www.iFourWinns.com

I am looking for some recommendations for upgrading the weak factory sound system in my boat. As in the title it's a 1998 Horizon RS (180).

I am looking for good locations for speakers as well as suggestions for possible sub placement and amplifier placement. Any equipment suggestions and picture examples would be greatly appreciated. Any suggestions on battery upgrades to support a modest system? Thanks in advance for any input!

Jx

Anyone?

Maybe run by a dealer to see where FW installs amps and subwoofers on the 2008 180's? There are also a bunch of stereo install and upgrade posts here in the Horizon forum and in the Boat Accessories forum that could provide some ideas. On adding a second battery, here's a link to some great information:

http://members.toast.net/boatguy/dualbatt.htm

There's other install threads here too, and I'll be posting some pics of my install (as soon as I complete it). I'm using the Blue Sea Systems "Add a Battery" product.

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2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

Many thanks!

There are several stereo geeks on this site. Many may not be familiar with the space availablity in your model.

Please give us a little more info:
Budget.
Goal (sound wise)
Your knowledge level (experience)

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H210SS 6.2
F150 Platinum

Budget total between $500 and 1$K.

Goal: good sound quality and ability to hear music under power (not provide sound for an entire lake or annoy people). I would also like the installation to be as seamless and unobtrusive as possible.

I don't have much knowledge with boats, but I'm mechanically inclined (Work on computer controlled engines and good with automobile mechanics). I would be fairly comfortable handling the install/upgrades myself with a bit of learning/guidance. I also have access to people who work with elecronic systems on airplanes so should be able to get help with electrical aspects.

I know a great deal about home audio/theatre, but nothing about the dynamics of making a system work in a boat, best locations for speakers/amps/ etc.

Thanks for any help/suggestions!

Do you need AM/FM, CD, Sat radio?

If no to all above, simplify things with an mp3 player directly to an amp.

The best use of space, money, and install time is one amp to do all things. I love the Kicker 700.5 due to price & functionality. It can run 4 cabin speakers (or tower) as well as the sub of your choice.
In that budget, you can get two pair of wetsounds X6-650s & their XS-10FA sub coupled to the Kicker amp with some $ left over for wiring. Enclosed subs provide a little better respose but sacrifice space which will be minimal in your application.

Look around your boat for locations that can handle 6.5" speakers and one flat surface for a 11" diameter circle.

Start pre-shopping ebay for the amp & wiring kits. You hardly ever find wetsounds products there though.

Lastly, rule of thumb: If you can't see the speaker, you probably won't hear it while underway.

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H210SS 6.2
F150 Platinum