www.iFourWinns.com

I am beginning of assembling my audio setup for my 180H. Audio is the #1 thing for me on the water, MUST have tunes, and loud tunes. Then the beer...etc.

The issues lie in being an older Four Winns. I only have 2 speakers on the factory setup. I am looking to add an additional 2 to 4 speakers. Possibly 2 in the bow, and two mid vessel. I want defiantly want them more mid boat than bow.

stockers are here:


in the bow the location is obvious, its a matter of seeing what size will fit the best, and my available space behind the mounting location, if any.


Now this is where my question lies, how do you go about putting speakers in these areas. The openings to the pockets are approx 4.5 inches. I would prefer to run at least 5 1/4"s.


Do I run the box type marine speakers and mount them just under the side pockets?


Or build something custom to fit?

My thought is to build some type of custom enclosure and carpet in gray and mount directly under the upper pockets to the side wall of the boat.

Also does anyone know if it is safe to mount a short screw directly to the side of the boat in these locations? What type of thickness do i have to work with?


Additionally I am going to be running a 10" Bass tube (ghetto I know) due to lack of space, hopefully amplified. If I can not find one for a decent price I have an extra Alpine V series 10" and box I can slide up under the helm.

I also have a PPI amp laying around that I will be using to start out this season to power all the speakers. If the job situation turns I will probably upgrade to a Kicker like many on here seem to be running.

Everyone has done some tricky things on here that have turned out well. I figured this would be the best place to start, and get peoples in put.


Any thoughts??? Please share and elaborate!!!

_________________
Rob

Present: 1999 Formula 280SS
Past: 1989 180 Horizon

http://www.robcamerondesign.com

I would recommend you scale back and go with 4 speakers and the basstube.

If you can put for JL 7.7s in - I promise, 4 speakers will be PLENTY.

On a boat that size 4 is plenty. Spend the extra money on higher quality speakers and amping them up.

Now - if you are stuck with 5 inch speakers... that's a different story

The way those speakers are laid out - you shouldn't have an issue cranking at 35mph and hearing them as long as you max out the current holes and put an amp behind them.

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

Sadly I think I am stuck running no bigger than 6.5's. Simply due to space. I really dont want to run speakers in the bow vs near the helm.

I have the amp, I just need the headunit and speakers...

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Rob

Present: 1999 Formula 280SS
Past: 1989 180 Horizon

http://www.robcamerondesign.com

I would skip on the head unit and use your Ipod or MP3 player wired to the amp. The extra money you save there could be spent on bigger and better equipment. As for the sub you might want to make a custom box to fit under the helm or one of the bow seats.

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97 205 Sundowner

I would say go with 4 speakers just like cougar suggested.

I had 2 6.5" speakers on my Vista, replaced and added a couple more with a 10" sub. All on amp. I am very happy can can here the radio nicely even while on plane.

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Walter

2003 248 Vista - VP 5.0 GXi
2009 Toyota Tundra SR5 5.7L 4x4

I have a H180 and recently replaced the factory 6.5' coaxs with a pair of reference series MB Quarts. (no bow speakers) I drive them with 150watts RMS each and it kills any 100watt four speaker system I've heard on a boat.

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-2006 H180 VP3.0 SS 21p

I think I am going to be picking up a set of these to mount under the dash, to add the two speakers in mid boat, vs the bow to complete the set of 4.

I will have to devise a bracket to bolt them right up to...but a bit simpler than building boxes, and if I do eventually do a tower, I can easily relocate.


I am thinking of picking these up, cans and speakers already, with the type of mounting I want.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 3DWatching

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Rob

Present: 1999 Formula 280SS
Past: 1989 180 Horizon

http://www.robcamerondesign.com

Good idea. Those used MBQ on eBay look like a good deal. They use titanium dome tweeters which are very efficent, bright, and accurate. I have mine down -6db's because they're so loud.

Hey, where and how much to buy the enclosures only per the pic?

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-2006 H180 VP3.0 SS 21p

heres the link.

http://www.bulletlines.com/servlet/the- ... %2C/Detail

i am def going to pick up those MB quart setup. Any other input on the MB Quarts for marine audio?? I run them in my cars and love them...

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Rob

Present: 1999 Formula 280SS
Past: 1989 180 Horizon

http://www.robcamerondesign.com

i ended up getting these for $150 today.... I think it should suit my needs. Now I need is 2 more speakers and I am on my way.

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Rob

Present: 1999 Formula 280SS
Past: 1989 180 Horizon

http://www.robcamerondesign.com

I received the speakers and cans today...

needless to say they are much larger than I anticipated...stupid me for not measuring. I figure they will work just fine, just big, they should sound awesome though!



and for size comparison, that is a size 11 chuck....




And I also picked this baby up local, Pre-amplified, 10" Audiobahn bass tube - $100!




Also TeacherTodd - Where did you pick up your MB quarts? I want to get a 2nd set, and you said you got a pretty good deal on yours. PM me a link if you could!


More to come shortly.


-Rob

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Rob

Present: 1999 Formula 280SS
Past: 1989 180 Horizon

http://www.robcamerondesign.com

Any update on your project Rob? How'd it turn out?

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2008 H210SS VP 5.7 Gi/SX
2011 Ford F150 FX4 EB

In progress...I hit a snag with having to get the boat in for outdrive service...

I have the deck and a 2nd set of MB Quarts in route...but I did find out the bass tube is 3/4" too tall to fit under the helm and front seat w/o being annoying. So I am swiping my 10" Alpine from my car and it is seeming to fit better. I am also picking up a perko switch and 2nd battery as well.

I will take some shots tomorrow with the location of the speakers/new sub woofer option.


Hopefully splashing her on Sunday (fingers crossed)!!!

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Rob

Present: 1999 Formula 280SS
Past: 1989 180 Horizon

http://www.robcamerondesign.com

Rob glad you found the extra set. I really like mine. I swapped the old cassette deck today for my Pioneer DEH-P4900IB iPod ready deck. Hooked the ipod up and sounds good with just the two speakers. Will add 2 more later. Not real happy with the way the stereo is mounted to the dash so it looks like I will need to make a mounting kit as the opening is to big. How are you mounting your stereo?

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Todd
1988 Four Winns Horizon 200
AKA "Summer School"