Installing Speakers In Your Aluminum Boat: A Step-By-Step Guide

Installing speakers in an aluminium boat can be a challenging task, but it's a great way to take your on-water experience to another level. The first step is to decide on the best mounting location for the speakers, ensuring they are out of the way of passengers' feet and facing the area where you want the sound to resonate the most. The next step is to draw and cut out the mounting holes, using either a hole saw or a jigsaw. After that, you can configure the wiring, connecting the positive stereo output to the positive speaker terminals. Finally, test the speakers and mount them in place.

Choosing the right tools

The tools you will need to install speakers in an aluminium boat depend on the type of speakers you are installing and the boat's unique characteristics.

If you are installing flush mount speakers, you will need to cut holes in the boat. The most popular tools for this are a hole saw or a jigsaw. A hole saw will give you a perfect circle, but you will need to make sure you buy the right size for your speakers. A jigsaw will work for larger speakers or irregular shapes, but it will be more difficult to get a perfect circle. You can also use an angle grinder or a drill with a large bit. If you are cutting through carpet, heat up the blade with a torch to melt the carpet and get a clean cut. You can also use a soldering iron to burn the carpet away from the area you want to cut.

If your boat already has speakers, you may not need to cut any new holes. Check with your boat manufacturer to see if there are pre-existing speaker holes or wiring.

If you are installing box speakers, you won't need to cut any holes, but you will still need to screw the speakers into place, so a drill and screwdriver will be necessary.

Other tools that will be useful for any speaker installation include wire cutters and strippers, screwdrivers, a knife, a flashlight, a soldering gun, and zip ties.

Selecting the mounting location

When selecting a mounting location for speakers in an aluminium boat, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, safety and practicality should be top priorities. Choose a spot that is out of the way of passengers' feet, fishing equipment, and any other gear that could knock into or damage the speakers. This location should also be away from excess moisture, such as spray from the boat's wake or rain.

Next, consider the direction of the sound. For optimal sound quality, position the speakers towards the lounging area or cabin where your crew will be. Speakers should be placed opposite each other, facing the centreline of the boat, with as much distance as possible between them. This setup will provide the best audio experience for your passengers.

If you have a smaller fishing boat, you may want to face the speakers towards the centreline on opposite sides of the boat. This configuration will ensure that sound is directed towards the listeners, creating a more immersive experience.

Another factor to consider is the proximity of the speakers to the listeners. Amidst the various resonating sounds of the outdoor environment, you want to make sure your listeners are aligned with and near the boat speakers.

Finally, it is essential to check for any pre-existing speaker cutouts and wiring. Some boats may already have speaker cutouts and wiring in place, which can save you time and effort during the installation process. Consult your boat manufacturer or look at similar boat models online to see if they have pre-existing speaker setups and, if so, where they are positioned.

Once you have considered all these factors, you can decide on the best mounting location for your boat speakers.

Configuring the wiring

Firstly, disconnect the boat's battery to avoid electric shocks and prevent damage to the system. This is an important safety precaution.

Next, you'll want to gather the right tools and materials. You'll need a marine-grade speaker wire, a wire crimper and stripper, and a hole saw or saber saw. It's also important to use stranded, tinned copper wire, as it can withstand exposure to water, UV rays, and salt without corroding. Do not use aluminium or steel wires, as they will corrode over time.

Now, you can begin the wiring process. Start by connecting the wires from the positive stereo output to the positive speaker terminals, ensuring they are "in phase". Use female quick disconnects or the included speaker adapter to attach the speaker wire to the speaker. Secure the wires with zip ties every 12-24 inches from the head unit or amplifier to the speaker, and hide the wiring for a neat finish.

If you're installing multiple speakers, you'll need to decide whether to wire them in series or parallel. Wiring speakers in series increases the total resistance, which decreases the power flow to the amplifier. On the other hand, wiring speakers in parallel decreases the total resistance. It's important to know the amplifier's ohm rating and capability to configure the wiring correctly.

Finally, reconnect the boat's battery and test the speakers. Turn on the stereo system and adjust the power to test the sound quality. Ensure that all the speakers are working properly and securely mounted before you finish.

Connecting the speakers

Wiring the Speakers:

Firstly, you will need to decide on the type of speakers you want to install. There are two types of boat speakers: flush mount speakers and box speakers. Flush mount speakers require cutting or pre-existing mounting holes, whereas box speakers are enclosed in an enclosure and can be simply screwed in.

For flush mount speakers, you will need to cut holes based on the speaker size. It is recommended to use a hole saw to create a perfect circle, but a jigsaw can also be used for larger speakers. Mark the centre for the speaker placement and drill away. For box speakers, simply screw the speakers in place.

Now, it's time to connect the wiring. Use marine-grade speaker wire to connect the positive stereo output to the positive speaker terminals, ensuring they are "in phase". Use female quick disconnects or the included speaker adapter to attach the speaker wire to the speaker. Zip-tie and secure the wire every 12-24 inches from the head unit or amplifier to the speaker, neatly hiding the wiring.

Testing the Speakers:

Before mounting the speakers, test them out to ensure they are working properly and producing good sound.

Mounting the Speakers:

Predrill the holes to mount the speakers. An easy way to do this is to place the speaker in the mounting location and use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screws that came with the speaker. Drill through the mounting holes on the speaker.

Once the holes are drilled, place the provided waterproof gasket behind the speaker and screw it in place.

And that's it! You've successfully upgraded your boat speakers. Remember to educate yourself on your boat's stereo and speaker specifications to avoid any costly mistakes.

Testing the speakers

Testing your speakers is a crucial step in the installation process. Before mounting your speakers, you should ensure that they are all working properly and producing good sound.

To test your speakers, connect them to your stereo unit or amplifier. Check that the speakers are receiving power and that the wiring is connected correctly. Play audio through the speakers and adjust the volume to ensure they are functioning optimally. Verify that the speakers are securely attached to their respective wires and that the wires are properly insulated and hidden for a clean look.

If you have multiple speakers, test each one individually to ensure they are all working correctly. You can also test the speakers in different configurations, such as wiring them in series or parallel, to determine the optimal setup for your boat.

Additionally, pay attention to the sound quality and directionality of the speakers. Ensure that the speakers are positioned to face the desired area, such as the cabin, deck, or centerline, and that the sound is clear and well-projected.

If you have followed the previous steps correctly, your speakers should now be ready for the final mounting step.

Frequently asked questions