Boat audio?

Ok here is the difference between most boats and cars: harder to run wires and you will itch for a day.Certified Security Specialist

Always check info with a digital multimeter.

I promise to be good.

Tell Darwin I sent you.

I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.

I have done a couple boats and here is what I Know. You need to ground to the battery because nothing else is grounded on the boat. Open areas make loud output harder so planning is key. Dont expect a fantastic sounding system without spending some cash and dont go to big or you are gonna find our self stranded with a dead batterydouble-secret reverse-osmosis speaker-cone-induced high-level interference distortion, Its a killer

definitely go with a second battery and an isolator switch, the switch will allow you to isolate one battery for playing music while the motor is off, isolate one battery to use to start the boat, then put both together to allow them to charge while the motor is running.Life moves pretty fast; if you don't stop and look around once in a while; you could miss it.

im down with the 2 batteries idea but does a boat have an alternator? because a second battery is only as good as whats available to charge it.

Your Bayliner 175 has the 2.5 liter Mercruiser IO. Yes, it does have an alternator, I believe it's around 70 amps so running a reasonable system should be no problem. A few suggestions. If you plan on listening to it while your are on plane you will need an amp. Plan on getting a waterproof cover no matter where your CD player is mounted. Get true marine speakers, not just ones painted white. In bowriders like yours I like to mount a second set of speakers up front where the calves of your legs would be if you were sitting in the bow seats. I ALWAYS use a second battery and isolator, you can't push start a boat!There is no such thing as free installation!

Make sure when you are mounting speakers that they use some sort of an enclosure and not just a flat area of the boat. Either into the sides of the inner hull or into storage areas. This will prolong their life and allow them to play bass. Be sure to inspect where you are going to drill holes for them to make sure that you aren't going to compromise the boat in any way. I too strongly advise using true marine speakers. They are resistant to moisture on both sides and usually can take a beating from UV and water. If you are installing speakers into storage areas, make sure that you protect the back of the speakers from damage and don't leave any sharp points on mounting hardware that can catch on items in the compartments. Finally, remember electronics and water don't mix. Assume the worst and protect your equipment from water in every way possible while still allowing them to breathe or keep cool.sparky