Beneteau 361 - cockpit speakers

[Philip_Oceanis 361]

Has anybody installed speakers in the cockpit of a Beneteau 361? Any ideas where to install them or even better any photographs?
Thanks

 

[Mike B]

The factory installed speakers were on both sides of the opening to the swim platform. they were forward facing into the cockpit. If you have not yet purchased speakers I would go with Polk. Water proof and great sound. Make sure you measure the area to ensure a proper fit.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Your choices are simple: through a cockpit seat wall or separate speakers. Separate speakers need to be wired and mounted, usually under the perch seats. Cockpit wall speakers need a hole to be cut, and are considered by some to be dangerous because if the cockpit gets flooded water can enter the boat through the holes. Your boat, your choice.

 

[Mike B]

Stu, the 361 has an open transom section behind the helm. Plus the speakers height would be well above the companionway step over. If he has water intrusion into the speakers he's pretty much screwed anyway

 

[mattkling]

I just replaced my cockpit speakers for the 2nd time on my 361. The factory speakers were 4" Poly Planer standard speakers (part # MA-4054), and were still working after 8 years. There are very few choices for that cutout size, and going with a larger speaker in that location will not work because of the curvature of the fiberglass wall there. I originally upgraded to Polk speakers (model db501 with db401 grills). The Polks sounded great, but only lasted 3 years in a marine environment. I have serious doubts that they are really suited for exposed marine use with their open grill design despite Polk's claims. The most recent set I installed are Poly Planer Premium speakers (part # MA-5104). Don't sound quite as good as the Polks, but way better than the PP standard speaker. Hopefully these will last longer.

 

[LuzSD]

Keep'em low

I think I remember Stu advising this also, a while back, and I would like to mention it here though I am not addressing where the correct spot on your boat might be........ I would strongly recommend that you keep your speakers low rather than anywhere above lazarette level. By keeping them low, you can have them turned up rather high and they do not disturb others near you. I doubt those who have speakers mounted above seat level have a clue that everyone around them must listen to their music because it carries so. Just something to think about since you asked.

 

[Mike B]

LuzSD that's a good point. Nothing I hate more that being tortured by someone elses music. Fortunately the speaker placement on the 361 and a number of other Bennys pushes the music into the cockpit not outwards. You can have it turned up a fair amount and your neighbors barely hear you.

 

[LuzSD]

Mike, same set up in our C30, and it really makes a difference doesn't it? Especially when we are relaxing and facing aft.

On the other hand, across the water from us couple puts a radio station on and that is all we can hear, so we are forced to find the same station and forgo any choice of our own. To make matters worse, there is a tiny delay so it produces an echo...... luckily the radio station is a decent on... but stilll...

 

[mattkling]

Here is a shot of the original factory placement of the speakers on a 361.

 

[LuzSD]

Mattkling, that is in my opinion, exactly where they should be, and just as ours are.
Very nice shot.

 

[Mike B]

Luz, we've pulled anchor and moved to get away from folks like that. Unfortunately last spring at our winter marina somebody had show tunes on full blast. We were in our slip and he was somewhere in the yard working away and there was no getting away from him. I still have nightmares and flashbacks from it. LOL

 

[Deadhead]

Flashbacks are so much more enjoyable when the music is right!

 

[LuzSD]

Showtunes?? ouch..

oh, my head hurts just thinking about that..it would be pure torture to me.

 

[Philip_Oceanis 361]

Here is a shot of the original factory placement of the speakers on a 361.

This is where I had in mind to install them, but it seems that even if I manage to fit 4'' size speakers (I was thinking for the Fusion MS-FR402)there's not enough depth for the port size speaker due to the "propane compartment" (or whatever is called). Don't the US built Ben361 have this compartment?

 

[mattkling]

My 361 does have the propane locker in the back port side. The speaker is pretty shallow so it fits fine. There is more space back there as you move toward the middle of the boat I believe. Just be careful with your hole saw!

When picking speakers, take note that the speakers must have some give to them as there is a slight curve to the boat there that the speaker will need to follow. Haven't seen that brand before so can't say if they will work or not.