Beneteau Cockpit Speakers Original Replacement

Nov 2, 2008
134
Beneteau 331 Chicago (DuSable)
Our original cockpit stereo speakers that came installed I think by Beneteau or perhaps the Dealer are in need of replacement. At least to port side my clumsy foot hit the grill and it cracked. I suspect that being 20 years old the grills may have come more brittle.

I have not pulled out yet as it still plays and sounds good. The are nicely backed up in the port sail locker with what appears to be a white painted glassed in protective rear cover in the locker which the speaker wires exit out of.

They are not 6" but perhaps 5 1/2"?

Thanks!
IMG_0480.jpeg
 
Jun 21, 2004
2,802
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
Our original cockpit stereo speakers that came installed I think by Beneteau or perhaps the Dealer are in need of replacement.
They are not 6" but perhaps 5 1/2"?
Thanks!
I am not sure of size either; however, appears to be standard speakers that Beneteau used in that era...same as mine. Beneteau used Sony products then, so probably a Sony marinized version. I have not replaced mine yet; however, it is on the radar. The sound reproduction is degrading over time. May want to research this, but I have read that to remove these speakers, remove the screws, then use monofilament or guitar string to cut through the sealant. By all means please post your results & speaker size manufacturer when you complete the project.
 
Jun 21, 2004
2,802
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
I stand corrected, others have stated that the original speakers were Poly Planer, 5.25" diameter. Not the best quality, but economical. Evidently, the model that was used is no longer available. A close substitute is the Poly planer MA 4055 or 4056. Best to remove the old speaker to determine what replacement speaker will fit and what modifications will be necessary. The current cut-out may need to be slightly enlarged. Another option is the Fusion MSFR602.
 
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sven7

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Nov 16, 2020
4
beneteau 343 Chocowinity
just replaced speakers with these from amazon. almost identical fit; 4 screw holes needed minor tweaking
Rockville Pair MS40W White 4" 200 Watt Marine Boat Speakers Compact and Powerful
 
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Jun 21, 2004
2,802
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
Confirmed today, that the OEM speakers were Poly-Planar MA 4054 (4"). It has been discontinued as well as the slightly larger MA4055(5").
Interestingly, the MA4056 (6") is still available; it has same appearance of the 4" & 5" speakers, including the integrated plastic grill. The 6" speaker requires a cut out diameter of 5.2" and overall diameter of 7.17" as compared to the OEM speaker that had a 4.5" cutout and 5.2" overall diameter. Another option is the Poly-Planar MA8505 (5"), with a 4.57" cut out and 5.91overall diameter. It has a different appearance with an aluminum grill. Not sure how the grill attaches; therefore, I have sent an inquiry to Poly-Planar. The cost of the MA4056 is $64--$80; the cost of the MA8505 is $83--$100.
 
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Nov 2, 2008
134
Beneteau 331 Chicago (DuSable)
Thanks BigEasy And Sven7. I did call Poly-Planar which is in Soumerville SC and talked to a very helpful lady who looked up the Beneteau info. with her and both of your helpful info the next step is “just do it”
Chicago sponsored the first NASCAR road race, which was exciting To watch on TV but I avoided to harbor.
Embarrassed only two sails and have not even put the jib on yet. Not the fastest start.

thanks again.
 
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Jun 21, 2004
2,802
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
I did call Poly-Planar which is in Soumerville SC and talked to a very helpful lady who looked up the Beneteau info.
Embarrassed only two sails and have not even put the jib on yet. Not the fastest start.
Craig,
You only have 3 1/2 months before haulout; better get a move on!
I removed one of my speakers yesterday to confirm speaker model, cutout, etc, Was fairly easy; after removing the external screws, I used a sharp utility knife to cut thru the silicone sealer between the plastic speaker flange and fiberglass. Also used a putty knife to pry the speaker away from the silicone sealer. The speaker & plastic grill is one piece.
Because the MA4054 & 4055 are not available, I will likely purchase the MA8505 (5") to minimize trimming necessary to enlarge the cutout. My understanding is that the aluminum grill is replaceable; however, it will probably be unavailable by the time replacement would be necessary.
Good luck with the new boat & your speaker project!
 

arf145

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Nov 4, 2010
495
Beneteau 331 Deale, MD
I had to replace mine a couple of years ago for the same reason, and I replaced them with Poly Planars. Sorry, don't remember the size or model. But they fit perfectly, including, I believe, the same screw holes. They work fine--I'm not an audiophile and in fact rarely use the cockpit speakers, so I was thinking about cosmetics 1st and everything else well after.
 
Nov 2, 2008
134
Beneteau 331 Chicago (DuSable)
Good luck with the new boat & your speaker project!
OMG going on 16 plus years with my 331 :) Time flies. I hear you on the short season. I was tempted to model the grill maybe try a 3-D print a version just to goof around with.
 
Jun 21, 2004
2,802
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
OMG going on 16 plus years with my 331 :) Time flies.
From the sound of it, I thought that you were just getting started, but just getting out of hibernation! The 331 is a great boat; balanced very well. I had the opportunity spend approximately 30-40 charter days aboard a 331 in Pensacola, FL. Always looked forward to being on the 331. Enjoy the season.:cool: