Amplifier Mounting Boards

[SierraWhiskey]

I have almost all components to start my audio upgrade but am having a difficult time finding HDPE marine board for mounting the amplifiers, at least in 3/4" thickness. I am curious what others have used and where it is available. I know some have used wrapped plywood. I like the idea of having the HDPE, but IAC the size I'm looking at (24"x 40") it appears it must be shipped by truck (no UPS). Any suggestions and what did you use? Lastly, would 1/2" HDPE work or will it flex?

 

[Bruce]

Do you need 3/4 inch thickness?

What about buying some cutting boards and stacking them. You might even glue them together.

 

[bronze_10]

Ok so i am an amp install virgin... do i need to install these amos on a board or can i just screw them to the carpet wall as long it wont go through the hull

 

[Chip F.]

You can get it on eBay
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR11.TRC1.A0.H0.Xuhmw.TRS0&_nkw=uhmw&_sacat=0

 

[VONCE]

You can mount your amps to anything you want! Just be aware of what is on the other side of the screw. But a lot of people use mounting boards for many different reasons - maybe they have a few amps and want to be able to quickly pull them for winter storage, maybe they have distribution blocks and other peripherals in their system and assembled it on the workbench prior to mounting in the boat, maybe they didn't want to screw in to their fiberglass, maybe they wanted a true flat surface so they could add spacers to let air flow underneath... All kinds of reasons.

 

[BAC.94]

I mounted my amps on a Teflon cutting board ordered from Amazon. Then mounted the board underneath drivers helm. It was cheap and won't absorb moisture!

 

[SierraWhiskey]

I finally found Starboard that didn't cost more in shipping than the board itself. I'm still interested in what others have done. I think it would be interesting for others to post pictures of their amp installations, whether on mounting boards or directly into fiberglass. I know @Mainah has a beautiful setup.

 

[SierraWhiskey]

Ok so i am an amp install virgin... do i need to install these amos on a board or can i just screw them to the carpet wall as long it wont go through the hull

You do not need to install on a board. I have multiple amps and want a clean install is all. It's truly your preference

 

[Mainah]

I bought starboard (HDPE) from Amazon. I tend to go overboard when I build things but they do last. HDPE will certainly last and I choose 3/4 given the span, mounting method, and I regularly work with 3/4 dimensional lumber when I do woodworking. @Nick Hughes got creative and coated some plywood in flex seal which is not a bad idea and certainly cheaper. I could see myself using Nick HDPE in the future.

If I may say so my amp board is nice but also overkill at the same time as other easier designs would still do the job well. I have edited my post on my install with the qualification that I am able to fit my whole body in the helm. As a point of reference I am 5'10" and was around 190 lbs /33" inch waist when I did that. It was a tight squeeze at the midsection/hips/butt and requires facing the bow to get in then spinning around once in. I don't know how I would have done it if I had not been able to squeeze in there. As another point of reference I just got in there the other day and at 165lbs/31" waist it is much easier. Just keep in mind if you get stuck the help board here won't be able to do much to help you

 

[Julian]

You do not need to install on a board. I have multiple amps and want a clean install is all. It's truly your preference

As long as it has spacers to cool...mounting on the carpeting is fine.

 

[Chip F.]

I'm 6' 260 lbs. the way I got into it was removed everything from the bow storage and went head first ( my submarine move) slid under and got myself positioned. The hardest part was committing myself to do it . To get out I just reversed it . I'm use to getting into tight spaces from crawling around boilers doing inspections .
@SierraWhiskey - I have a left over piece don't know the exact size but your are welcome to have it. I can let you know the size later

 

[vxooxv]

I mounted my 3 amps on 1/2" King Star board within the helm control panel by crawling on my back through the bow seat storage. It was a PITA but well worth it... out of sight where they can't be dinged by other stuff. I have pics on here somewhere.
http://www.boatoutfitters.com/king-starboard.html

 

[Mainah]

I'm 6' 260 lbs. the way I got into it was removed everything from the bow storage and went head first ( my submarine move) slid under and got myself positioned. The hardest part was committing myself to do it . To get out I just reversed it . I'm use to getting into tight spaces from crawling around boilers doing inspections .
@SierraWhiskey - I have a left over piece don't know the exact size but your are welcome to have it. I can let you know the size later

Nice! I did not think of that. I go though the helm door.

 

[MattFX4]

I am using one of these for my tower speakers amp and charger. Also used 1/2" under the helm for my other two amps. No issues at all.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032AM0LW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[KXCam22]

I use 3/4 plywood but then paint it with marine paint. The marine paint seals the wood (mostly) and provides a small fire rating. I typically jackson pollock the board with some other color to make it trendy. The cutting board idea is good. Cam.

 

[SierraWhiskey]

I am using one of these for my tower speakers amp and charger. Also used 1/2" under the helm for my other two amps. No issues at all.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032AM0LW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

No issue with it flexing at 1/2" thick Matt?

 

[SierraWhiskey]

I mounted my amps on a Teflon cutting board ordered from Amazon. Then mounted the board underneath drivers helm. It was cheap and won't absorb moisture!

That's a good idea as well as less expensive for the same Material!

 

[SierraWhiskey]

I use 3/4 plywood but then paint it with marine paint. The marine paint seals the wood (mostly) and provides a small fire rating. I typically jackson pollock the board with some other color to make it trendy. The cutting board idea is good. Cam.

Another good idea and allows some decorative freedom.

 

[Chip F.]

I'm 6' 260 lbs. the way I got into it was removed everything from the bow storage and went head first ( my submarine move) slid under and got myself positioned. The hardest part was committing myself to do it . To get out I just reversed it . I'm use to getting into tight spaces from crawling around boilers doing inspections .
@SierraWhiskey - I have a left over piece don't know the exact size but your are welcome to have it. I can let you know the size later

It's 23.25" by 12"

 

[MattFX4]

No issue with it flexing at 1/2" thick Matt?

No. We are talking about short spans between mounting points and lightweight amps so it will be sturdy. One thing I liked about the cutting board is the edges are rounded off.