Speaker Holes Question.

[02baylinercapri-NM]

I currently have 2 worthless factory 5.25" speakers on my boat now, and I'm thinking about replacing them with 6x9's. My boat (like most) has the speakers on the side panels which are upholstered with the factory marine vinyl. What would be the best way to cut those 5.25" holes out to fit the 6x9's without destroying the factory vinyl upholstery??? I'm even considering installing a second pair of 6x9's on there if everything goes well. Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks...

 

[DJ]

Re: Speaker Holes Question.

Remove the panels and cut the backing only. The vinyl can then be trimmed to accomodate the speakers.<br /><br />Usually, you can unstick the vinyl far enough out to allow safe cutting. <br /><br />It's almost impossible without removing the panels though.

 

[02baylinercapri-NM]

Re: Speaker Holes Question.

So do I peel the vinyl forward first?

 

[DJ]

Re: Speaker Holes Question.

It doesn't matter. You'll have to peel it in all directions.<br /><br />As mentioned, the panels need to come off to get enough room to work. You'll need to access both sides.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Speaker Holes Question.

Wouldn't it be better to just replace the speakers with higher quality ones of the same size?

 

[flashback]

Re: Speaker Holes Question.

Im with rwidman on this one. they make some great 5.25 speakers, then if you want to put in 2 additional speakers you can make them any size you want........

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Speaker Holes Question.

I agree with the above posts. I would add that, how much space behind the speaker "the speaker box" has a huge effect on bass performance. If there is just a small cavity behind the speaker, I would just replace with an updated speaker of the same size.

 

[shep70057]

Re: Speaker Holes Question.

I have some clarions on my boat that sound great!! The empty spaces on the boat resonate to a point where is sounds like a subwoofer is in it.

 

[02baylinercapri-NM]

Re: Speaker Holes Question.

Funny thing is on a separate post regarding the receiver/deck, someone told me not to bother with the 5.25" speakers. I kind of want bigger to get the max sound quality because I want to hear the music when under way, which is impossible now. I'm planning on a high end sony with a built in amp, and top end 6x9's sony xplod.

 

[bh357]

Re: Speaker Holes Question.

I'd suggest 2 high quality 5.25" speakers (either coaxials or a component set), and an 8" or 10" powered subwoofer.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Speaker Holes Question.

Originally posted by bh357:<br /> I'd suggest 2 high quality 5.25" speakers (either coaxials or a component set), and an 8" or 10" powered subwoofer.

That should work.<br /><br />Of course with all that sound while underway he won't be able to hear the VHF or other boat's warning signals.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Speaker Holes Question.

"Sound Quality Underway"? "Maximum sound underway" maybe! What you are attempting to achieve is listenable sound. No matter how much power you add, it will not be "quality sound". A moving boat is hardly a concert hall. But then I still have an 8-track so what do I know.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Speaker Holes Question.

Regardless of how much speaker and power you choose to install, make sure that you have control of it from the helm, either through a remote or a simple power switch. There are all kinds of reasons that you may need to turn it off or way down quickly.

 

[bigbad4cyl]

Re: Speaker Holes Question.

i would go with some 8 inch mid woofers ....and then some mids and tweets near you....and an amp....

 

[ebsworj]

Re: Speaker Holes Question.

I am also replaceing my 5.25 speakers w/ 6x9s I will have to adjust the hole position forward to allow clearance of the throttle on the drivers side. I'll post here with the results. I didn't see any screws for the side panels though. Where are they in Bayliners or similar? Are they hidden?<br /><br />BTW When you move from 5.25" to 6.5" or 6x9's there is a HUGE sound difference! Even within the same brand/quality. A 5.25" speaker cannot reproduce enough bass to sound like a 6.5". <br /><br />Even if you spend tons of money on them you will have a set of expensive tweeters.

 

[salty87]

Re: Speaker Holes Question.

if you want bigger, i'd go with 6.5's. the 6x9's take up alot more room and don't give that much more sound, cost a little more too.<br /><br />as mentioned above, if there isn't enough free air behind the speaker...it won't sound as it was designed. the 6x9's might be overkill, unless they go on a tower or something. put baffles behind the speakers to help drive the sound out instead of losing it in the hull.<br /><br />i'd also recommend an amp. you'll tear them up without an amp and hear more noise than music at high volumes/cruising.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Speaker Holes Question.

I know this sounds petty but please don't do that Boom Boom thing. I hate people who do that cause my windows rattle and my nerve gets buzzed. On the boat it will be worse. I get on my boat to get away from people like that. I don't want it near me or the fish. <br /><br />Most boats have around 80 -90 Db at speed. That means your gonna need a lota of power to hear it.<br />I just don't want to.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Speaker Holes Question.

Realgun makes a very valid point. I see some of these new ski boats that have most of the speakers mounted on the towers.....so the skier who is 100feet behind the boat can hear the music. This is the ultimate in "hey look at me....screw everyone else". There is nothing wrong with having a killer stereo....just be considerate of others. As a side note, plan out your stereo installation the way a professional does when installing a system in an arena or church....smooth even converage thoughout the listening area. Depending on your cockpit size, four or even six speakers may be the right way to go so everyone on your boat can hear the music without blasting out the back seats or sound spilling 100 feet from your boat.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Speaker Holes Question.

I hate people who do that cause my windows rattle and my nerve gets buzzed. On the boat it will be worse. I get on my boat to get away from people like that. I don't want it near me or the fish. <br />

Amen!

 

[bruffcorn]

Re: Speaker Holes Question.

BUMP<br /><br />Can anyone answer the question(s) about where the side panel screws are located on a Bayliner? How do you get the side panels off?<br /><br />Interested bystander..............