Amps in the Eng Compartment
#1
Thread Starter
Registered
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville, AL
About to put a stereo in the boat that requires some amps for subs and other speakers. The easiest place to put the amps is on the fwd fire wall of the eng compartment. Wondered if anyone has done this?Kinda worried about the heat and the moisture. I could put them in the cabin but would like them out of the way. There are electrical components already mounted to the eng firewall but just wanted to see what you guys thought. Any ideas on what else I might need to look out for.
#4
Registered
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,960
Likes: 7
From: Sandown, NH - Sebago Lake Region, ME
#6
My amps were in the engine bay when I first got boat, found that the local Coast Guard would have folks open hatches and do an inspect, so moved them under the seat as well, works well and as long as there is an air path to let the hot air out from under the seat, it is fine.
#7
Registered
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 461
Likes: 0
From: west of chitown, il
I'm a fan of mounting them on a bulkhead up front just forward of the cockpit. High and dry, takes a bit more time but done right they look factory and easy to get to. Use MDF board to build up around the amps and hide the wiriing and cover with what ever color vinyl.
#8
Registered

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,195
Likes: 28
From: Toronto, Ontario
mounted a single 1000 watt amp in the engine compartment to power a subwoofer. was super easy to wire, and is out of the way. i figured it took less of a beating in the engine compartment then anywhere else in the boat. havent had issues with it tripper or anything like that. after a long run with the music blasting ill open the engine compartment and let some fresh air in to cool it down. maybe not a bad idea to run a computer fan to it for this season!
#9
Registered
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 461
Likes: 0
From: west of chitown, il
mounted a single 1000 watt amp in the engine compartment to power a subwoofer. was super easy to wire, and is out of the way. i figured it took less of a beating in the engine compartment then anywhere else in the boat. havent had issues with it tripper or anything like that. after a long run with the music blasting ill open the engine compartment and let some fresh air in to cool it down. maybe not a bad idea to run a computer fan to it for this season!
#10
Registered
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Thousand Oaks, Ca
On my first boat, I had 4 amps and 2 10" subs mounted under my rear bench. It would really get hot under there if I had the music on for awhile, so I just cut 2 holes in the carpet of the rear bench (where ur heels would be if sitting down) and put two 6" speaker covers over the holes to allow some air flow under there!



