Speaker location near center console - The Hull Truth

samfraz · 08-23-2006, 11:12 PM

I'd like to install 8" round speakers in my gunwales in the vicinity of the center console so they are inside my canvas package. I've read some posts that talk about the "sound escaping the boat" if the speakers are placed to high...I'm curious if anyone has experience with that phenomenon - I've got 3-4 ft. of gunwale where I'm looking. Another choice is whether to locate the speakers aft of the center console (across from where I stand), or move forward, across from the center console, so the sound bounces more. How will the location/height affect the sound/tone.? Any opinions or experience?

Thanks,
Sam

bluewaterpirate · 08-24-2006, 12:02 AM

Sam ......

I have a dual console Whaler and mounted my speakers high on the port/starboard gunnels. I'm very happy with the sound qualitytheplacement of the speakers produce. SureI lose some sound not only your described phenomenon but also to the othersounds associated with boating (i.e. the motor, water moving by the boat, VHF radio, passengers, and of course the screaming reels). I don't get the sound reflection that you might from mounting speakers near a center console but in general terms I'm sure that will not degrade the quality of sound your system produces. When you really think about there are not many options when installing speakers in a 18 - 28' open boat. Here's what the starboard speaker install looks like. Good luck.

samfraz · 08-25-2006, 07:57 AM

Thanks Tom,
Nice install. I think your right, in a boat our size the options are limited. I'm leaning towards the middle height in the gunwales, too high and that's where people lean their butts, to low and they get kicked and scuffed. As far as pointing towards the centerconsole or into the open boat, I'm going to tend toward the open boat. I have to reming myself it's just a boat, so It'll never be home theatre quality. I just don't want to screw the holes during installation.

Cheers, and thanks,
Sam

Glen E · 08-25-2006, 08:55 AM

you can put your speakers in any of the positions you want if you upgrade your system to a small amp and a set of 6 x 9 's...I recommend a clarion 2 ch off ebay for 75 bucks and a set of Infinity 6 x 9's.....you might need two batts to carry the extra draw....

gtrfred · 08-25-2006, 02:22 PM

Hey Glen,

if i remember correctly you had the mb quart and the infinitys 6x9s.

which did you prefer?

Glen E · 08-25-2006, 05:52 PM

Quote:

gtrfred - 8/25/2006 2:22 PM

Hey Glen,

if i remember correctly you had the mb quart and the infinitys 6x9s.

which did you prefer?

I like the MB quarts but I understand now they are not being made by the same original company - I would take a set of JL 7.7 component speakers over either one...you only buy once, buy the best....