www.iFourWinns.com

So, I've got a 10" sub to install soon. I've seen some people use the access hatch below the helm. Others have cut their own holes. Anyone have a strong opinion on one v. the other?

Regardless, I suspect I'll have some degree of cutting to do (I don't think my access hatch will accommodate a 10" sub without cutting). So, what is the best method for cutting without damaging the gelcoat? Is it taping off the area around it and cutting with a jigsaw-then chamfering the edges? Or is it easy enough to cut with a Dremel?

Also, I'm considering replacing the 6.5" stock Clarions in the cockpit. What is behind them? Are they just mounted into the plastic molding above the seat cushions, where the cupholders are? If so, what keeps that plastic molding from flexing, vibrating, buzzing, rattling, etc. when the new speakers are in there producing a lot more sound? Is this even a problem?

Thanks.

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Paul
2007 Four Winns Horizon 220
Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI w/ Bravo III Drive
2004 Ford Explorer Limited (V8-AWD)
Pomme de Terre Lake (Southwest Missouri)

Jigsaw with a metal cutting blade has become my weapon of choice.

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H210SS 6.2
F150 Platinum

If you have room to keep the access hatch, I would. It's nice to be able to poke around in there for maintenance or checking stuff out without having to pull the speaker.

+1 on the metal blade jigsaw.

Rotozip also works great!

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

I am not a stereo guy but I have used Roto Zip tool for such an application. It is more maneuverable than jig saw especially for fiberglass.

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08 H260 VP 8.1Gi DP.....Previous
2013 Crownline E6 Merc 8.2MAG BIIIX, DTS/SC

When possible, I run blades/bits in reverse until they get through the gel coat, then switch to forward for the rest of the cut. Then chamfer the edges to help avoid cracks.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

When I added two 7" speakers in the rear cockpit (where there were'nt any before) I used a rotozip with circle cutter - worked great!

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2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

When I added to additional speakers to the cockpit, I used a hole saw and drill. Get a perfect cut everytime.

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"Where Da Go"
2002 248 Vista
Lafayette, IN
http://blueoceanlife.worldventures.biz

quit putting holes in your boat. Do you need the sound upgrade for playing "Phantom" sound track on the weekends??? Hole saw..................or roto zip with circle jig.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

There is nothing like the sound of the "Phantom of the Opera" soundtrack when out on the boat. Especially when I wear my cape to wakeboard.

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Paul
2007 Four Winns Horizon 220
Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI w/ Bravo III Drive
2004 Ford Explorer Limited (V8-AWD)
Pomme de Terre Lake (Southwest Missouri)

Have you installed your subwoofer yet? If not, I have some ideas that worked great for me.

+1

rotozip is the way to go

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2000 Four Winns 248 Vista (Nice toys, no Air)
2001 Highly Modified Yamaha GP1200R (75+MPH)