Faulty JL Audio Stereo Repairs - Bypass Switch Install on Sea Ray Boat

When we bought our boat last year, it came equipped with a JL Audio stereo system. The stereo itself worked fine, but periodically it would turn on all by itself, with no rhyme or reason. And beyond that, despite being in the 'off' position, it never really shut down completely and would be drawing amperage al the time. In that state, the screen would glow slightly at night and was always warm to the touch. At the end of this video you'll see me put the cover on the unit, as that was the first time it had been on since last summer - it would get way too hot with the unit on, even though it was shut off ;-)

Despite getting in touch with JL tech support, they could offer no suggestions as to why the phenomenon was happening other than suggest I check the voltage coming into the unit. How that would cause the head unit to start up by itself was beyond me and I wasn't impressed with their 'help' at all, as it was no help at all ;-)

So my solution was to introduce an in-line switch to fully interrupt the power flow to the head unit. Since there was an underutilized switch already on the helm (left over from when I deleted some of the old Raytheon equipment during my electronics upgrade -    • New Garmin Electronics Installation - Sea ...   ), it was a perfect solution. Now I don't have to concern myself with the stereo coming on at random times, nor it drawing battery power when we are away from shorepower.

For a look at all of the projects I've done (continue to do) on this beautiful Sea Ray Sundancer, as well as on our previous boats, have a look at nearly 100 projects in my 'How I Did It - Boat Repairs And Upgrades' playlist, here;    • How I Did It - Boat Repairs & Upgrades  

I hope you'll also follow along with my Blog (https://boatingwithboogaboo.wordpress...) for lots more boating content from our past 25 years of loving this incredible boating lifestyle!

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Filmed August, 2023.

Boat Specs;
Model: 1998 Sea Ray 370 Sundancer
Length (bow to transom): 37-6", LOA (with factory swim platform): 40'-1"
Beam: 12'-7"
Engines: 2 x 7.4 litre (454 Cubic Inch) Mercruiser Bluewater, Multi-Port fuel injection, gasoline,
raw water cooled, rated at 310 HP
Transmissions: 2 x Borg Warner Velvet Drives, in Vee-Drive configuration
Performance: Average cruising speed 22MPH on plane @ 3,200 RPM
Dry Weight: 17,000 lbs
Fully Loaded Weight: Boat + Fuel (1,664) + Water (580) + Gear (1,250 +/-) = 20,500 LBS
Fuel Capacity: 275 U.S. gallons ~ 1,040 litres * Usable Capacity 261 US Gallons ~ 989 litres
Freshwater Holding Tank Capacity: 70 US Gallons ~ 58.3 Imperial Gallons ~ 265 litres
Poop Holding Tank Capacity: 40 US Gallons ~ 33.3 Imperial Gallons ~ 151 litres
Draft: 32”
Dead Rise: 20 degrees
Generator: Westerbeke 7.2 Kw BCGTC @ 60 Hz, gasoline powered & carburated, 3,600 RPM continuous engine speed
Dual reverse cycle heating/air conditioning units, 19,000 (total) BTU (12 + 7)