Hey all... Now that we're comfortable with our 1988 33.5 we are ready for some music. Would like to purchase an automotive CD player and speakers. I'm thinking the waterproof marine speakers for somewhere in the cockpit. Any of you ever done the installation? I'm quite nervous as to where to mount the exterior speakers, and interior ones too. Could use a little advice. Especially when it comes to hiding the wiring. Would like some input. Thx Steve
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Steve's Stereo
Suggest you look at some of the new boats to determine their installations. The marine catalogues are a good source for information. Mine was factory installed with the exterior speakers facing forward from the aft cockpit lockers. Interior are at the forward bulkhead. Stereo at the switch panel. I have replaced the exterior speakers three times and the stereo once in ten years. Lessons: 1. Figure out and pull all wiring before you cut anything. 2. Determine if the speakers should have a sound box. (Probably not, but can make a real difference.) 3. Keep things well away from the compass and don't forget about the autopilot compass, too. 4. Stay with marine speakers, at least for the exterior. Poly cones and composite frames are best. Auto, even waterpoofed, turn to oxide pretty quick. 5. Before you cut, think about how the boat is used and consider how to keep the speakers as unobtrusive as possible. I think that one of the marine speakers is a low-profile surface mount that might be worth considering. 6. As to the stereo, remember power consumption while you think output. Good Luck. RD
Suggest you look at some of the new boats to determine their installations. The marine catalogues are a good source for information. Mine was factory installed with the exterior speakers facing forward from the aft cockpit lockers. Interior are at the forward bulkhead. Stereo at the switch panel. I have replaced the exterior speakers three times and the stereo once in ten years. Lessons: 1. Figure out and pull all wiring before you cut anything. 2. Determine if the speakers should have a sound box. (Probably not, but can make a real difference.) 3. Keep things well away from the compass and don't forget about the autopilot compass, too. 4. Stay with marine speakers, at least for the exterior. Poly cones and composite frames are best. Auto, even waterpoofed, turn to oxide pretty quick. 5. Before you cut, think about how the boat is used and consider how to keep the speakers as unobtrusive as possible. I think that one of the marine speakers is a low-profile surface mount that might be worth considering. 6. As to the stereo, remember power consumption while you think output. Good Luck. RD
340 Installation Notes
Installed 5 inch poly planar ($60 pair) in the cockpit (arch on the 340), friend on 336 on the wheel pedistal, another friend on the cockpit where they won't be kicked. 3 years on 340 no problem (fresh water sailing, but ice and snow in the winter). Put a JVC CD deck (10 or 12 cds, don't remember), but had to change stock JVC stereo to one that accepted a CD player. Not much problem here. Agree that one should run the wires and get the components ready in place before wires are cut. Power drain: radio the lowest, tape next, then CDs. However have not had a problem providing enough motoring in the morning and evening (1 hr) to charge the battery (4D & 27-starter) to keep refrigerator going). ps: I would do it again.
Installed 5 inch poly planar ($60 pair) in the cockpit (arch on the 340), friend on 336 on the wheel pedistal, another friend on the cockpit where they won't be kicked. 3 years on 340 no problem (fresh water sailing, but ice and snow in the winter). Put a JVC CD deck (10 or 12 cds, don't remember), but had to change stock JVC stereo to one that accepted a CD player. Not much problem here. Agree that one should run the wires and get the components ready in place before wires are cut. Power drain: radio the lowest, tape next, then CDs. However have not had a problem providing enough motoring in the morning and evening (1 hr) to charge the battery (4D & 27-starter) to keep refrigerator going). ps: I would do it again.
33.5 Stereo installation
Steve, I installed a stereo in my 1988 H 33.5 two years ago. I flush mounted the stereo unit thru the bulkhead above the chart table with the unit actually protruding into the aft berth locker on the port side. Be careful, because the locker doors are angled and if the unit is installed too far to starboard, the doors will not close. ( I learned the hard way!) I installed two Bose indoor / outdoor speakers flush mounted into the port settee storage spaces. These speakers are available from Sam's club for $100 per pair and sound awesome. The Bose flush mount kit was ordered from West Marine. The total system with a Sony AM-FM-Casette and speakers cost appx.$300. I also ordered a VHF/Fm antenna splitter from West to allow the use of the masthead antenna to double as an FM antenna---it works great. I did the installation myself in a weekend. I have not yet installed speakers in the cockpit-- let me know if you pursue this. Contact me if I can be of further help. David.
Steve, I installed a stereo in my 1988 H 33.5 two years ago. I flush mounted the stereo unit thru the bulkhead above the chart table with the unit actually protruding into the aft berth locker on the port side. Be careful, because the locker doors are angled and if the unit is installed too far to starboard, the doors will not close. ( I learned the hard way!) I installed two Bose indoor / outdoor speakers flush mounted into the port settee storage spaces. These speakers are available from Sam's club for $100 per pair and sound awesome. The Bose flush mount kit was ordered from West Marine. The total system with a Sony AM-FM-Casette and speakers cost appx.$300. I also ordered a VHF/Fm antenna splitter from West to allow the use of the masthead antenna to double as an FM antenna---it works great. I did the installation myself in a weekend. I have not yet installed speakers in the cockpit-- let me know if you pursue this. Contact me if I can be of further help. David.
Please don't install speakers
I know you don't want to hear this, but consider how you would like whatever music you consider the worst to be blaring across the water at you. Put yourself in the other guy's shoes, who maybe doesn't like your favorite music, or any music at all. One of the main pleasures of sailing is the quiet enjoyment of the water. Sound carries for miles over water. Stereos with speakers, especially in the cockpit, ruin that experience for everyone else, both on the water and on shore. Consider a Walkman with earphones. Save the speakers for home and car.
I know you don't want to hear this, but consider how you would like whatever music you consider the worst to be blaring across the water at you. Put yourself in the other guy's shoes, who maybe doesn't like your favorite music, or any music at all. One of the main pleasures of sailing is the quiet enjoyment of the water. Sound carries for miles over water. Stereos with speakers, especially in the cockpit, ruin that experience for everyone else, both on the water and on shore. Consider a Walkman with earphones. Save the speakers for home and car.
No automotive stuff for me.
Steve: I have had my Hunter 31 since it was new in 1986. We had been through 3 or 4 automotove radios, (not sure of the brands) but the last one was a fairly expensive Kenwood. None of these lasted for much longer than the warranty. I decided to go with the West Marine unit. It has been there for going on 4 seasons now and still works fine. I did not compare sound quality on these units but it works well. I did not and will not cut holes in cabinets or bulkheads for speakers. We have Radio Shack box speakers in the interior. They have a mounting bracket so it only takes 2 screws to mount them. They probably do not sound as good as the other types but they work. As far as the cockpit goes maybe you could find something that is also self contained and could be removed after the season is over? Good luck
Steve: I have had my Hunter 31 since it was new in 1986. We had been through 3 or 4 automotove radios, (not sure of the brands) but the last one was a fairly expensive Kenwood. None of these lasted for much longer than the warranty. I decided to go with the West Marine unit. It has been there for going on 4 seasons now and still works fine. I did not compare sound quality on these units but it works well. I did not and will not cut holes in cabinets or bulkheads for speakers. We have Radio Shack box speakers in the interior. They have a mounting bracket so it only takes 2 screws to mount them. They probably do not sound as good as the other types but they work. As far as the cockpit goes maybe you could find something that is also self contained and could be removed after the season is over? Good luck
Automotive vs Marine stereos
Steve, As I mentioned, I installed a Sony automotive type stereo on my H33.5. It is installed in the cabin and I have not had problems. I purchased the discontinued model for about $99 Before purchasing a marine stereo, please research the back issues of Practical Sailor. I read that many manufacturers install a "marine" faceplate on their automotive units and charge a hefty price for the stereos that are no different. PS did identify some units that were truly marine grade; however, expect to pay considerably more.
Steve, As I mentioned, I installed a Sony automotive type stereo on my H33.5. It is installed in the cabin and I have not had problems. I purchased the discontinued model for about $99 Before purchasing a marine stereo, please research the back issues of Practical Sailor. I read that many manufacturers install a "marine" faceplate on their automotive units and charge a hefty price for the stereos that are no different. PS did identify some units that were truly marine grade; however, expect to pay considerably more.
Speakers...go for it!
Three years ago I installed two "marine speakers" (from West Marine) on my '85 31'4 hunter. I mounted them onto the lower " front " of the rear lazarettes (if that's how you spell it). Now I turn on Vivaldi, pop open a "beverage" and enjoy the reat sound!!!
Three years ago I installed two "marine speakers" (from West Marine) on my '85 31'4 hunter. I mounted them onto the lower " front " of the rear lazarettes (if that's how you spell it). Now I turn on Vivaldi, pop open a "beverage" and enjoy the reat sound!!!
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