Upgrading Your Boat Speakers: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to replace your boat speakers, you'll want to make sure you've got the right equipment for the job. It's important to look for marine-rated stereo equipment that can stand up to life on the water. When it comes to installation, it's always a good idea to seek expert advice or assistance. You'll need to measure everything – from the cutout diameter to the cavity depth and existing speaker dimensions – before ordering a new set of speakers. This will help you avoid any installation issues and ensure a smooth process. Additionally, consider the use of water-resistant LED connectors to simplify the wiring process and create a more secure and reliable connection.

Choosing the right speakers

Installation Size:

The first challenge you'll encounter is that there is no standard size for marine speakers. The manufacturer's published speaker size usually refers to the diameter of the cone, but this doesn't guarantee the grill or cutout hole size. Each manufacturer has slightly different installation sizes, so you need to pay attention to all the measurements to ensure a perfect fit. It's essential to measure the cutout diameter and the mounting depth to ensure the new speaker will fit in the available space. Remember that larger speakers generally offer better frequency response, so aim for the biggest speaker that can fit, allowing for adequate space for the grill, which is typically larger than the cone.

Power Handling:

To avoid blowing your speakers, they should be able to handle an equal amount or more power than your stereo or amplifier can provide. This can be confusing because manufacturers measure power differently. For example, a stereo head unit may be rated at 200 watts of peak power, but this doesn't mean your speakers need to handle 200 watts. If the head unit has four channels, the power is divided, and a 50-watt speaker will work fine. Also, pay attention to both peak wattage and RMS (continuous wattage) as RMS is more important for external amplifiers.

Speaker Quality:

There are several types of speakers to consider, each with its pros and cons:

• Dual Cone Speakers: These are usually the least expensive but also the lowest quality. Dual cone speakers have one driver with two cones to reproduce sound, but the sound quality is often lacking.
• Coaxial Speakers: Often called 2-way or 3-way speakers, coaxial speakers have a tweeter positioned in the middle of a woofer cone. They offer better sound quality than dual cone speakers but are more expensive and may suffer from cross-phase distortion due to vibration interference.
• Component Speakers: Component speakers are similar to coaxial speakers, but the tweeter is completely separated from the woofer cone, eliminating cross-phase distortion. They are typically more expensive but provide superior sound quality.
• Subwoofers: A subwoofer enhances the overall sound quality by handling the lowest frequencies. It adds a serious thump to your music but requires ample amplifier power. Subwoofers are ideal if you can only fit small speakers in your boat or want to feel the sound.

Mounting Options:

There are three main types of marine speakers: box, tower, and flush-mount. Box speakers come in their own enclosure and don't require drilling into the boat, but they are bulky. Tower speakers are designed to mount high on the ski tower and direct sound to the rear. Flush-mount speakers are the most common; they require cutting and drilling but occupy less space and offer better aesthetics. Consider the available space and your aesthetic preferences when choosing the mounting option.

Additional Considerations:

• Speaker Protection: Marine speakers should have heavy-duty covers to protect against fishing poles, line hooks, and other hazards on the boat.
• Noise Competition: Marine speakers need to compete with engine noise, crashing wakes, and noisy riders, so ensure they have sufficient performance to cut through these background noises.
• Waterproofing: Ensure your speakers are waterproof and made from weather-resistant materials to withstand the marine environment.

Measuring and cutting

When replacing boat speakers, measuring and cutting are crucial steps to ensure a proper fit. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools for measuring and cutting. You'll need a tape measure or a ruler, a pencil or a marker, and a suitable cutting tool such as a jigsaw or a utility knife. It is also important to wear protective gear, such as safety goggles and gloves, to ensure your safety during the cutting process.

Start by carefully removing the old speakers from your boat. Take measurements of the cutout diameter and the cavity depth of the space where the new speakers will be installed. It is crucial to measure the dimensions accurately to ensure the new speakers fit perfectly. Measure the diameter of the cutout, ensuring you measure from the edge of the cutout and not the speaker cone. Additionally, measure the depth of the cavity to make sure the new speakers will have sufficient space without protruding too much or sitting too deep.

Next, obtain the dimensions of the new speakers you plan to install. Compare these measurements with the cutout diameter and cavity depth measurements you took earlier. This step is vital to ensure that the new speakers will fit correctly. If the new speakers are larger than the existing cutouts, you will need to make adjustments by cutting and enlarging the cutouts.

Now, using your measurements as a guide, carefully mark the cutting lines on the boat's surface. Use a ruler or a straight edge to draw straight lines, ensuring the markings are clear and easy to follow. Take your time during this step to avoid mistakes.

Finally, using your chosen cutting tool, carefully cut along the marked lines. If you're using a jigsaw, ensure the blade you select is appropriate for the material of your boat, such as wood or fibreglass. Cut slowly and steadily, following your markings precisely. If you're using a utility knife, carefully score the cutting line multiple times until you cut through the material. Always prioritize safety and take your time during the cutting process.

By following these detailed instructions for measuring and cutting, you will be well on your way to successfully replacing your boat speakers. Remember to take accurate measurements, compare them with the new speaker dimensions, mark the cutting lines clearly, and cut carefully along the marked lines.

Using templates

If you are installing speakers in your boat for the first time, you will need to draw out the placement of your speakers. Make sure the hole you draw matches the cutout diameter of the speaker (this information can be found in your speaker's manual).

If you are replacing existing speakers, the process is more straightforward. The speakers should have come with a template that you can use to cut out the holes. If not, you can make your own template out of some clear transparent adhesive film. This is how the templates come with new speakers.

When using a template, make sure you have room behind the area you are cutting for the depth of your speakers. It is recommended to make a 3D mockup of the magnet/speaker housing out of wood and place it behind where you will be cutting before you start. This will alert you to any clearance issues and ensure that the speaker has enough space to fit properly.

Once you have your template ready and have checked for clearance, you can use a hole saw or a saber saw to cut out the hole along the line you drew. A hole saw will give you a perfectly symmetrical hole, but it will only work if you are cutting a new hole. If you are enlarging an existing hole, a Dremel, RotoZip, or similar tool will work better.

Speaker connections

When it comes to speaker connections, there are a few options to consider. One popular option is to use marine-rated wiring, which is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of life on the water. This type of wiring can handle both the speakers and lighting, and it's a time-saver as well.

Another option for speaker connections is to use LED speaker connectors. These connectors are water-resistant and make it much easier to connect your new LED speakers to your boat's wiring system. Instead of soldering, which can be difficult and inconvenient on a boat, these connectors allow you to create a convenient plug-and-play setup. Simply attach the male connector to the speaker's LED wires and the female connector to the wire that runs to your power source or light controller. This type of connection is quick, easy, and mess-free.

If you choose Wet Sounds' REVO LED speakers, the installation process is even simpler. These speakers come with a female connector already attached, so you only need to purchase a male connector kit to complete the connection.

It's important to note that these LED speaker connectors are compatible with any LED speakers, not just those from Wet Sounds. So, whether you have marine speakers from Kicker, Fusion, JL Audio, or another brand, you can take advantage of the convenience and security that these connectors offer.

In addition to simplifying the installation process, these connectors also provide a more secure and reliable connection compared to soldering, splicing, or taping. This means you can enjoy your music without worrying about the connection failing, even when you're cruising through choppy waters.

Powering your speakers

When it comes to powering your boat speakers, there are a few key components and considerations to keep in mind. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you through the process:

Choosing an Amplifier

First, you'll need to select an amplifier that can provide enough power to your new speakers. In the example of Brady's 20-foot Godfrey Hurricane boat, he chose the Wet Sounds STX Micro 4 amplifier, a class-D amp designed for ATVs but also suitable for smaller boats. This amplifier has an output of 80 watts x 4 at 4 ohms, providing ample power to drive the four 8" Wet Sounds REVO marine speakers, each capable of handling up to 150 watts RMS.

Powering the Amplifier

To power the amplifier, you'll need to connect it to a power source. This typically involves running marine-grade wiring from your boat's battery to the amplifier. Make sure to use wiring that can handle the power requirements of your amplifier and speakers, such as the Wet Sounds 12/22 gauge wiring mentioned in the source.

Speaker Connections

When connecting your speakers to the amplifier, it's essential to use the proper gauge of wire and to ensure secure connections. In some cases, you may need to solder the connections, but there are also alternative options, such as the Wet Sounds water-resistant LED connectors, which provide a more convenient and secure way to connect your speakers.

LED Lighting

If your speakers have built-in LED lighting, like the Wet Sounds REVO 8 marine speakers, you'll need to factor that into your wiring setup. The LED lighting will require power, and you can connect it to your boat's electrical system using the appropriate connectors.

Power Source Considerations

When powering your speakers and amplifier, always ensure you're drawing power from a battery or power source capable of handling the load. If you're installing multiple audio components, consider the total power draw to avoid overloading your boat's electrical system.

By following these guidelines and choosing the right equipment, you can ensure your new boat speakers are properly powered and provide an enjoyable listening experience on the water.

Frequently asked questions