Installing my first stereo! Help

[VANN LANDRY]

I am going to attempt to install my stereo unit on my 310. My intent is to run the speaker wire thru the arch. Anyone ever attempt this. Or any suggestions that might help!

 

[Jerry A. Olivero]

Not a problem

Did what you are attempting 2 years ago on my H-310. I installed 2 marine 5" round speakers in the access holes of the fiberglass arch using 16 gauge speaker wire. The speaker wire from the starboard speaker was ran up and over the arch to the port side. To accomplish this, I used a fish tape inserted into the port arch access hole and pushed it until I could reach the tape from the starboard access hole. I then pulled the starboard speaker wire back to the port arch access hole leaving 18" of wire at the starboard arch access hole to attach the starboard speaker to. I chose to solder the speaker wires directly to the terminals on the speakers and seal the connection over the terminals with heat shrink. I thought this method would be the least prone to corrosion but it does make changing a speaker more difficult than using crimped on lugs. I installed the starboard speaker in the access hole that was enlarged according to the template that came with the speakers. I then drilled a 1/8" hole in the port base of the arch from below using the access panel that is located beneath the reading light located on the port hull of the aft cabin. I then ran both starboard and port speaker wires down through the hole to a multi-speaker/multi-source amplifier/distribution control box that I located in a slot that I cut out of the AC/DC distribution panel below the tank indicators. After I verified that that the cockpit speakers worked, I sealed the speakers into place and sealed the hole at the base of the arch. I haven't had any problems thus far and have enjoyed the music. I also installed a set of speakers in the salon and another set in the aft cabin with independent volume controls. I mounted the Aiwa 3 CD stereo system with a U bracket attached to a turntable mounted upside down below the shelf that is above the galley sink. This allows me to control the stereo system via an infrared remote from the cockpit or to swivel the system so that I can control it from the salon. I did l learn that you need to add the ability to lock the turntable in either position while under sail otherwise the continual flexing of the wires will generate problems. At the end of last season, I added a cabinet with a fold-down front to the forward wall of the the head to mount my Laptop CO (mini-Navagation station) and after plugging the CO's speaker output into the speaker distribution box and listening to music recorded in MP3 format I don't think the stereo will see as much use this season. I have loaded about 100 CD's worth of music on my Laptop and have found it much more convenient to program a playlist of music for the next 10-12 hours than changing CD's all the time. Let me know how your installation goes.

 

[Tom Feigum]

Vann Landry of Gulfport

We will enter our 4th season with our 310. THe access ports on the arch are smaller than speakers we were able to acquire thru teh dealer or from other sources. Thus, our speakers are on the binnicle, unfortunaltly installed by the dealer under the hinged table. Actually they work fairly well and are protected. It seemed to be the best place. WE didn't want to do more to the arch than necessary, read try and find a flat surface. Let me know if you come up with a better solution, we can always use them. Tom Feigum, "Aria"adn Capt. Trudy

 

[Chris Held]

Good Luck Vann; thank you Jerry!

Installing a stereo and speakers was the next project on my (still fairly new) 99 310. Jerry's detailed description sent me scurrying for my printer and hardcopy. That posting should be a giant help to me as I face my next big challenge. Thanks again Jerry.And good luck to you Vann. Let us know how it comes out.