Speaker installer Raleigh area

[Julian]

Willing to put in the time. Since we don't have the boat yet, (have 2 deposits 1 local in VA 1 in MI)) not sure of all the placements or upgrades. I bought 4 stock WetSounds from someone on the forum, 2 of which will go in the helm on either side of the captains chairs, the other 2 not sure if they will be used or just spares. Tower speakers are definitely going in (Rev 8's probably). don't know how to pair up amp and or sub woofer. Would need to learn the proper installation of a house a battery and of course there's cutting/drilling the holes in the fiberglass. I'm not s mechanic but can tinker some.

So sounds like you will need:

• 5 channel or 6 channel amp. 2 channels for tower, 2 for mid cabin speakers, and 1 or 2 for sub.
• 2nd battery switch - I'd get the Blue Sea add a battery kit with ACR (automatic charging relay).
• A single fuse for the amp, or a fuse block (so you can add more stuff later)
• Wiring - both speaker wires, power wires and RCAs
• Speakers for the helm, tower and sub.

Now you just need to see what your budget is to determine if you are going JL, WS or a less expensive brand.

 

[kgower]

So sounds like you will need:

• 5 channel or 6 channel amp. 2 channels for tower, 2 for mid cabin speakers, and 1 or 2 for sub.
• 2nd battery switch - I'd get the Blue Sea add a battery kit with ACR (automatic charging relay).
• A single fuse for the amp, or a fuse block (so you can add more stuff later)
• Wiring - both speaker wires, power wires and RCAs
• Speakers for the helm, tower and sub.

Now you just need to see what your budget is to determine if you are going JL, WS or a less expensive brand.

Much appreciated Julian. If I use a shop I obviously have to consider the cost of labor. I prefer not to mix brands but that's my hang up. Any particular wire harnesses I should use. Do you recommend using blue tape on the fiber glass prior to drilling? I will hit @Hoyt up also for any suggestions. I previously added a couple of accessories to our SeaDoo ski which required drilling, while I was apprehensive there were no issues.

 

[Julian]

Much appreciated Julian. If I use a shop I obviously have to consider the cost of labor. I prefer not to mix brands but that's my hang up. Any particular wire harnesses I should use. Do you recommend using blue tape on the fiber glass prior to drilling? I will hit @Hoyt up also for any suggestions. I previously added a couple of accessories to our SeaDoo ski which required drilling, while I was apprehensive there were no issues.

I've drilled with tape and without and not seen much difference. With Speakers there is always a wide bezel that covers any edge imperfections. I do always drill in reverse to begin with.

The biggest hurdle you will have to cross is how to connect to the existing system....are there RCA outputs? If not, then it gets trickier.

 

[kgower]

I've drilled with tape and without and not seen much difference. With Speakers there is always a wide bezel that covers any edge imperfections. I do always drill in reverse to begin with.

The biggest hurdle you will have to cross is how to connect to the existing system....are there RCA outputs? If not, then it gets trickier.

To drill the speaker holes you start small then use a Dremel and cutting wheel?

 

[Julian]

To drill the speaker holes you start small then use a Dremel and cutting wheel?

For 6.5" speakers, the hole needed is something like 5.5". You can buy hole saws that are perfect for this (here is the first one in the list on Amazon)

For bigger things like subs - yes, you drill a hole and then use a cutting tool. I use a Dewalt hole cutting tool like this (yes....you get to buy more tools....LOL)


The one thing you do have to watch out for is heat. I was cutting my 6x9 speakers into my old SX230, and noticed smoke.....and realized the dewalt bit was so hot it was smoking, and starting to melt the gel coat. So I started to go slower....take breaks (cut a few inches....stop for it to cool...start again). That was the only tricky part.

 

[kgower]

For 6.5" speakers, the hole needed is something like 5.5". You can buy hole saws that are perfect for this (here is the first one in the list on Amazon)

For bigger things like subs - yes, you drill a hole and then use a cutting tool. I use a Dewalt hole cutting tool like this (yes....you get to buy more tools....LOL)
View attachment 145051

The one thing you do have to watch out for is heat. I was cutting my 6x9 speakers into my old SX230, and noticed smoke.....and realized the dewalt bit was so hot it was smoking, and starting to melt the gel coat. So I started to go slower....take breaks (cut a few inches....stop for it to cool...start again). That was the only tricky part.

I'm good with buying more tools. Just one more reason to DIY, it frees up money for tools.