Is there anything I can do to waterproof speakers?

[ZmOz]

I have some really nice Philips bookshelf speakers, but the cases are beat to hell. I plan on removing the speakers and installing them in my boat along with a cheap stereo. Is there anything I can do to waterproof them?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Is there anything I can do to waterproof speakers?

You might try spraying them with silicone, front and back, and letting them dry. Can't vouch for the effect on the sound but that would definitely waterproof them.

 

[kd6nem]

Re: Is there anything I can do to waterproof speakers?

They won't sound has as good without the enclosure. But if you have nothing to lose go for it. Speakers aren't that expensive, I'd consider getting some marine speakers. The cones are mylar or some such plastic and will hold up much better.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Is there anything I can do to waterproof speakers?

Originally posted by Bearcat Powered:<br />They won't sound has as good without the enclosure. But if you have nothing to lose go for it. Speakers aren't that expensive, I'd consider getting some marine speakers. The cones are mylar or some such plastic and will hold up much better.

Shurly you do not think ZMOZ is going to spend money on something he already has, Havnt you been on the forum long enough to know that. Sorry about calling you shurly. <br /><br />Actually I have years ago sprayed a pair of speakers with high gloss black paint, clear would do the same. May help for a while. I think thompsons water seal might work, I know you can waterproof a tent with it.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Is there anything I can do to waterproof speakers?

<br />Did that have any effect on the sound, LubeDude?

 

[ThomWV]

Re: Is there anything I can do to waterproof speakers?

Don't do it. The speakers will rust away as you watch. For about $30 you can go on E-Bay and buy a cheap set of speakers made for use in a boat. They will have plastic bodys and plastic cones. The things don't rust and will last for years. The alternative, using standard metal body speakers designed for home or automotive use, will have you cleaning up rust stains for as long as they are in the boat. That has been my experience.<br /><br />Thom

 

[gewf631]

Re: Is there anything I can do to waterproof speakers?

If they're in the enclosures, just leave 'em there, and add some plugs or connectors so you can easily remove them. As long as they're only in the boat when they're in-use, they should last a lot longer.<br />If the covers (fabric) are shot, just ask the wife for an old pair of ***** hose - it will protect the speakers from water spray.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Is there anything I can do to waterproof speakers?

One other Thing..............<br /><br />The ohm rating on Boat/Car stereos is Different than a Home/Bookshelf stereo.........<br /><br />They'll work, But Not for Long............... <br /><br />Break down,+ Buy Boat Speakers..........<br />Before you Smoke your Stereo................

 

[red10]

Re: Is there anything I can do to waterproof speakers?

home speakers usually run between 8-16 ohms and auto/marine is 4-8 ohms.The poly speakers seem to work good if there enclosed

 

[salty87]

Re: Is there anything I can do to waterproof speakers?

correct on the ohms, these speakers are probably 8 ohms while 12 volt stereo's are 4 ohms. double the resistance and you get half the output. you'd probably need an amp to keep the speakers from distorting at higher volumes but that would be a waste.<br /><br />if the cones are paper, most likely they are, they won't last long even if sprayed.<br /><br />car stereo gear is fine in a boat as long as you stick with polypropolene cones and aluminum or plastic baskets. <br /><br />give it a shot though, not much to lose.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Is there anything I can do to waterproof speakers?

I plan on powering these with a car amp connected to an MP3 player. I've had this setup in my garage all winter powered by my boat's battery, works fine and sounds great. Any "marine" speakers that are on ebay for $30 are going to sound about as good as me singing, and nobody wants to hear that.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Is there anything I can do to waterproof speakers?

i know i dont

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Is there anything I can do to waterproof speakers?

Originally posted by ZmOz:<br /> <br />Did that have any effect on the sound, LubeDude?

When i did it it was many years ago, and I dont think I cared about it like I would now. You will just have to try it and see. I think you would be better off buying some cheap speakers like everyone has stated on Ebay. Even the cheap ones would probably sound better that yours if you sprayed them. If I had your money, Id burn mine. Ya know you still have the first dollar you ever made!!

 

[kenimpzoom]

Re: Is there anything I can do to waterproof speakers?

I just saw a marine Jensen radio/speakers system at Bass Pro Shops for 50 bucks!<br /><br />They have it for the same price on line.<br /><br />Ken

 

[kd6nem]

Re: Is there anything I can do to waterproof speakers?

I've gone back and forth about whether to put a tape deck or something in my boat. This is very much a personal preference sort of thing, but I think I won't. I may carry a small battery powered radio from time to time, but I really enjoy the QUIET when I'm fishing. And I can't stand having it loud enough to hear when I'm motoring. Like most things, MODERATION is the key, but I HATE it when some doufus has to crank up his boat's sound systen to a full hundred watts or more. You can hear it all over the lake. At least play something decent if you're gonna do that!!! <br />Hope the project goes well regardless of which avenue you take, ZmOz.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Is there anything I can do to waterproof speakers?

Originally posted by kenimpzoom:<br />I just saw a marine Jensen radio/speakers system at Bass Pro Shops for 50 bucks!<br /><br />They have it for the same price on line.<br /><br />Ken

http://www.basspro-shops.com/servle...arClassCode=1&hvarSubCode=7&hvarTarget=browse <br />That is a good deal! I wonder how many watts it is? Probably not much. <br /><br />Bearcat - this certainly isn't a fishing boat...and the lakes I'm allways at are already full of the sounds of other people's stereo's at full volume and jet ski's getting in people's way...

 

[kd6nem]

Re: Is there anything I can do to waterproof speakers?

ZmOz, If I couldn't beat 'em I'd join 'em, sort of- If I have to listen I'd darn sure rather be listening to the music I like! <br /><br />But that is why I like going mid-week whenever possible. Working for a school district has several benefits; I may not make a lot of money but at least I get lots of time off in the summer!

 

[Link]

Re: Is there anything I can do to waterproof speakers?

ZmOz<br />Don't let these guys wear ya down on your idea of using what you already have. Whats a few ohms anyway! Go to lowes or I think even Harbor Frieght has it now and buy a can of plastic dip and cover both sides. You wont have to worrey about any rust problems and they should sound just about the way I'd like to hear them in Your boat <br />

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Is there anything I can do to waterproof speakers?

I'm with ThomWV on the E-bay thing. I bought 2 waterproof speakers there and have not been happier. They rock and I don't have to worry about splash. And yes, they have gotton wet with no problems. There are tons of them on there to fit your needs..

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Is there anything I can do to waterproof speakers?

home speakers usually run between 8-16 ohms and auto/marine is 4-8 ohms.The poly speakers seem to work good if there enclosed

FYI, If you're looking to connect 8 Ohm speakers to a 4 Ohm radio, do this. Connect BOTH speakers together in parallel. That is, both speaker reds together, both speaker blacks together, then connect to one channel (say Left) of radio. You'll need another 'set' of 2 speakers for the other channel (wired the same, in parallel)<br /><br />When you put two speakers together in parallel, you get 1/2 of the resistance of one speaker, hence , two 8 ohm speakers in parallel = 4 ohms. Two 16 ohm speakers in parallel= 8 Ohms, you get the idea.<br />You wanted 2 more speakers anyways , right?? (he grins)