Install day! Started laying the foundation for the stereo, including an onboard battery charger.
The dealer plopped the batteries in the middle of the storage compartment, making it almost useless for anything else. I figured now would be a good a time to address this. To the right of the batteries, you can see the power and ground wire for the amp that I started pulling.
I had previously wrapped them in 1" split wire loom. I ended up using 4 gauge KnuKonceptz Flex in orange and blue. Not partial to those colors, but it was all they had in stock. High quality stuff though, highly recommend it.
I pulled the batteries, relocated the trays further back, and mounted the charger on the same wall as the battery switches. Kind of a tight fit, but I wanted everything out of the way. (i'm also now realizing how annoying those cushion tags are, and will be the next thing to go! ) I ended running the power/ground wires for the amp across the top/front of the engine bay over the starboard side.
On both sides, I used some gorilla glue to mount some nylon cable ties underneath the lip. I'll go back and secure the amp wires once it cures.
At the helm, I made some space behind the dash for a 12x18 cutting board that will serve as my amp rack.
I pre-set the screws for the amp, and drilled some countersunk holes to mount the board to the existing smaller board beneath.
Test fit looks good! Ideally, everything will be hidden and inconspicuous once the curtain is closed.
At the back of the boat, I pulled the radio to find my harness was cut like many others here. Luckily I ordered one in advance in anticipation of this. I also replaced the main harness, to utilize a remote lead for the amp.
I used heat shrink tubing on the RCA connections to be safe. I also capped off the AUX as I don't ever see myself using anything but bluetooth. Again, KnuKonceptz stuff.
I used my fishing rods to snake the wires through the hull. The thickness of the wires and loom made it too difficult to pull through the swim deck storage. As it turns out, there is a hole in the back of the starboard storage area that is a straight shot to the radio unit. I mounted more nylon ties a few inches above the carpet line on the outer wall. Impossible to see unless you stick your head in there. Once cured, the RCA's in loom will be secured to it.
All-in-all, a good but exhausting day. Hoping to pickup where I left off tomorrow morning, before it the sun is out in full effect.
Lessons learned thus far:
- 25ft RCA's are way too long. 20ft cables should be plenty
- 30ft power/ground wire (60ft total) is about 5ft too long on each run
- WEAR LONG SLEEVES
- Don't try to tackle this in the Texas heat (95 degrees) unless you like sweating (a lot)
