I am contemplating maybe putting a stereo in my boat. My question is with a fishfinder, GPS,and radio running all the time won't adding a stereo tax my electrical system too much? I have a Honda 90. I just kind of feel that it is too much but it would be really cool to add some music. Paul

you runnin 2 batteries?? shouldn't be bad if you are- one house, one starting.....

Shouldn't be a problem.
I run my FF, GPS, VHF and 200W 4 speaker CD stereo with Ipod all at the same time.

Never had an issue even when running on one, but most times I run on both batteries to keep them charged.

2 batts no problem.

That's where I might blow my "Economic Stimulus" money if it shows up. I have wanted tunes on the water, but never bad enough to spend a few hundred on a decent system with Sirius, but since the Pres. says I should help our economy, maybe what the hell....

A stereo draws very few amps,
unless you go crazy with adding amps.

Great. I may finally do it then. I am looking into getting the sealed marine speakers Bose makes now. My Bro-in-law works there and gets a good discount. Any recommendations on units. Nothing fancy just decent.

Paul I run the same thing and have naven't had a problem yet, Oh why did I say that and jinx myself. For what it's worth Paul my daughter bought me the basic marine CD unit and I haven't had a problem with it in 5 years. i just wish I had better peakers but I couldn't dissapoint the girl.

Yup you should have worded it differently.:doh: Basic is all I want. Thanks. P.

Put a volt meter on your battery and crank up the volume on a 100 Watt system... without the engine running... you will be very supprised...

I have a basic cd player and run it all the time without a huge draw on the electrical system. I really dont think it is a big draw like a radar system.

Put a volt meter on your battery and crank up the volume on a 100 Watt system... without the engine running... you will be very supprised...

surprised by how much or how little?

I have a AM/FM CD player with some speakers and it sounds fine. Never a issue with battery's!!

But for years I just used a shower radio for $5 from the Xmas shops they work great!

This boat came with the radio, I might move it to my electronics box then I am installing on the new hard top, if it ever gets here!! Postponed delivery till then end of April now :af:

That's where I might blow my "Economic Stimulus" money if it shows up. I have wanted tunes on the water, but never bad enough to spend a few hundred on a decent system with Sirius, but since the Pres. says I should help our economy, maybe what the hell....


I'm doing Sirius on my boat too! I love it in the car, can't even handle the regular radio anymore.

Sorry Joe. Chomping at the bit I am sure. I am not interested in radio really, just my own recorded music, IPOD, CD's. I use a small battery powered radio most of the time for the sox at nite.

ProfessorM. I have a Jensen Marine unit is works well, wasn't a ton of money, with CD and iPod Plug. Just put it some where in the boat to keep it dry. I also pull mine out for the winter just to be safe.

Thank you. Yes I have a small cuddy so I can mount it pretty much out of any direct spray, although we know everything gets some sort of wet on a boat.

Don't cheap out, Hire a band :kewl:

If you get a good dixieland band they won't even need electricity :D

Don't know what you are looking for? But if it is for cheap Overtons has a Stereo with speakers and splash cover for $99

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=71391&pdesc=Dual_MXD40_Marine_CD_Receiver_w/_6_5_Dual_Cone_Speakers&cname=Marine-Stereo-Packages&aID=17C&merchID=1009&r=view

Don't cheap out, Hire a band :kewl:

If you get a good dixieland band they won't even need electricity :D

My boat is too small for even a 3 piece band unfortunately. . Would be cool to have Pete Fountain serenading me as I fish though.

Thanks Joe. Only option thing that I would like is an IPOD direct hook up so I can play my dixieland jazz stuff.