Quote:
Originally Posted by younguns44
think the 160 is sufficient for two batteries? or should I go with the 220 amp?
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You're asking the wrong question basing your alternator needs on the quantity of batteries. The more important piece of data is your average current draw on the electrical system. A battery tender jr. only puts out like 1.25 amps but can charge a large battery if there's little to no load on the battery. Of course it takes quite a while.
If your typical use is to sit with your engine off and radio at 80+% volume for hours then start the boat and expect rapid recovery time then you need a suitably large alternator. If you are using the stereo system while running the engine for the most part then you just need one that's sufficient to keep up with a a little bit of headroom. I'd say 160 amps is probably plenty for your average to middle of the road boat stereo system that's used mostly while the engine is running and 220 would be overkill.