Sea-Doo 210 Challenger updates

[Scott E]

I'm starting the install of the "winter" now spring updates. Based on the many recommendations on here I contacted Odin at Earmark Audio. A few emails and a phone call later the full JL audio treatment. The boats existing speaker holes were just over 6", so we went with MX 770 with the Blue LED Sport Grills for both cockpit and bow replacements, and a MX500/4 to power them.



What a difference from the stock Jensen speakers.



Cockpit speaker install only required about 5 minutes with a dremel sanding wheel to get them to fit. The Bow speakers took bit longer as I had to remove a 1/4 inch off the bottom to clear the cushion.



Ran a 16 AWG wire loop around the entire boat and tied into the courtesy lights for now. If I add more, I may move to a separate switch.





Even without the amp installed yet, the speakers alone make a big difference.

 

[Scott E]

Also replaced the 12V socket with the dual USB with voltage display from Amazon. Direct fit.

 

[Scott E]

I replaced the courtesy lights last summer. Need to get a pic now with the speakers as well.

 

[Scott E]

I have the power / ground ran for the amp, may get to that tonite. For the speaker connections, boats wiring has an ISO connector, can I add an ISO plug to the amp, or is that not recommended?

 

[Scott E]

I got the amp installed tonite, and have a question to the more knowledgeable audio guys here. There is some static from the amp, even with the radio on mute. Adjusting the input sensitivity increases / decreases the volume. I adjusted the input sensitivity down some to where it is barely noticeable. I'm thinking there is a ground issue, boat has two batteries. Amp is wired to #2, both power and ground. Primary ground block, which the radio is grounded to, is connected to batt #1 with a 4 awg wire. There is a 6 awg wire connecting both negative battery terminals.

I moved the amp power and ground to batt #1 as a test, and the static was still there,so now I'm not sure what the issue could be. The #4 wire was a foot short of being able to connect to the batt #2 to test, but I'm guessing that would not fix the issue either. Any ideas?

 

[Scott E]

Pretty sure I've narrowed it down to a ground loop. Should the head unit and amp use the same ground?

After going back thru everything, should the power for the amp be ran from a battery, or the dual battery switch?

 

[Epsmith19]

Hi Scott,
I'm looking at a used challenger, but am concerned that SeaDoo left the boat market. Have you experienced any difficulties in parts and/or repairs? Thanks!

 

[Scott E]

So far so good, motor parts etc are still readily available since they are the same as the PWC's. Many of the parts are all sourced from other manufactures anyways, so you can find the switches etc from them. Many stock sea doo parts are still available. What model are you looking at, a 210? We have been very happy with our's and it was much cheaper than a Scarab 215

 

[Epsmith19]

looking at an '12
https://www.boattrader.com/listing/2012-sea-doo-210-challenger-103344652/?refSource=standard listing

 

[Scott E]

That's a Challenger 210S, with a single 250hp motor.

 

[Anchorman]

Cockpit speaker install only required about 5 minutes with a dremel sanding wheel to get them to fit. The Bow speakers took bit longer as I had to remove a 1/4 inch off the bottom to clear the cushion.

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I have new MX770 speakers too. Can you explain the added challenge you faced installing the bow speakers? Was the top cushion/padding too close to the speaker and the hole needed to be moved downward?

 

[Hugh S.]

For the two speakers in the back cockpit (at lumbar height) how much depth did you have replacing those speakers? I am looking at going for a M2-8HB Rockford Fosgate which has 3.38". Thanks!