I would like to add outside stereo speakers to our boat. While there are two fixed speakers mounted on the bulkhead inside, what type of speakers should I put outside. Is it best to mount the speakers in the cockpit somewhere or have box speakers that I can bring out when we want to use them. If mounting is best, where is a good spot and how should the wires be lead. Last questions there are a lot of different brands of speakers, what is a good brand and what should I look for in a speaker? Thanks CM
Marine Speakers
- Thread starter cmorin
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Waterproof and Low Magnetic Field
What type of boat are you refering to? I have a 88 Catalina 30 and I am planning on doing a project like the attached like where by the speakers are mounted behind some 6" screw out inspection ports. Also, if you have a compass nearby or autopilot, you may want to look at the Poly planar brand that are waterproof and generate a low magnetic field to minimize infererence with the instruments.
What type of boat are you refering to? I have a 88 Catalina 30 and I am planning on doing a project like the attached like where by the speakers are mounted behind some 6" screw out inspection ports. Also, if you have a compass nearby or autopilot, you may want to look at the Poly planar brand that are waterproof and generate a low magnetic field to minimize infererence with the instruments.
Another option...
CM, Some people mount the speakers below near the companionway with a little extra wire that allows them to pull the speakers on deck when they're in use & bring them down below when not in use. This will keep your speakers away from the elements (salt, rain, sun) when they're not needed & extend their life. Just a thought. Allen Schweitzer s/v Falstaff C-30 Hull# 632
CM, Some people mount the speakers below near the companionway with a little extra wire that allows them to pull the speakers on deck when they're in use & bring them down below when not in use. This will keep your speakers away from the elements (salt, rain, sun) when they're not needed & extend their life. Just a thought. Allen Schweitzer s/v Falstaff C-30 Hull# 632
Pioneer
Hi CM - I was concerned about moisture in the cockpit but had no problems with the 6" round Pioneer all-weather speakers I installed in my older Catalina 36. While Jeff's installation detailed on his web site is clearly more thorough and clean, I didn't bother with installing covers and never had a problem (I've taken waves in the cockpit and lots of rain up here in Seattle). I installed them in the aft lazarette facing forward and was pleased with the sound quality. Best, Trevor
Hi CM - I was concerned about moisture in the cockpit but had no problems with the 6" round Pioneer all-weather speakers I installed in my older Catalina 36. While Jeff's installation detailed on his web site is clearly more thorough and clean, I didn't bother with installing covers and never had a problem (I've taken waves in the cockpit and lots of rain up here in Seattle). I installed them in the aft lazarette facing forward and was pleased with the sound quality. Best, Trevor
Great Ideas
The boat is a C-30. I am not the best handyman when it comes to making water tight holes in a boat. So I am leaning toward having box type speakers that I can bring out on deck when in use. I can bring them out on the deck and place them nearly anywhere when we are not sailing but does anyone know a way to temporarily secure then on the deck while I am sailing. Thanks CM
The boat is a C-30. I am not the best handyman when it comes to making water tight holes in a boat. So I am leaning toward having box type speakers that I can bring out on deck when in use. I can bring them out on the deck and place them nearly anywhere when we are not sailing but does anyone know a way to temporarily secure then on the deck while I am sailing. Thanks CM
I saw some mounted under the catbird seats
Last summer I saw a set of "box" speakers mounted under the cat bird seats of a C-30. I liked that idea, since no holes need to be cut. My plan is to do the same. I just bought some small speakers. Plan to attach stainless steel hose clamps to the speaker mounts and attach right under the seats.
Last summer I saw a set of "box" speakers mounted under the cat bird seats of a C-30. I liked that idea, since no holes need to be cut. My plan is to do the same. I just bought some small speakers. Plan to attach stainless steel hose clamps to the speaker mounts and attach right under the seats.
Seat speakers
I thought my mother was the only person that called them catbird seats
On our C310, I put a pair of Bose 151's under the stern rail seats. I screwed the supplied brackets to the seats, but I use Fast Pins that just push in, instead of bolts, to put the speakers on the mounts before we go out for a sail. I wired a two-prong connector about 8 inches from the speakers. I also put a safety cord on the speakers with a clip, to secure the speakers to the rail before I even attempt to put them out. You can guess how much stuff has gone overboard, so I don't like to trust my hands! In foggy, misty weather, or if there's a chance of spray, I put those thin plastic grocery bags over the speakers, loosely knotted, even though they're supposedly weatherproof. I also bag them overnight when I'm cruising for days. Bags don't affect the sound at all when they're on. It didn't hurt that the C310 comes with wires already run through the stern pulpit, just for this purpose. Also, I think a newer model has superceded the Bose 151's. (I have a matching pair in the cabin.)
I thought my mother was the only person that called them catbird seats
On our C310, I put a pair of Bose 151's under the stern rail seats. I screwed the supplied brackets to the seats, but I use Fast Pins that just push in, instead of bolts, to put the speakers on the mounts before we go out for a sail. I wired a two-prong connector about 8 inches from the speakers. I also put a safety cord on the speakers with a clip, to secure the speakers to the rail before I even attempt to put them out. You can guess how much stuff has gone overboard, so I don't like to trust my hands! In foggy, misty weather, or if there's a chance of spray, I put those thin plastic grocery bags over the speakers, loosely knotted, even though they're supposedly weatherproof. I also bag them overnight when I'm cruising for days. Bags don't affect the sound at all when they're on. It didn't hurt that the C310 comes with wires already run through the stern pulpit, just for this purpose. Also, I think a newer model has superceded the Bose 151's. (I have a matching pair in the cabin.)Two suggestions...
I just purchased a brand new C-310, and purchased four Polyplanar MA7500's, two of which are mounted in Navpod SP100 speaker enclosures under the stern rail seats. Very slick and sound incredible, AND Dave's Marine Electronics has a great deal by selling both speakers already in the enclosures for a great price! All this and a Sony stereo for about $550.00 US!
I just purchased a brand new C-310, and purchased four Polyplanar MA7500's, two of which are mounted in Navpod SP100 speaker enclosures under the stern rail seats. Very slick and sound incredible, AND Dave's Marine Electronics has a great deal by selling both speakers already in the enclosures for a great price! All this and a Sony stereo for about $550.00 US!
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