Cabin Stereo Speaker Installation

[flbkroxie]

FYI: I have never done anything like this before.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I recently bought a Macgregor 26S and am in charge of all that goes with it. Husband is supportive, but this is my boat, so if I screw up, let's just call it a "learning experience".
My current project is a stereo system and cabin speakers (will work on cockpit speakers later). It has already taken me 2 days to mount the stereo unit, connect it to a power source, and run the speaker wiring (the hardest part of the job, btw). A friend is helping me with the cabin speaker cabinets. She has ALL the woodworking tools, since she builds furniture as a hobby in her garage. I started with butt joints and glue sticks. I had a few questions so I called her. She cringed when she saw it. She made a few suggestions, but I didn't have the tools, so she offered to help, I accepted, and away we went to her house.We pulled it all apart, and now we are doing "rabbet" and "dado" joints! It is sitting in her garage with a bunch of clamps, waiting for the glue to dry. How did I get so lucky?
I learned a lot and it only cost me her dinner.
Will post some photos once the glue has dried.

[MarkSF]

Sorry to post this AFTER you did the work but why don't you just install some bookshelf speakers?

Like these :

Amazon.com: Monitor Audio M1 Speaker (Black Oak Vinyl, Pair): Home Audio & Theater

There are cheaper options. I have a pair of Realistic Minimus 7s which sound fine. Lots of them on Ebay for $40 or so.

Matching drivers to cabinets is an art and any decent pair of bookshelf speakers will sound FAR better than what you are building.

[flbkroxie]

The speakers are not "bookshelf" speakers. They are Sony marine speakers and would normally be mounted directly in the fiberglass. I didn't want to try to cut a circle in the fiberglass so decided to create a box for the speaker and then add a shelf to the box. Hard to explain. The unit will then be supported with screws. Will post photos when, and if, I ever finish.

[MarkSF]

Originally Posted by flbkroxie

The speakers are not "bookshelf" speakers. They are Sony marine speakers and would normally be mounted directly in the fiberglass. I didn't want to try to cut a circle in the fiberglass so decided to create a box for the speaker and then add a shelf to the box. Hard to explain. The unit will then be supported with screws. Will post photos when, and if, I ever finish.

This is my point - they make panel mounted speakers for mounting in panels, and speakers in boxes for when you don't want to panel mount. What you have done is to take panel-mounted speakers and build your own boxes. Why not just put up a shelf and mount box speakers to it? I think I am in danger of belabouring my point. The main goal is to enjoy yourself which you are clearly doing

[flbkroxie]

Because I had already bought the speakers. Decided not to drill holes in the fiberglass. Came up with a better idea. That's why.
And you're right. I am enjoying doing it myself. Which is the whole idea behind my purchasing the boat. This is my project and I wanted to share on "herSailNet".

[mdbee]

Mark, I think she makes a good point. Not sure how much she appreciates some man posting on "hersailnet" telling her what she should have done.

I made my first post to her regarding her type of boat before I noticed which forum it was in. Not that men aren't allowed to post here but I think we should try not to be our normal obnoxious selves

[Silvio]

Originally Posted by mdbee

...but I think we should try not to be our normal obnoxious selves

Enough with the crazy talk...

Seriously though,
Looking forward to seeing your pics and good for you taking on the project!
Have fun and keep sharing your progress.

I am back to lurking now

[kcbillb2]

flbkroxie,

You've obviously got this well in hand. Just keep on with your project.

Please send pics of the finished version..

Bill

[wingNwing]

Originally Posted by mdbee

Mark, I think she makes a good point. Not sure how much she appreciates some man posting on "hersailnet" telling her what she should have done.

I made my first post to her regarding her type of boat before I noticed which forum it was in. Not that men aren't allowed to post here but I think we should try not to be our normal obnoxious selves

Not my thread, but personally, its fine with me if guys post to HerSailNet - I welcome knowledge from anywhere I can get it. And I want to see the finished pix also!

[flbkroxie]

Have finally finished and installed the speaker boxes I made. Granted, I got a little "huffy" in my last response, and I now know that posting to "HerSailNet" goes out to the general sailing audience, and I was not just posting to sailing women.

I bought these speakers with the intention of installing them in the cabin panels, but when I realized that I had to cut a 5" hole in my "new" boat, I chickened out, this was way beyond my scope! So I opted on the speaker boxes which provide not only a place for the speakers but a little added storage. Plus, they sound great!

I want to share however how much I have enjoyed every minute of working on the boat. Not to the level of everyone else, but for me it has been very fulfilling. I built a lazarette floor, installed an ipod/iphone stereo and speakers, added a new electric faucet and fresh water tank, moved the battery location and rewired the distribution panel. Even fabricated a wine glass holder from scraps leftover from the speaker boxes (gotta have my wine). I am now making all new cockpit cushions covered with Sunbrella fabric. Finally! Girly stuff, that I can do! Those photos I will be proud to post later.