Stereo and speakers
 

Ok, Im going to upgrade the stereo and speakers. I want a head unit in the cabin and replace the head unit in the cockpit. I also want to add 2 speakers to the bow area and on the back of the boat. I would like opinions on what speakers and head units you all like. Im not biased on brands just want good sound and reliability. What are thoughts on GPS? Mine is gone but still has antenna. Boat is a 302. Thanks for your opinions in advance.

Re: Stereo and speakers
 

Check out some of OregonDunes posts doa.
He has numerous threads and posts on the stereo systems for the 302.:wink_thumbup:
A search for "stereo" will show you a lot of options other members have done also.:yes_grin:
I installed GPS in my little Diablo......and I don't know how I managed without it.
Love it!!

Re: Stereo and speakers
 

What flavor GPS you go with? There are a cornucopia of options...

Re: Stereo and speakers
 

The 302 has many challenges that the Fusion (marine) MS-IP700 series can handle (with ease). It is the only one of it's kind that has 4 zones, which you can control the volume and tone to each, either from the head unit or remotely (from shore if you like) via your very own onboard intranet.

The biggest feature is the internal docking of your favorite apple product. You can effectively purchase (if you dont already own one) a cheap ipod from say craiglists or ebay and download all of your favorites (effectively a portable hard drive) or you could install the BT100 or BT200 and the unit turns into a blue tooth receiver and you can stream from any BT product.

If you download their mobile app to your smart device, and install a router, your unit becomes wireless remotely controlled from as far away distance as your router will share. The software allows you to control the head unit just as if you were there pushing the buttons on the faceplate.

Marine Stereo for iPod (MS-IP700) | FUSION Electronics

I have zones 1 & 2 (which are linked) in the main cabin, zone 3 is the bow and zone 4 is the stern (swim step). I still have a completely separate (HD Radio/DVD/CD/USB) system in the mid cabin, but you could setup the head unit down below and make it one of the zones if you like.

You could also just install the MS-AV700 (DVD), a flat screen monitor, blue tooth, router and do it all from one unit.

Speakers: Probably the best all around speaker for the money is the Polk Audio Db series (i.e. db 651). You can find them cheap on ebay from a number of retailers. They have tweeters that are on pivots so you can "tune" them some. They are part of the their marine series.

DB651S Slim 6 5" Coaxial Car Marine Slim Speakers Polk Audio Pair 047192112777 | eBay

If you have a tower, the krypt line of loud speakers are the ticket. wakeboard tower speakers - wakeboard tower speaker

Amplifiers:

I like the JL marine line. They are value priced and built well, but if you run a lot of watts, they arent very efficient use of 12v's. They do make a 6 channel, which will allow you to run every speaker in the boat (including a newly installed pair on the swim step with just two of these) Youll only need a sub amp.

jl audio marine amplifier | eBay

The best (foot print space, use of power and output power rated) is by far the Krypt line of marine amps. They are a class g/h (meaning they are very efficient on power consumption), small in size, but dont let that fool ya....they can deliver a HUGE punch.

Marine Audio Systems | Boat, Equipment, marine Amplifiers, marine Equalizers, Electronics, boat volume control
You install a couple of these, with their sub amp and tell your friends its a "Lil 1000 watt system" and watch their eyes light up when you crank it up.

Here are some pics of my install:

Polk speakers http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/.../IMG_27361.jpg

Amplified antenna http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_0273-1.jpg

Old sub install (12" kickers). I use automotive model subs. In most cases people hide these and are not typically subjected to sun light or water so they dont deteriorate. http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...tereo/subs.jpg

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_0192-1.jpg

Current sub install http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...E95F7901FE.jpg

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...D3DF0FA85D.jpg

Swim step speakers: http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...IMG_0291-1.jpg

With regards to your GPS issue. Id start with first measuring the space where you want to install it. Then determine the type of antenna you have and the connection plug it comes with. This might limit your options if you plan to use what you have an where it was originally located.

Lowrance is what my 302 came with. It died several years ago and the mfg offers a "trade in" program that they will sell you factory re-furb'd units very cheap, or new units way back of retail. Here is the model I bought to replace ours Lowrance LMS 520C Color Fishfinder GPS | eBay

Re: Stereo and speakers
 

Ok Im sold on the Fusion... The boat has 2 amps and subs already in it. Subs are overwhelming, they need to be redone... So I plan on having a total of 12 speakers. Think im going to add that blue tooth dealio. The only trouble I see is getting 2 speakers in the bow. None there now but Im sure it can be done. My boat has a Lowrance antenna on the passenger side under the windshield. I think I can replace with whatever but not really sure I need GPS. I only run on LOTO... Iphone has a good gps... lol Am I missing anything?

Re: Stereo and speakers
 

I have the Lowrance 522C IGPS unit , with internal antenna.
It works out perfect for my needs as I don't like the idea of the antenna on the little Diablo.
That and the combo of the GPS and sounder is perfect for my occasional fishing venture. :)

Re: Stereo and speakers
 

:shakehead: So, what is the difference from the depth gauge and sounder? I'm ignorant on that stuff...

Re: Stereo and speakers
 

Basically ,
Sonar = Fishfinder
Plus it shows the contours of the bottom nicely.
Depthfinder is just that , a depth reading only.
Both usually have temperature capabilities also.

P.S. : No such thing as ignorant when you are attempting to learn something. :)

Re: Stereo and speakers
 

LOL Got it! Thanks!

Re: Stereo and speakers
 

:wink_thumbup::wink_thumbup:

Re: Stereo and speakers
 

Here you can see where my bow speakers are at.

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...or/potty-1.jpg I found that 5.25" just dont put out enough sound being that low and having wind in your ear at speed. So I went with 6.5". I mounted them up high, so the magnet is just below the seat cushion, still allowing you plenty of storage and less chance of damage to the speakers.

My lowrance antenna is also on the passenger dash. I bought the newest unit I could find that utilized the same antenna.

Re: Stereo and speakers
 

How did you get your speakers in there? Factory? I was going to put mine up by the cup holders... Im gonna have to take pics of my antenna and see what fits it. CO Diablo has one with internal antenna...

Re: Stereo and speakers
 

The boat came to me with 5.25" (dual cone)....crappy kmart models. When I replaced em, I stepped up to 6.5" two ways. Those I did are like these (though a couple of years older now) MS 6200 | 6-1/2-inch (160-millimeter) 2-way marine loudspeaker | JBL US

I dont think there is enough room behind the cup holder cavaity to mount any speakers with serious magnets. You could mount them facing straight up, but then stand the risk of them getting wet and holding water in the cone (doesnt sound like a good idea)

I looked at the internal antenna models as well, but found mine on eBay for $75, so I couldnt pass it up.

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My 272 didn't have speakers in the bow either. I don't get why the factory didn't put them up there... You can't hear anything up there, well except the wind... LOL

Re: Stereo and speakers
 

Probably back then, there werent any decks that had more then 4 channels and that covered just the factory 4 speakers in the main cabin. Im sure someone could have wired up some way to make noise up there tho.

I have 6 speakers in my main cabin. 4 - 5.25" in the factory locations and 2 - 6.5" just in front on each side of the two front seats.

I wired in series the smaller speakers to double the ohms and wired them to just one zone setup on the amp (zone 1), then the 2 larger speakers are zone 2. The Fusion deck allows you to set the volume to any zone, then you can link zones 1 & 2 together. So with just a simple volume change, all 6 speakers change proportionately together. As the larger speakers being up higher in the boat and larger, they produce much more sound then the 4 smaller ones do combined. Then with the larger ones so much closer to your ears, I dont run them as loud. it gives a much more spatial sound effect without blasting anyone out of the boat.

I will say that the two on the rear swim deck are not BIG enough, nor loud enough to really hear when the kids are on the tubes or boards. There fine for "floating". Not this year, but next Ill replace them with the best that Krypt has to offer and most likely run another amp just for that pair so they can be as effective as possible in all situations.

Re: Stereo and speakers
 

Dangit Oregondunes, why do you give me more ideas!!!??? Can I borrow some cashola??? lol
So basically it sounds like I need an amp for the front, mid cabin cockpit and transom speakers??? I like me some sound!

Re: Stereo and speakers
 

If you have a pair up front, the 2 pairs below, 2 pairs in the main cabin and 2 out back, thats 12 total. I order to run them all from one Fusion deck, youll have to wire the pair below in series and the pair in the main cabin as well. Youll loose front to rear fade in those areas, but not left/right. Then you only need a pair of 4 channel amplifiers. That krypt amp I mentioned earlier would be a hot ticket.

Re: Stereo and speakers
 

Im thinking of running the cabin speakers on their own head unit. Old one from cockpit. It already has an amp there. I would like to run bow speakers to cockpit head unit (fusion). So I would have four pair (8 speakers) running off Fusion. Make sense? Also thinking of putting sub in cabin.

Re: Stereo and speakers
 

yep...you will still have 4 zones (4 pairs) of speakers and need 8 channels total.

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Just out of curiosity how fast does that setup drain a battery. I would think 2 subs would kill a battery (2nd battery) pretty quickly... no? I am planning on upgrading the stereo with subs in the rear bench bottom this year...

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Keep in mind Im running a "G" rated amplifier for the subs that is very efficient on power consumption. In addition, I have on board 4 group 27 Marine/RV batteries. When parked, we switch one off to restart the motor if all goes dead. We have ran the stereo at moderate levels all day (6+ hours) and never ran em dry.

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That's a lot of batteries!! Lol.

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We also have a 120v fridge and run a blender

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Old post but rocking set up! Thanks for info and pics!

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An an info update... i now run two alpine amps, 8 6.5 kickers and 2 10" kicker subs. Have run at loud volumes for 8hrs sat and y on Sunday w no recharge on 2 $99 group 24 from walmart. I charge them every week we go out . Been going for two years now, no issues.