and 3rd set of speakers. Really like the zone control of the fusion, each speaker set can be individually controlled.
The amp was installed on the starboard side inside the port bulkhead in aft bunk. Came out super, plenty of room for access. Snaked the power cables aft to the batteries in a plastic cable sleeve. Attached aft and for with 3M cable points and tiewraps. Ran the starboard speaker wire under the monkey fur screwed pieces on the aft cabin ceiling. Ran the head cables in the existing conduit and dropped right down to amp. I used a 5" hole saw for the speakers and installed where the cockpit lights were. Had to move the cockpit lights as well (next to speakers). Put in new lights as the older ones were a bit beat up. I ran a bead of caulk between the boat and the top 1/3 of the speaker cover. The covers are mounted and twist lock into place. Given the location, I thought it best to hold with caulk as well as give water a route to the sides when cleaning the boat. Everyone likes the sound and install.

 

[Fishtales]

Pics attached. I installed blue led bulks in the cockpit circular lights. I also installed lumitec bar lights a few years ago.

 

[Hookup1]

I'm about to tackle the amp install for the subwoofer in my 268 Islander. The amp will be connected via a fuse to my bow thruster/windlass battery. The blue wire on the Fusion head unit will control turning the amp on/off. The amp will always be a very small load on that battery so for long term storage the battery switch should be turned off.

Finding a place to put the subwoofer and amp was a problem. Speaker will be along the port side of the cabin steps. The amp will be under the sink - lots of room in there but you have to pull the refrigerator to get access. Not that difficult to do and should not have to do it often.

 

[grady33]

Did the same back in June on 06 330 express. Installed 6 channel amp and added set of speakers. Replaced speakers above helm with larger 7.5 inch fusion speakers.

Put amp behind the fridge which is a few feet from stereo in cabin.

 

[Hookup1]

Just finished checking out the subwoofer. Working great! Fusion RX70NSX head, Fusion 2-channel amp bridged to JM Labs subwoofer. Wired to battery with 6 gauge.

Amp is ready to mount in void next to refrigerator. I want to figure out a easy way to pop it out. Not sure yet what I'll do.