trying to get ideas on how to get 4 6volts in my compartment. boxes, no boxes, one big box etc? prferably malibu but I'll take all for ideas.

Tom- <BR> <BR>I set mine up in the bow. Wanted to leave the back hatches open. If I were only installing 3 or 4, I would try and set them up under the rear seating. That way the far rear compartments stay open for speakers and/or ballast. I remember seeing an Install the Grant or Clay did that housed them under the rear seating area. Maybe one of them will chime in. <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/696552.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/696553.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/696554.jpg" alt="Upload">

that's a whole lot of batteries!!!!

What's with the 6v setups, lately?

Since most people with huge systems don't have a big enough alternator to maintain the stereo power or they sit and listen for hours at a time people need real deep cycle batteries. That is exactly what 6V golfcart batteries are designed for. They have a ton of lead and thicker plates. They are meant to be discharged very low. No offense to people who use Optima's but they aren't true deep cycle batteries. If you have the room 6V batteries are probably one of the best ways to go. <BR> <BR>In the yacht club I am in a lot of people are switching over from huge 8D batteries to 6V batteries because of their Deep cycle characteristics.

In my case, I have an optima blue top that runs my system (by no mean huge) and I had two other deep cycle batteries in parallel that are dead used for starting (not sure why they were for starting?). I'm using a perko switch (bank #1 accessories, bank #2 starting). Should I switch the optima to bank #2 for starting and then purchase two 6v deep cycles and run them in series (positive to negative and negative to positive?)? Will this be enough for a system that only runs one amp or is there more to it?

Moon, the problem is then you have one AGM battery and 2 lead/acid batteries. They have different charging requirements so it may not be optimal. Another option is if you want to keep the optima as a starting battery is to buy a couple of AGM batteries. You don't have to go out and spend the kind of money that Optima's cost. We sell Deka's and they are every bit as good if not better in my opinion.

Intent of my post above saw not to advocate for the Optimas. If I were to rebuild my system today, I would likely go a different route. The Optimas are OK, but I agree with Brett; there are definitely options out there that offer more bang for the buck.

I didn't mean to single out your post Ben. It just seems a lot of people on here use them.

blue top optima $180 55 amp hrs <BR>2, 6 volts $75-150 each, 200 - 250 amp hrs. Takes 4 optimas to equal two 6 volts. <BR> <BR>I have lifeline AGM's now 105 amp hrs per, but at almost $275 each and I need 3 to get 315 amp hrs at about $900. I can do 4 US 145xc's for about $650 and have 500 amp hrs. It is starting to be a no braniner. I would definatly love to just 3 kinetics but at about $1500 for that setup, I don't think so. Except for the hassle of maintaining the 6 volters with distilled water I think that is the way I'm going in this day of the thin wallet.