2008 X2 amp install questions

[tdrr]

I'm adding a JL M4300 to the factory M6600 in my 2008 X2 and have a couple questions:

1. Is the factory power wire 4 gauge? If so, it seems like I should be okay powering both via dist blocks. Disagree?

2. What is that black plastic spacer they mount one end of the amp on to match the offset in the locker wall? Where would I get something like that or is there an equivalent/better option?

Thanks much.

[brucemac]

not sure on the wire gauge, but i would doubt it's 4. my guess is it's 8 gauge. if it were me, i'd run 4 from the battery to the disti block and then you could run 8 to the amps (if it meets JL's requirements, pretty sure it does on those). just make sure it's fused properly. then again, i'm not sure where your battery(s) are located on that boat, are they in the rear?

not sure what the black plastic spacer is, but some sort of high density plastic for sure. some people use plastic cutting boards from the grocery store and cut them up, but you'll find it difficult to glue that type of plastic to the fiberglass. it would work if you could use short stainless screws however. you could also check with a company like TAP Plastics. they often sell scraps and end pieces for cheap.

other's will probably chime in soon. good luck!

[tdrr]

Ah, I got a chance to check it out. It's 6 and runs from the battery switch next to the engine up to the existing amp. Looks like I'll be running some more wire. What would be the pros and cons of running back to the battery switch versus just to the battery (which is right there under the observer's seat)?

[Thrall]

I used some 3/4" square aluminum tubing to mount my amps, used them to take up the offset in the wall and to get air under the amps. Plastic or chrome furniture end caps fit in the tubing ends nicely.
I wouldn't worry about running right off the battery. Advantage of running off the battery switch is having another safeguard that the amps won't drain the battery (they won't anyway unless the radio is on and the radio is presumably thru the batt switch). Cons, alot longer run, more expense in wire, greater voltage drop. Running it straight from the battery eliminates alot of extra heavy guage wire. Why would they locate the batt switch in back if the battery(s) are under the observer seat? Get a short piece of 2ga off the battery to a fused dist block and then cut up the 6ga to run to the amps. Mimic the same for the neg wires for a clean install.
Here's a cpl pics of my X2 install, maybe give you some ideas.

[hbomb]

perhaps the most crucial bit is as mentioned by Thrall...... don't go direct to the battery but to a separate fuse/s through a dist block...... if you have a surge thru the boat from some other electrical issue it will take out the amps (even though many amps have their own fuses in built)
will say that is exactly how I had my system running (1 x 4ch 1 x 2ch Phoenix)

[tdrr]

There wouldn't be any issue running straight off the battery with an onboard charger (ProSport12) also connected, would there?

[Thrall]

There wouldn't be any issue running straight off the battery with an onboard charger (ProSport12) also connected, would there?

Nope......