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Vista arch speakers & lights
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Author:  SpecialK [ Wed Feb 25, 2009 8:35 am ]
Post subject:  Vista arch speakers & lights

I recently purchased a 2002 268 Vista with the arch option. Has any one put speakers or overhead lighting in the arch? What size speakers and how much of a challenge was it to run the speaker wire (how much removal of the interior is involved?)? Also, on the overhead light, has anyone installed an LED fixture (what brand/model)?

Author:  cougarcruiser [ Wed Feb 25, 2009 9:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Vista arch speakers & lights

There are other 268 owners on the board who know more than I wll.

I recall someone saying the older arches on these boats are aluminum. If so - cutting speaker holes will get interesting.

You'll have to limit the speakers to the mounting depth or use spacers.

As for lighting - newer Vistas have "pucks" that are flush mounted in the arch - they look sweet. Check with your local dealer on those.

Author:  jsimon [ Wed Feb 25, 2009 10:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Vista arch speakers & lights

Our 03 had lights in the arch already from the previous owner, not sure what brand, but there like 2" puck style halogen lights, they work quite well.

As for the speakers, I wanted to do the exact same thing last year when I upgraded my stereo, but didnt have enough depth. I thought about making spacers, but wasnt sure what to make them out of, and didnt know about this forum to ask all of you guys. Also the issue of trailering with the mooring cover on. When you use a marine speaker, (dumb question) can they be right out in the elements, for instance trailering in a rainstorm, or is they can just get damp from a marine enviornment? In other words are they completly waterproof or more just splashproof?

In either case, running the wires is not to difficult, you need to remove the uphostered pad on each side and there are 5 or 6 inch access holes in the gunwales to get to the arch bolts. I dont know if there was a hole for wiring or the previous guy had to drill one, but it would be that difficult.

As far as putting a hole in the arch, the arch is aluminum, any good hole saw will put a nice hole in the aluminum. Just take your time and run the drill slow.

Also, like I pound in my guys heads at work, anytime you use a hole saw always, always, always drill a 1/4" pilot hole in the center of where you want the hole saw hole, and use the 1/4" drillbit on the hole saw as a pilot only. I have seen it to many times where you use the drillbit on the holesaw to drill the pilot hole and when the drill bit gets thru the material, you can react fast enough, the drillbit goes thru, the holesaw hits the material and bites in, the drillbit breaks and the holesaw skids across the paint leaving a mess. By using the drillbit as a pilot only, lets you control the holesaw so that doesnt happen.

Sorry dont mean to preach, just know from experience :shock:

Author:  SpecialK [ Thu Feb 26, 2009 6:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Vista arch speakers & lights

Are the side upholstered panels easily removed? During my last visit to the boat, I did not recall seeing any fasteners holding the panels in place.

Author:  Cap'n Morgan [ Thu Feb 26, 2009 6:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Vista arch speakers & lights

The panels just lift up, and then can be removed. Same way the V-berth cushions are removed. You can get the lights from aftermarket suppliers much cheaper than from any FW dealer. I would suggest that route for the lighting.

Author:  jsimon [ Thu Feb 26, 2009 8:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Vista arch speakers & lights

SpecialK wrote:
Are the side upholstered panels easily removed? During my last visit to the boat, I did not recall seeing any fasteners holding the panels in place.



The panels are very easily removed, there is a little metal tab on the bottom of the pad, and there is 1 screw hodling it in place, remove the screw and lift it up, it comes right off. The port side has a "bolt" thru at the rear by the battery switch, just lift at the front and tuck it behind the front bimini pole..

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