Need suggestions for audio setup

[JWPrendergast]

I want to install a set of speakers on the swim platform that can be turned on and adjusted independently of the rest of the boat. What are your recommendations? 6 ch amp? a 4 ch and a 2 ch? how would you control them separately?

I plan on upgrading to JL or Wetsounds speakers throughout in the fall, but want the infrastructure in place soon (plus the ability to listen to music out back)

 

[Detonate]

You could always make the swim deck speakers the rear channel, and in boat all on the front channel.

Then you just fade front -> rear to adjust.

Basically what I do between tower and in boat...

 

[JWPrendergast]

Thats actually such a simple idea...its perfect! I cant believe I didnt think of that.

 

[David Analog]

The fader should be all the control you need between the two zones.
The number of amplifier channels will be deterimined by a few assessments you'll have to make. You might use a single chassis amplifier consisting of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 8-channels. Here are a few things to consider.
*Are the four inboats speakers in fairly balanced locations where there are no major positional dis/advantages to correct with separate amplifier gains. If everything is balanced then two inboat channels can drive four inboat speakers as opposed to four discrete channels.
*Are you going to eventually add a subwoofer? You don't have to be a basshead to appreciate an extra 1.5 octaves of deep bass extension and music content that is otherwise missing. Even a conservatively tuned subwoofer adds a rich foundation to the music. A subwoofer would require two bridged channels or one dedicated sub mono channel. The particular subwoofer impedance might determine whether you use a single mono channel or two channels in the bridged mode.
*The transom speakers will not project to wake distance. Surf range? Just barely with the boat squatted and under load. These speakers are mainly for listening behind the boat while at rest. If that is the plan then you may not feel a need to keep the inboat speakers running while at rest. And that would save precious current reserves. If it is one or the other rather than the inboat and exterior transom zones played simultaneously, then you can switch the same two channels between the two zones.

 

[dan144k]

I replaced my stock speakers with MM651UM and installed two extra by the swim deck ( did not caulk, used a waterproof foam tape behind speaker lip, I liked the access to area). I paid $135 a pair for the mm651um. it is only twice the price of the db651. a swim deck install where the speakers get wet was what let me to the MM651UM.

I installed two simple DPDT switches above the throttles and labeled them.
(8489 BLUE SEA WEATHERDECK TOGGLE SWITCH BOOT and 8515 BLUE SEA WEATHERDECK TOGGLE SWITCH - DPDT, ON-OFF-ON)

Wired them to select front port speaker or swim deck port speaker. The other controls rear port speaker or swim deck starboard speaker. No having to worry about ohm's. Works great. When driving we use all 4 speakers inside boat. When swimming we use 2 speakers in boat (starboard side) and 2 speakers on swim deck. Good sound quality and loudness. Total project about $400.00.

Rewire note: Swim deck did not have left/right stereo balance. Rewired so front left is swim left and rear right is swim right for surround sound balance

Installing the port speaker be careful, I am 1/2 inch away from exhaust pipe hose under swim deck (measured 4 times).

All the information I found said the speakers are marine nature in design and can get wet and submerged without problems.

Currently it works and sounds better than I expected, we are not a crazy loud music family, would rather hangout and talk.

My wife is thrilled about sound quality improvement.
I know an amp will sound amazing one day.

 

[Sotally Tober]

Get wet sounds speakers!

 

[Julian]

I did exactly what Detonate described with a slight modification. Most head units have a front/rear fader, and have amp outputs. However, the amp outputs are usually linked to the rear channel (they were on mine). I wanted all the in boat speakers linked together, and to fader between in boat and swim platform speakers. I have a 4 channel amp hooked up to my HU. So I simply hooked up my swim deck speaker to the FRONT speaker output, the bow speakers to the rear channel, and the cabin speakers to my amp. Now if I fade to the FRONT, the swim deck comes on only. REAR turns on all the in boat speakers.