Drill bits for subwoofer 10" hole

[Amar Nanduri]

I am installing a subwoofer as well as additional extra speakers for my friends boat. What specific drill bits do I need to purchase as I need to make holes for the speakers and the subwoofer on the passenger side of the boat. Also if anyone can provide directions or instructions on how to create the perfect hole for the enclosures I would truly appreciate it.

Thanks
Amar.

 

[swatski]

Most 6.5" speakers I know of will require a 5" hole, there are kits for that at HF for like $15 (hole saw attachments that fit a standard drill). You will need a powerful (heavy duty) drill, I use an old Milwaukee low speed heavy duty drill for that. It is nasty, so best to use a vacuum cleaner while you cut and wear a good face mask, at least.
Anything bigger you need to get a bit creative.

Measure it 10 times, draw with a sharpie to see clearly. Then take a day or two to think about it. Then remeasure. Then cut. (that's how I do it, except I take weeks, lol)
Cutting is the easy part.

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[2nazt]

Make sure you lay down Blue painters tape and mark on that lol! Also make sure you cut the first part in reverse over the tape. You can use a compass for the subwoofer and a dremel type tool to cut the hole.

 

[robert843]

For the sub woofer you will basically free hand a jig saw just make sure you get blades designed to cut fiberglass or steel other them that you will burn through several trying to cut the hole. I just took the cardboard hole from the sub woofer box to draw my hole.

 

[Bruce]

If you have a router it would be the best tool. Basically you need a screw set in the center, a guide to hold the cutting tool the correct distance from the center then rotate it.

 

[Amar Nanduri]

Thanks Guys. The subwoofer is an enclosed Wetsounds Stealth AS10 with inbuilt amp. I plan to shove it inside the passenger compartment below the seats. The hole in the fiberglass is to put an outside grill there. Do I need to cut an 8 or 10 inch hole ? Or a standard 5 inch hole will do ?

 

[Bruce]

Thanks Guys. The subwoofer is an enclosed Wetsounds Stealth AS10 with inbuilt amp. I plan to shove it inside the passenger compartment below the seats. The hole in the fiberglass is to put an outside grill there. Do I need to cut an 8 or 10 inch hole ? Or a standard 5 inch hole will do ?

The hole would be the recommended size for whatever grill you use. I would try it without a hole before cutting one.

 

[GTBRMC]

I did this a couple summers ago to cut in my sub. Highly recommended, just take it slow.

https://jetboaters.net/threads/how-to-remove-swimdeck-cushions-on-2008-sx-230.5965/#post-102485

 

[Mainah]

The router on a circle jig will cut perfect holes but it makes the biggest mess. I think that @Kane told me he used a smooth edge jig saw blade in the past and it cut with no problem. Obviously that will make less mess.

 

[Amar Nanduri]

Will something like this work ?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PI8S6O/ref=s9_acsd_hps_bw_c_x_2_w

 

[Bruce]

Will something like this work ?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PI8S6O/ref=s9_acsd_hps_bw_c_x_2_w

Probably so but for that kind of money I would pay a pro to do it.

 

[swatski]

Will something like this work ?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PI8S6O/ref=s9_acsd_hps_bw_c_x_2_w

that is neat! But you will need a helluva strong drill for anything bigger than 5" (for fiberglass/FRP)

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[Bruce]

This is basically what you want to do but you can make your own jig from a piece of wood with holes drilled into it.

I cut the 6.5" factory holes on my boat out to 6x9 using an automotive body saw that is similar to a jigsaw. It can be done with a saw but you want to be very careful.

 

[Amar Nanduri]

Thanks I will put the hole on hold for now and wire up everything and get it up and running first.

EDIT: Based on your suggestions I have a pretty good idea on how to proceed with the hole, but I will take my own sweet time on this.

 

[MattFX4]

how does that sub sound?

 

[Amar Nanduri]

I have it in my boat and it rocks. It was installed by @PaulyB (thanks Nick ) . It comes with inbuilt amp ( so no messing around with an extra amp) and it is excellent. Now I am planning to install it in my friends boat as he wants it too.

 

[Julian]

I used a Dewalt hole saw for my 6x9 speakers on my Sx230....worked great.

 

[cozilla]

I used a jig saw to cut the hole for a vent we put on my friend's boat to vent his sub out of a compartment.

 

[itsdgm]

I used an adjustable drill bit to install cup holders. I made several test holes into cardboard to get the exact fit, then I used painters tape, said a long prayer, held my breath and cut the hole.

This one cuts up to 5". Possibly there's one out there that would cut larger holes.

 

[Bruce]

I used a Dewalt hole saw for my 6x9 speakers on my Sx230....worked great.

How did you do that? Were the 6x9 holes not elongated?