I'm looking at buying replacement speakers (most likely the Poly-Planars) for the cockpit speakers. I misplaced the measurements for the cockpit speakers from when I last visited the boat and I'm wondering if anyone would know what the speaker size for these speakers would be? I suspect that they are 5.25". Thanks.
Replacement Marine Speakers - 1993 Hunter 30T
- Thread starter bretts9669
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Hey Brett, if I interpret what you posted correctly you are hoping someone here has a boat like yours and could measure their current speakers for you? I would be surprised if they weren't 5 1/4 but would also suggest you shop around for marine speakers. Poly Planers are OK but I have had great results with other brands on our last few boats that were less expensive. JBL makes nice units, I added a complete system from Pyle in one boat although they do make a bottom line of speakers as well. Rockford Fosgate is my current favorite.
Thanks Pat and Craig for your responses.
Craig- I think you're right that they're 5.25" in size. I'm hoping to get up to the boat this weekend to confirm. I appreciate the recommendations for other speaker brands.
I am a bit worried about getting the old speakers out; it looks like they're sealed in really well. Do you know of any resources on best practices for removing and installing/sealing new speakers?
Thanks again.
Craig- I think you're right that they're 5.25" in size. I'm hoping to get up to the boat this weekend to confirm. I appreciate the recommendations for other speaker brands.
I am a bit worried about getting the old speakers out; it looks like they're sealed in really well. Do you know of any resources on best practices for removing and installing/sealing new speakers?
Thanks again.
Sealed in really well? Hmmmm. I assume screwed in with some type of sealer? I have used a good stout steel putty knife to start things. Of course take out the screws first. You might also try a heat gun on low or even a hair dryer to try and soften the sealer. It's kind of hard to guess, but I would guess they have been in the sun and are probably brittle. No salvage value, just go slow and try hard not to damage the surrounding fiberglass. Depending on what kind of sealer was used, they may pop right out. The key is to measure the current mounting hole, not the over all speaker diameter. The manufacturers will give you specs for the required cutouts, believe it or not there is not a "standard" per se, although speakers are listed as a 5.25" the actual mounting holes can be a little different because of the profile of the mounting area. Second thing will be the screw holes, if you are very lucky the screw holes on the new speakers will line up, otherwise be prepared with a drill and bits. Lastly, the thing I always get burned with is the speaker leads. It seems like every manufacturer has their own idea what kind of connecters plug in to the speakers. I don't think I ever found a match so be prepared with electrical connecters, wire strippers and crimpers. Make sure you remove all the old sealer. Try scraping it off first, you may get away with using something like isopropyl alcohol to clean the surface before applying new sealer or you may end up needing acetone or lacquer thinner if the stuff is stubborn. For new sealer be sure to use something remains pliable after it cures.
"no salvage value", but take a chisel and knock off the magnets. They come in handy in the shop as a clamp- either for the weight, or to hold someting to a metal backing.
Thanks all for the recent replies. Very, very helpful. I'll cross my fingers that the holes line up and I think that a heat gun (low setting) will come in handy.
Dang, I was just out on my boat Monday!
FWIW, here's a review of 2016 "best" marine speakers. They only tested 6.5" which they say are the most common. Size usually matters. If I were upgrading, and I probably will someday soon, I'd go with larger if there's enough surface area and clearance.
http://marine-speakers-review.toptenreviews.com/
FWIW, here's a review of 2016 "best" marine speakers. They only tested 6.5" which they say are the most common. Size usually matters. If I were upgrading, and I probably will someday soon, I'd go with larger if there's enough surface area and clearance.
http://marine-speakers-review.toptenreviews.com/
I like #3 a lot. Those are REAL marine speakers! (I might have some insight into these.....
)
Why did they have to make them black?? The whole civilized world knows boat speaker covers are white!I like #3 a lot. Those are REAL marine speakers! (I might have some insight into these.....
In today's world, the majority of marine speakers found installed at the OEM level are NOT white. Weird, but completely true. I have data to support that fact.
That being said, for the specific speaker in question, it is shipped with TWO sets of grills, both the charcoal pictured AND white. Use whichever you choose, as Stu says, "your boat, your choice"
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