What kind of batts and size...Do you keep them on a float when not in use?

My stereo had an issue where the iPod would start to skip after about 30 minutes while the boat was off. I changed the batteries and I still had the same issue. In my situation the amp was drawing more power than the batteries could handle.

I never replaced the amp or completely solved the issue. I would use the boat stereo while driving and then would use a Bose Soundock while we were parked on the beach.

Had similar issue, only my radio would turn off whenever I'd hit the blower or bilge. The way they wire head units from factory is a rats nest. I ran 10ga hot from head unit to the hot post in my perko switch an ran neutral to my battery. For the two amps I got some really thick cable for + and- and a splitter near the amps

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id be willing to take a look.  is the radio on a seperate circuit than everything else or do you have to turn the ignition on?  there has to be SOMETHING else drawing power.  a little radio and 4 speakers should drain any battery in 30 minutes, let alone 2.  most batteries would be on fire with a discharge that fast. 

do you have any pictures of the batteries and wiring?  do you have a perko?  alternator size and wiring, etc? im in huntington off of bolsa chica and edinger.

Your alt might not be charging. If your not keeping them on a charge when not using them...they will be toast soon.

If alternator ain't charging, they'll go dead when driving.

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Sometimes a dual battery set up won't charge properly without a battery selector switch. Your best bet would be to run a perko switch and use one battery for starting and the other battery for the stereo. That way if your stereo kills one battery you can switch over to the other battery to start the boat. And if your out multiple days in a row , run a battery charger at night so both batteries are fully charged.

I have gone threw 2 sets of batteries so far. 2 optima blue tops, & 2 interstate marine batteries. I now have 2 walmart marine batteries that I used the last couple of trips last season.

I have just a basic headunit and 4 mtx 6.5 speakers with no amps so I dont understand how I drain my batteries so fast.

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Optima batteries suck for deep cycle type uses... Your on the right track with a regular old lead acid cheapie.

I would be willing to bet the batteries are low before you even shut off the boat.   

If you have a single wire POS Delco alternator you need to replace the regulator with a three wire and have an alternator of no less than 50 amps if you have electronic ignition.

IMHO you need to install an isolator and run the stereo on just one of the two batteries. This is how I roll and have never had a problem on three different boats.

GT

It indeed was a dead alternator. I bought a new one and had it installed and had them check all my other wiring and now runs perfect.

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