Speaker installation

[fred1diver]

Hello, me again with all my questions
I’m getting ready to install my new radio on my new to me boat, the speakers were already in place but not wired, my question is simple, what kind of wires would you all use for the speakers?

 

[jssailem]

This might work

Tinned Marine Wire, 14 GA, 100 Ft Spool

Tinned Marine Wire, 14 GA, 100 Ft Spool

www.wiringdepot.com

 

[higgs]

I have always just used normal stereo speaker wire you can buy anywhere. Used it on all my boats for the past 50 year no problem. I have had the present boat 16 years.

 

[jssailem]

I have always just used normal stereo speaker wire

Certainly no reason you can not use it. Might be prudent to leave a bit extra wire at the speaker (especially if the speaker is exposed to the marine environment). That will give you a little wire to cut back and reconnect to the speaker when the ends get corroded. Save you from having to run wire again through the boat.

 

[RoyS]

IMHO 14 GA is overkill for speaker wire. Suggest using 18GA two conductor marine duplex cable. The 18 GA because anything smaller is too fragile. Marine duplex cable is tinned throughout and resists corrosion.

 

[jssailem]

Roy. The fact his boat is less than 50 feet long and the speaker runs should not be long you are correct.

Alternatively, Fred did not indicate the size of his speakers or the power amplifier he might be using.

Gauge size means nothing, but resistance does, and as a rule, larger gauge = lower resistance.

If in a pinch his electrical engine wire gets fried he could strip the speakers 14 ga and use the wire to patch up the boat getting home.

Just thoughts of opportunity

 

[fred1diver]

The system is a boss 60w x 4, I haven’t checked the speaker ratings

 

[higgs]

Fred: Don't overthink this. Even lamp cord will work. My cockpit speakers sit under the helm's seat and get rained on all the time. They have been there fifteen years and are simply home stereo speaker wire - not tinned. No problem. Sound wise, with your set up and the size of your run, you are not going to notice the difference regardless of what gauge (12, 14, 16, 18) you use.