Speaker installation

Jay wrote:
 > So I finally found a set of speakers that seemed like a good enough deal and
 > they came in last week. I'm wondering if anyone has any input/experience
 > installing speakers. They aren't flush mount which needs I'll need to be
 > cutting a few holes... some of my curiosity lies in wondering if there's any
 > certain saw blades one should use for cutting fiberglass.... I was going to
 > just drill a few holes to start a hand jig saw... maybe tape up the area
 > with duck tape to avoid scratching.. other than that I didn't really know if
 > there was anything one should take precaution with.

I've used a RotoZip for this - much easier than a Sabre Saw. If its
simple glass it goes through it very quickly. Mine were in the cockpit
seats which had a 1/2 ply backing, so I went though 3 or 4 bits for both
holes. Tape the area with masking tape, draw your circle, and have a
helper with a vacuum to keep the dust down.

 >
 > Also, though they weigh a couple pounds each, should I worry much about
 > providing some of support to the backing... like a brace to dissipate weight
 > on the fiberglass walls?

You shouldn't need support, but you could glass in some marine ply
before or after you make your hole.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Speaker installation 

Before you cut into the boat, are the speakers magnetically
shielded so as not to interfere with your compass?

Jeff Morris wrote:
 > Jay wrote:
 >
  >> So I finally found a set of speakers that seemed like a good enough
  >> deal and they came in last week. I'm wondering if anyone has any
  >> input/experience installing speakers. They aren't flush mount which
  >> needs I'll need to be cutting a few holes... some of my curiosity lies
  >> in wondering if there's any certain saw blades one should use for
  >> cutting fiberglass.... I was going to just drill a few holes to start
  >> a hand jig saw... maybe tape up the area with duck tape to avoid
  >> scratching.. other than that I didn't really know if there was
  >> anything one should take precaution with.
 >
 >
 > I've used a RotoZip for this - much easier than a Sabre Saw. If its
 > simple glass it goes through it very quickly. Mine were in the cockpit
 > seats which had a 1/2 ply backing, so I went though 3 or 4 bits for both
 > holes. Tape the area with masking tape, draw your circle, and have a
 > helper with a vacuum to keep the dust down.
 >
  >>
  >> Also, though they weigh a couple pounds each, should I worry much
  >> about providing some of support to the backing... like a brace to
  >> dissipate weight on the fiberglass walls?
 >
 >
 > You shouldn't need support, but you could glass in some marine ply
 > before or after you make your hole.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Speaker installation 

this post is not archived.
 >> Stay informed about: Speaker installation 

Well, these ( <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://tinyurl.com/692pp" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/692pp</a> ) are the ones I got.

They'll be going on either side of the walkway to the open bow (at cruise
the two rears can't be heard at all, really.) I can climb under the dash on
either side with enough room to work, and water (though moisture might)
doesn't usually find it's way into that area..

-j

<BinaryBillTheSailor@Sea++.com> wrote in message
news:jm3i11l155301tfl2qf81squs86kapoc3j@4ax.com...
 > On Sun, 20 Feb 2005 17:03:14 -0500, "Jay" <jay.RemoveThis@home.net> wrote:
 >
  >>So I finally found a set of speakers that seemed like a good enough deal
  >>and
  >>they came in last week. I'm wondering if anyone has any input/experience
  >>installing speakers. They aren't flush mount which needs I'll need to be
  >>cutting a few holes... some of my curiosity lies in wondering if there's
  >>any
  >>certain saw blades one should use for cutting fiberglass.... I was going
  >>to
  >>just drill a few holes to start a hand jig saw... maybe tape up the area
  >>with duck tape to avoid scratching.. other than that I didn't really know
  >>if
  >>there was anything one should take precaution with.
  >>
  >>Also, though they weigh a couple pounds each, should I worry much about
  >>providing some of support to the backing... like a brace to dissipate
  >>weight
  >>on the fiberglass walls?
  >>
  >>TIA
  >>
  >>-j
  >>
 >
 > Where on the boat are you installing them? Most speakers I've seen are
 > inappropriate for use in the cockpit, if that is what you are planning.
 > Unless
 > they have a sturdy and solid enclosure, they are strictly for inside the
 > cabin,
 > or maybe up high in a flying bridge. Speakers without enclosures in the
 > cockpit,
 > instantly become large holes for water to enter if the boat gets pooped.
 >
 > BB
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Speaker installation 

"Jay" <nono RemoveThis @noneforyou.com> wrote in message
news:UbaSd.5877$Yt.5038@fe04.lga...
 > Well, these ( <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://tinyurl.com/692pp" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/692pp</a> ) are the ones I got.
 >
 > They'll be going on either side of the walkway to the open bow (at cruise
 > the two rears can't be heard at all, really.) I can climb under the dash
 > on either side with enough room to work, and water (though moisture might)
 > doesn't usually find it's way into that area..
 >
 > -j
 >
 > <BinaryBillTheSailor@Sea++.com> wrote in message
 > news:jm3i11l155301tfl2qf81squs86kapoc3j@4ax.com...
  >> On Sun, 20 Feb 2005 17:03:14 -0500, "Jay" <jay RemoveThis @home.net> wrote:
  >>
   >>>So I finally found a set of speakers that seemed like a good enough deal
   >>>and
   >>>they came in last week. I'm wondering if anyone has any input/experience
   >>>installing speakers. They aren't flush mount which needs I'll need to be
   >>>cutting a few holes... some of my curiosity lies in wondering if there's
   >>>any
   >>>certain saw blades one should use for cutting fiberglass.... I was going
   >>>to
   >>>just drill a few holes to start a hand jig saw... maybe tape up the area
   >>>with duck tape to avoid scratching.. other than that I didn't really know
   >>>if
   >>>there was anything one should take precaution with.
   >>>
   >>>Also, though they weigh a couple pounds each, should I worry much about
   >>>providing some of support to the backing... like a brace to dissipate
   >>>weight
   >>>on the fiberglass walls?
   >>>
   >>>TIA
   >>>
   >>>-j
   >>>
  >>
  >> Where on the boat are you installing them? Most speakers I've seen are
  >> inappropriate for use in the cockpit, if that is what you are planning.
  >> Unless
  >> they have a sturdy and solid enclosure, they are strictly for inside the
  >> cabin,
  >> or maybe up high in a flying bridge. Speakers without enclosures in the
  >> cockpit,
  >> instantly become large holes for water to enter if the boat gets pooped.
  >>
  >> BB
  >>
  >>
 >
 >

The link tells us nothing about the speakers other than that they *are*
flush mount.

No backing plate needed.

If they are exposed to the sun and sea spray I hope they are capable of
withstanding the long term effects...rubber surrounds and neoprene cones.

If not be prepared to be replacing them every year or two.

Sometimes cheap is not always the best deal.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Speaker installation 

They are, actually... though we're usually only on a landlocked river....

-j


"chuck" <chuck.RemoveThis@nospam.net> wrote in message
news:421915a5_4@newsfeed.slurp.net...
 > Before you cut into the boat, are the speakers magnetically shielded so as
 > not to interfere with your compass?
 >
 > Jeff Morris wrote:
  >> Jay wrote:
  >>
   >>> So I finally found a set of speakers that seemed like a good enough deal
   >>> and they came in last week. I'm wondering if anyone has any
   >>> input/experience installing speakers. They aren't flush mount which
   >>> needs I'll need to be cutting a few holes... some of my curiosity lies
   >>> in wondering if there's any certain saw blades one should use for
   >>> cutting fiberglass.... I was going to just drill a few holes to start a
   >>> hand jig saw... maybe tape up the area with duck tape to avoid
   >>> scratching.. other than that I didn't really know if there was anything
   >>> one should take precaution with.
  >>
  >>
  >> I've used a RotoZip for this - much easier than a Sabre Saw. If its
  >> simple glass it goes through it very quickly. Mine were in the cockpit
  >> seats which had a 1/2 ply backing, so I went though 3 or 4 bits for both
  >> holes. Tape the area with masking tape, draw your circle, and have a
  >> helper with a vacuum to keep the dust down.
  >>
   >>>
   >>> Also, though they weigh a couple pounds each, should I worry much about
   >>> providing some of support to the backing... like a brace to dissipate
   >>> weight on the fiberglass walls?
  >>
  >>
  >> You shouldn't need support, but you could glass in some marine ply
  >> before or after you make your hole.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Speaker installation 

Those speakers are not magnetically shielded. That is not a problem as long
as you keep them away from the compass...e.g. 5 feet or so.


"Jay" <nono.DeleteThis@noneforyou.com> wrote in message
news:5iaSd.5909$ol3.974@fe04.lga...
 > They are, actually... though we're usually only on a landlocked river....
 >
 > -j
 >
 >
 > "chuck" <chuck.DeleteThis@nospam.net> wrote in message
 > news:421915a5_4@newsfeed.slurp.net...
  >> Before you cut into the boat, are the speakers magnetically shielded so
  >> as not to interfere with your compass?
  >>
  >> Jeff Morris wrote:
   >>> Jay wrote:
   >>><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Speaker installation 

Sorry, that was a bit uninformative..
They weigh about 2 or 3 pounds/piece. They didn't come with back braces,
and they would probably mount ok... my concern is the shock of slamming over
wakes over time, cracking the perimeter...

"Features: * Rubber surround * Magnetically Shielded * Weather-resistant
woofer * UV impregnated ABS heat-resistant weatherproof grilles * One-piece
formed ABS basket* Recommended amplifier power 10-60 watts RMS, 150 watts
Peak * Requires 3.45" of mounting depth and 5.63" cutout diameter * * Dual
Cone: Mylar * Cone: Polypropylene * Basket: Durable and light weight ABS
plastic"


"JimH" <Me DeleteThis @aol.com> wrote in message
news:QYqdna-wAbFJsoTfRVn-rA@comcast.com...
 >
 > "Jay" <nono DeleteThis @noneforyou.com> wrote in message
 > news:UbaSd.5877$Yt.5038@fe04.lga...
  >> Well, these ( <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://tinyurl.com/692pp" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/692pp</a> ) are the ones I got.
  >>
  >> They'll be going on either side of the walkway to the open bow (at cruise
  >> the two rears can't be heard at all, really.) I can climb under the dash
  >> on either side with enough room to work, and water (though moisture
  >> might) doesn't usually find it's way into that area..
  >>
  >> -j
  >>
  >> <BinaryBillTheSailor@Sea++.com> wrote in message
  >> news:jm3i11l155301tfl2qf81squs86kapoc3j@4ax.com...
   >>> On Sun, 20 Feb 2005 17:03:14 -0500, "Jay" <jay DeleteThis @home.net> wrote:
   >>>
   >>>>So I finally found a set of speakers that seemed like a good enough deal
   >>>>and
   >>>>they came in last week. I'm wondering if anyone has any
   >>>>input/experience
   >>>>installing speakers. They aren't flush mount which needs I'll need to
   >>>>be
   >>>>cutting a few holes... some of my curiosity lies in wondering if there's
   >>>>any
   >>>>certain saw blades one should use for cutting fiberglass.... I was going
   >>>>to
   >>>>just drill a few holes to start a hand jig saw... maybe tape up the area
   >>>>with duck tape to avoid scratching.. other than that I didn't really
   >>>>know if
   >>>>there was anything one should take precaution with.
   >>>>
   >>>>Also, though they weigh a couple pounds each, should I worry much about
   >>>>providing some of support to the backing... like a brace to dissipate
   >>>>weight
   >>>>on the fiberglass walls?
   >>>>
   >>>>TIA
   >>>>
   >>>>-j
   >>>>
   >>>
   >>> Where on the boat are you installing them? Most speakers I've seen are
   >>> inappropriate for use in the cockpit, if that is what you are planning.
   >>> Unless
   >>> they have a sturdy and solid enclosure, they are strictly for inside the
   >>> cabin,
   >>> or maybe up high in a flying bridge. Speakers without enclosures in the
   >>> cockpit,
   >>> instantly become large holes for water to enter if the boat gets pooped.
   >>>
   >>> BB
   >>>
   >>>
  >>
  >>
 >
 > The link tells us nothing about the speakers other than that they *are*
 > flush mount.
 >
 > No backing plate needed.
 >
 > If they are exposed to the sun and sea spray I hope they are capable of
 > withstanding the long term effects...rubber surrounds and neoprene cones.
 >
 > If not be prepared to be replacing them every year or two.
 >
 > Sometimes cheap is not always the best deal.
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Speaker installation 

As long as you are happy with them they sound fine for a marine
environerment.

Just mount them per the manufacturers instructions. No backing plate should
be needed. If you want additional insurance use extra large washers.


"Jay" <nono.RemoveThis@noneforyou.com> wrote in message
news:eqaSd.5953$cx3.1503@fe04.lga...
 > Sorry, that was a bit uninformative..
 > They weigh about 2 or 3 pounds/piece. They didn't come with back braces,
 > and they would probably mount ok... my concern is the shock of slamming
 > over wakes over time, cracking the perimeter...
 >
 > "Features: * Rubber surround * Magnetically Shielded * Weather-resistant
 > woofer * UV impregnated ABS heat-resistant weatherproof grilles *
 > One-piece formed ABS basket* Recommended amplifier power 10-60 watts RMS,
 > 150 watts Peak * Requires 3.45" of mounting depth and 5.63" cutout
 > diameter * * Dual Cone: Mylar * Cone: Polypropylene * Basket: Durable and
 > light weight ABS plastic"
 >
 >
 > "JimH" <Me.RemoveThis@aol.com> wrote in message
 > news:QYqdna-wAbFJsoTfRVn-rA@comcast.com...
  >>
  >> "Jay" <nono.RemoveThis@noneforyou.com> wrote in message
  >> news:UbaSd.5877$Yt.5038@fe04.lga...
   >>> Well, these ( <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://tinyurl.com/692pp" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/692pp</a> ) are the ones I got.
   >>>
   >>> They'll be going on either side of the walkway to the open bow (at
   >>> cruise the two rears can't be heard at all, really.) I can climb under
   >>> the dash on either side with enough room to work, and water (though
   >>> moisture might) doesn't usually find it's way into that area..
   >>>
   >>> -j
   >>>
   >>> <BinaryBillTheSailor@Sea++.com> wrote in message
   >>> news:jm3i11l155301tfl2qf81squs86kapoc3j@4ax.com...
   >>>> On Sun, 20 Feb 2005 17:03:14 -0500, "Jay" <jay.RemoveThis@home.net> wrote:
   >>>>
   >>>>>So I finally found a set of speakers that seemed like a good enough
   >>>>>deal and
   >>>>>they came in last week. I'm wondering if anyone has any
   >>>>>input/experience
   >>>>>installing speakers. They aren't flush mount which needs I'll need to
   >>>>>be
   >>>>>cutting a few holes... some of my curiosity lies in wondering if
   >>>>>there's any
   >>>>>certain saw blades one should use for cutting fiberglass.... I was
   >>>>>going to
   >>>>>just drill a few holes to start a hand jig saw... maybe tape up the
   >>>>>area
   >>>>>with duck tape to avoid scratching.. other than that I didn't really
   >>>>>know if
   >>>>>there was anything one should take precaution with.
   >>>>>
   >>>>>Also, though they weigh a couple pounds each, should I worry much about
   >>>>>providing some of support to the backing... like a brace to dissipate
   >>>>>weight
   >>>>>on the fiberglass walls?
   >>>>>
   >>>>>TIA
   >>>>>
   >>>>>-j
   >>>>>
   >>>>
   >>>> Where on the boat are you installing them? Most speakers I've seen are
   >>>> inappropriate for use in the cockpit, if that is what you are planning.
   >>>> Unless
   >>>> they have a sturdy and solid enclosure, they are strictly for inside
   >>>> the cabin,
   >>>> or maybe up high in a flying bridge. Speakers without enclosures in the
   >>>> cockpit,
   >>>> instantly become large holes for water to enter if the boat gets
   >>>> pooped.
   >>>>
   >>>> BB
   >>>>
   >>>>
   >>>
   >>>
  >>
  >> The link tells us nothing about the speakers other than that they *are*
  >> flush mount.
  >>
  >> No backing plate needed.
  >>
  >> If they are exposed to the sun and sea spray I hope they are capable of
  >> withstanding the long term effects...rubber surrounds and neoprene cones.
  >>
  >> If not be prepared to be replacing them every year or two.
  >>
  >> Sometimes cheap is not always the best deal.
  >>
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Speaker installation 

"JimH" <Me RemoveThis @aol.com> wrote in message
news:XrudnTnG9qWJkoTfRVn-gw@comcast.com...
 >
 > "Jay" <jay RemoveThis @home.net> wrote in message news:AS7Sd.5089$OZ7.4406@fe04.lga...
  >> So I finally found a set of speakers that seemed like a good enough deal
  >> and they came in last week. I'm wondering if anyone has any
  >> input/experience installing speakers. They aren't flush mount which
  >> needs I'll need to be cutting a few holes... some of my curiosity lies in
  >> wondering if there's any certain saw blades one should use for cutting
  >> fiberglass.... I was going to just drill a few holes to start a hand jig
  >> saw... maybe tape up the area with duck tape to avoid scratching.. other
  >> than that I didn't really know if there was anything one should take
  >> precaution with.
  >>
  >> Also, though they weigh a couple pounds each, should I worry much about
  >> providing some of support to the backing... like a brace to dissipate
  >> weight on the fiberglass walls?
  >>
  >> TIA
  >>
  >> -j
  >>
 >
 > Always cover the face of the cut/drill area with duct tape...it reduces
 > the likelihood of the gelcoat chipping.

NEVER use duct tape for masking. When you remove it either the adhesive
will stay and is a bear to remove, or it will tear off any finish it was
applied
over. Use something like 3M blue tape.

 > You say these are not flushmount speakers so I assume they are already
 > installed in boxes and the brackets for the boxes are what you will be
 > attaching to the boat.
 >
 > I would consider some sort of backing strap or plate the help support the
 > brackets. Large washers are another consideration.
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Speaker installation 

"Doug Dotson" <dougdotson@NOSPAMcablespeedNOSPAMcom> wrote in message
news:6omdnUD8X71opoTfRVn-oA@cablespeedmd.com...
 >
 > "JimH" <Me RemoveThis @aol.com> wrote in message
 > news:XrudnTnG9qWJkoTfRVn-gw@comcast.com...
  >>
  >> "Jay" <jay RemoveThis @home.net> wrote in message
  >> news:AS7Sd.5089$OZ7.4406@fe04.lga...
   >>> So I finally found a set of speakers that seemed like a good enough deal
   >>> and they came in last week. I'm wondering if anyone has any
   >>> input/experience installing speakers. They aren't flush mount which
   >>> needs I'll need to be cutting a few holes... some of my curiosity lies
   >>> in wondering if there's any certain saw blades one should use for
   >>> cutting fiberglass.... I was going to just drill a few holes to start a
   >>> hand jig saw... maybe tape up the area with duck tape to avoid
   >>> scratching.. other than that I didn't really know if there was anything
   >>> one should take precaution with.
   >>>
   >>> Also, though they weigh a couple pounds each, should I worry much about
   >>> providing some of support to the backing... like a brace to dissipate
   >>> weight on the fiberglass walls?
   >>>
   >>> TIA
   >>>
   >>> -j
   >>>
  >>
  >> Always cover the face of the cut/drill area with duct tape...it reduces
  >> the likelihood of the gelcoat chipping.
 >
 > NEVER use duct tape for masking.

You are correct. I should have said masking tape.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Speaker installation 

"Jay" <nono DeleteThis @noneforyou.com> wrote in message
news:eqaSd.5953$cx3.1503@fe04.lga...
 > Sorry, that was a bit uninformative..
 > They weigh about 2 or 3 pounds/piece. They didn't come with back braces,
 > and they would probably mount ok... my concern is the shock of slamming
 > over wakes over time, cracking the perimeter...

Get yourself a piece of 3/4" birch ply. Cut a square for each speaker, about
2" bigger than the speaker. Cut your holes in the fiberglass. Make them
perfect. Put the birch ply behind the holes you've made, trace the holes
onto the plywood, and cut holes in that, too. Actually, do that ***BEFORE***
you've cut it into squares. The big piece of ply will be easier to clamp to
a work surface than the smaller squares. Mount the speakers with the wooden
squares as bracing from behind.

One thing you didn't mention: What will be the enclosure BEHIND the
speakers? For any speaker, there's a very small range of correct enclosure
size. Get far from that range and the speaker becomes all but useless in
terms of bass response. Trying to get decent bass by dicking around with
tone controls will just overdrive your radio or amplifier, and blow up your
speakers in short order. Hint: In even the quietest cars, you need about 75
***CLEAN*** watts per channel to overcome road noise. If you intend to run
this stereo in a boat while the engine's running, you need about twice that
much power. Otherwise, you'd better be a big fan of distortion and blown
speakers.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Speaker installation 

this post is not archived.
 >> Stay informed about: Speaker installation