Marine Vs Non-Marine Amps

(Midnightv10) · (Midnightv10) **Join Date: Feb 2012** 04-01-2012, 10:14 AM

For the last 2 years I have been running Rockford Fosgate amplifiers in my boat and so far have been very happy with the performance and problem free. I bought a new boat this year and it came with a WS-Syn 4. I am kind of anal about wanting all matching gear in my boat so I am trying to decide if I should keep the Fosgate stuff or switch out to WS.

My question is, how many of you out there are running non marine rated amplifiers and what if any problems have you had? Does it really make that big of a difference?

(espritv8) · (espritv8) **Join Date: Dec 2009** 04-01-2012, 10:25 AM

Why should having different brands/models be such an issue?

In fresh water, I don't think non marine amps is a problem. You obviously need to make sure they are far away from water as possible.

(nitrousbird) · (nitrousbird) **Join Date: Sep 2008** 04-01-2012, 11:11 AM

As long as it is a dry spot, I wouldn't worry about running a marine amp. I have an Eclipse 4-channel running my mid's and highs in our Malibu without issue.

(tx_foilhead) · (tx_foilhead) **Join Date: Apr 2009** 04-01-2012, 11:12 AM

I run marine amps, all JL stuff so the extra cost is minimal. I don't have a nice totally dry place like most people, I can keep them from getting sprayed and splashed but once or twice a year we get caught in the rain. Where they sit the water collects underneath so I probbably push the humidity issues more than most. No issues in 3 years, so I guess it's worth it.

(antoddio) · (antoddio) **Join Date: Dec 2006** 04-01-2012, 11:13 AM

I wouldn't waste the money on new amps, no one else on your boat will care but you.

I had a non-marine kicker crap out on me after a year. Luckily they fixed it for $90. Their diagnosis- moisture damage. You have to keep the area by it absolutely dry and use crystals to abosorb the moisture when the boat is sitting. I'd buy marine amps if I did it again.

(Midnightv10) · (Midnightv10) **Join Date: Feb 2012** 04-01-2012, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by espritv8

Why should having different brands/models be such an issue?

In fresh water, I don't think non marine amps is a problem. You obviously need to make sure they are far away from water as possible.

I wouldn't call it "such an issue" .. It's more of a personal preference... Like I said its me being a little anal. I just like my stuff to match is all..

I always run in fresh water so salt is not an issue. The amps are protected from rain and splashing. Humidity would I guess be my biggest concern.

(espritv8) · (espritv8) **Join Date: Dec 2009** 04-01-2012, 3:35 PM

I run a 12v fan for air circulation and amp cooling, and have a ventilated cover to avoid humidity... So far so good!

(Midnightv10) · (Midnightv10) **Join Date: Feb 2012** 04-01-2012, 3:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by espritv8

I run a 12v fan for air circulation and amp cooling, and have a ventilated cover to avoid humidity... So far so good!

What does the ventilated cover look like?

got any pictures of that?

(espritv8) · (espritv8) **Join Date: Dec 2009** 04-01-2012, 3:58 PM

You install that on any cover to get a bit of air circulation

(Midnightv10) · (Midnightv10) **Join Date: Feb 2012** 04-01-2012, 4:05 PM

Haha.. gotcha...

I thought you meant some kind of amp cover not the boat cover..
Sounds like I am not in too bad of shape..

My amps are mounted up off the floor in the observers locker so out of the weather and off the floor..
I use the crystals for winter storage..

so I am probably stressing over nothing..

Thanks