I am going to install flush mounted cockpit speakers and have noted that the size and type available for "marine" use are plentiful and expensive. So, what just makes a speaker "waterproof". Non-ferrous components? How can you waterproof a standard speaker? I figure an internal coating of silicone or some type of impermeable coating material would suffice. Take the cover off and spray! Any ideas, recommendations or suggestions on this or am I just spinning my wheels here? I am in fresh water, so affects of corrosion are not so rapid as in a salt environment. Bob Catalina 30
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Some speakers made for indoor use
have paper cones. Some speakers have plastic foam cones. Outdoor speakers come in a wide range of weather resistant and weather proof designs. If you take the "marine" out of the discription you may save a bit of $$ but you won't save any by becoming an inventor.
have paper cones. Some speakers have plastic foam cones. Outdoor speakers come in a wide range of weather resistant and weather proof designs. If you take the "marine" out of the discription you may save a bit of $$ but you won't save any by becoming an inventor.
speakers
Bob, If I were to put speakers in the cockpit of my sailboat I would definately go with the marine ones. And good quality marine ones at that. The quality of marine speakers vary from very good sound and very good waterproofing to bad sound and bad water proofing. This is one of those areas where you definately get what you pay for. I suggest clarion marine speakers. I have these in my ski boat. Sound quality is great. You can directly spray these with water and it won't damage them. The water will also not go through the backside of these speakers and leak further into the boat (usually important on a sailboat cockpit mount).
Bob, If I were to put speakers in the cockpit of my sailboat I would definately go with the marine ones. And good quality marine ones at that. The quality of marine speakers vary from very good sound and very good waterproofing to bad sound and bad water proofing. This is one of those areas where you definately get what you pay for. I suggest clarion marine speakers. I have these in my ski boat. Sound quality is great. You can directly spray these with water and it won't damage them. The water will also not go through the backside of these speakers and leak further into the boat (usually important on a sailboat cockpit mount).
On My Catalina 30
Bob - I installed the external box speakers on my C-30 purchased from West Marine for about $85. They work great. I mounted them on the rail which is what I was against but after I decided to run the speakers wires inside the SS rail tube, I was more than satisfied with the way they look. The great thing is that I can turn the speaker to adjust the direction of sound and then remove them altogether when not in use or after the season (I actually leave them in all summer). Take the time to hide the wires inside the tibing and ot will look great! Best - Rob
Bob - I installed the external box speakers on my C-30 purchased from West Marine for about $85. They work great. I mounted them on the rail which is what I was against but after I decided to run the speakers wires inside the SS rail tube, I was more than satisfied with the way they look. The great thing is that I can turn the speaker to adjust the direction of sound and then remove them altogether when not in use or after the season (I actually leave them in all summer). Take the time to hide the wires inside the tibing and ot will look great! Best - Rob
I just did new speakers
both inside and out. I found that the brand "Kicker" works great and don't cost all that much.I was surprised to see that they are not made from paper, but a plastic type material. I can hose them down and they work perfectly. Glad I did it.I found them at a stereo store and not a "marine" store.You'll be glad you did it. Keep it up, Ctskip
both inside and out. I found that the brand "Kicker" works great and don't cost all that much.I was surprised to see that they are not made from paper, but a plastic type material. I can hose them down and they work perfectly. Glad I did it.I found them at a stereo store and not a "marine" store.You'll be glad you did it. Keep it up, Ctskip
Consider "Hang-On" Installation
Instead of cutting holes in the boat for the speakers consider using hang-on speakers for a couple reasons. One, if you ever go to sell the boat it is less "personalized" so this would enhance resale value, and secondly, by not having the large holes the boat is more seaworthy. Water weighs 62.4 pounds per cubic foot and at one foot in depth this equates to 62.4 pounds per square foot. If the boat is ever in a knockdown the speaker cone will provide no safety at all and the little plastic covers held in place with a couple little screws won't provide much more safety. This is something to think about. Another thought - tweaters are very directional. Having a two-way speaker at calf-height won't give as good a sound as a component speaker system with separate woofer and tweaters where the tweaters are aimed toward the listener. Just some more to think about.
Instead of cutting holes in the boat for the speakers consider using hang-on speakers for a couple reasons. One, if you ever go to sell the boat it is less "personalized" so this would enhance resale value, and secondly, by not having the large holes the boat is more seaworthy. Water weighs 62.4 pounds per cubic foot and at one foot in depth this equates to 62.4 pounds per square foot. If the boat is ever in a knockdown the speaker cone will provide no safety at all and the little plastic covers held in place with a couple little screws won't provide much more safety. This is something to think about. Another thought - tweaters are very directional. Having a two-way speaker at calf-height won't give as good a sound as a component speaker system with separate woofer and tweaters where the tweaters are aimed toward the listener. Just some more to think about.
Frsh or salt water?
If you're on freshwater, try regular indoor/outdoor stereo speakers from the stereo dealer. They're cheaper and sound just as good. On saltwater, you might want to stick with the marine versions.
If you're on freshwater, try regular indoor/outdoor stereo speakers from the stereo dealer. They're cheaper and sound just as good. On saltwater, you might want to stick with the marine versions.
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