Pontoon - Stereo Install Questions

[cdness]

I have been asked to complete a project for another person at the resort where I have a cabin which includes installing a full stereo system in their pontoon. Currently I have a shell to modify as the speakers and current CD player are shot. It is a single DIN stereo with 4 5.25" marine speakers. She did say to write up a few proposals for parts and she'll see which one she likes the best and fits her budget.

I have the CD player option I think nailed down as they wanted to have full CD, Mp3, Ipod, and Android controls. It will be the Kenwood KMR-550U.

I have a few options on the speakers, but I think I have added one more with the reviews of the Infinity Reference 612m speakers on here. I am going to change the smaller speakers out for larger ones to get more sound out of the stock locations.

The issue I have is in the subwoofer department. She likes the new music and wants to make sure she has good bass as well. I know how hard it is to get the correct sound in open air as I have done installs in Jeep Wranglers to be convertibles. Unfortunately the mounting options are limited in the pontoon as they do not want to lose space. I have a 22"x10"x18" space under the seat where I can easily get a sub box. Unfortunately a standard sealed box design isn't ideal... So here's my questions:

- If I angle the front of the box so the sub fires toward the floor, will that create the resonance I need so sound can be heard?

- If I go with a lower profile sub (Polk Audio MM1040 Ultra Marine) I could make the box ported. What is the best way to port a box to avoid moisture?

- If I port the box can I fire the sub angled to the top or should I port the sub out the back of the box?

- Do you think they will need to invest in a second battery if the stereo is only used while driving (60HP outboard Merc)?

- How do you prevent the standard buzzing of the alloy pontoon sides from the vibrations caused by adding a subwoofer?

Thanks for the assistance and input!

 

[cdness]

Re: Pontoon - Stereo Install Questions

Hmm... The crickets are chirping on this one...

I am thinking of going with an MDF ported box. It will be sealed with a good primer and epoxy paint. I should be able to make the box so it will fit both angled up and angled down.

Still looking for input as building won't start for awhile anyway.

 

[BajaCustoms]

Re: Pontoon - Stereo Install Questions

I think that if I were building this particular enclosure I would actually raise the box off the floor and fire it straight down. The question of the port placement is really up to you, you can basically port it anywhere you want as long as it is built to proper specs. I generally try to keep my port either on the same plane as the sub or at a 90 degree plane to it seems to work well for the jobs we do at our shop. As far as the resonance of the aluminum that's a fun one, it's almost impossible to get it all out and a lot of times you have to tune the system to minimize the resonance sad to say that but in certain occasions that's the only way out. If the sides of the toon are double walled putting a sound dreading material in between the two works pretty good but it will not cure it all. Oh and by the way mdf is fantastic material for a sub enclosure but since you are porting it, trust me from experience cut out all the panels for the box then apply whatever waterproofing you are going to use to the INSIDE and out. Trust me water and moisture can get anywhere and everywhere so to make the box last coat it good. Good luck with it.