replacing Depth, Speed gauges with Speakers

geary126 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-29-2006

have some signet instruments that no longer work, mounted next to the hatch. Thinking about yanking them, replacing them with 5-7" waterproof speakers, and getting a uniden for depth.

anyone buy any speakers that they love (value)?

Also, re: the 2" uniden...options are to mount it next to speakers, which will be blocked in a full cockpit, or some sort of pedestal mount. Any suggestions?

NavPod seems overkill for one gauge--although I might buy a Garmin 378 gps.

thanks

camaraderie · #2 (**permalink**) 09-29-2006

The Infinity coax 6" rounds are sweet speakers but whatever you get, make sure each speaker has its' own enclosed compartment or the back waves will muddle your sound up.

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 09-30-2006

Just be careful that the speakers don't affect the compass. Many instruments are close enough to the compass that placing speakers there will screw the compass up.

Also, putting speakers in the cockpit can be a really bad idea, as a six-inch hole will let a lot of water into the boat if your cockpit gets pooped in a storm. I generally recommend that you either use speakers that mount on brackets or mount cockpit speakers behind a deckplate that can be sealed in the case of heavy weather.

geary126 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-03-2006

well, this boat isn't headed offshore, so not worried about 4 " hole for 6" speakers. Incidentially, while I'm all for being cautious, we got caught in a typhoon (after waiting out season, plus promise of 14 days of clear weather, in person, from royal hong kong weather station) on our 47' ketch, and in the same storm, somebody we know turtled. Guy was on deck, grabbed mast, held on for two minutes, while sea water is pouring through the partially open hatch.

They came back up, pumped out, made it to Manilla. Bottom line, the only 4" hole I'd worry about is one through the hull.

Still , would love more speaker reccos.

ehmanta · #5 (**permalink**) 10-03-2006

I've had a pair of PolyPlaner speakers for eleven years on my Tartan. They sound fine, not high fidelity, but we don't listen to it too loud in the cockpit anyway. PolyPlaner has a low magnetic interference pair for $69/pair at West Marine.

Parley · #6 (**permalink**) 10-03-2006

If you don't subscribe already, you might be able to find the latest edition of "Practical Sailor" at a local library or Chandlery. The latest edition did an article on cockpit speakers, mounting them, and placement. The article delt mostly with the install, but does make recommendations of what to look for in a cockpit speaker. BTW - they also tell you how to "waterproof" your install.

geary126 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-03-2006

Thanks, parley. You know, I just signed up for that, but have yet to get the print version. What month, if you can remember? I can't find anything on their site.

camaraderie · #8 (**permalink**) 10-03-2006

Geary...what is your speaker budget? How loud do you want to crank them up. If you like volume, stay aay from the PolyPlaners...they are waterproof but break up under power.
Foe a decent sound and reasonable durability you want:
1. Round...larger is better
2. Coaxial...with "special" tweeter...mylar, thin film, titanium etc....not paper.
3. Speaker surround (edge) made of butyl rubber...not foam.
4. Plastic grill for marine environment...not metal.
If you find a speaker with all 4 you generaly have good sound and a speaker that will last in your cockpit.

sailingdog · #9 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006

Any speakers used on a boat should have a non-paper cone. Paper cones
will generally absorb water, mildew and rot pretty quickly.

bsfree · #10 (**permalink**) 10-05-2006

I used Pioneer marine speakers in the cockpit of my last boat. Worked great. Can't remember the model number, but I think it's the only marine speaker Pioneer do. They were available from West Marine for around $160. I was a bit worried about the holes, but the speakers are waterproof and I figured they'd be the "plug".