new stereo install in old boat.

aristocraft · Newbie Joined: 11 Jun 2009 Posts: 4

Hello, this may be a newb question, but here goes. I did try to search but couldn't come up with anything. I'm just getting into wakeboarding and would like to have some tunes in the boat while we're on the water, nothing crazy or expensive, just something that'll play music. The boat is a '73 aristocraft. I don't plan on using the stereo when were sitting, i only have one batt. So tell me whats wrong with this set-up i'm thinking of doing. Car stereo deck mounted under the dash/windshield where it will be protected from the elements. The wiring would be simple, postive from the batt. through a switch and into the stereo, then run the neg. back to the batt or a grounding post if i find one. i was going to leave the "memory" wire disconnected. then running 4 speakers, two up front, 2 in the rear. are marine speakers really necessary? thanks!

JeffreyCH · Posted: Jun 16, 2009 10:41 am Post subject:

From experience I would say yes on the marine speakers. They really aren't much more $$ if you get em off ebay. When I bought my boat 5 years ago it came with some blown out roadmaster POS speakers under the dash. I had a pair of really nice Alpine 6 1/2's sitting in my garage from back when I was into car audio. I installed em under the dash in the factory holes. sounded great for a few seasons, now they are getting pretty weak and I was looking at them the other day, the voice coils are starting to rust and the cones are getting brittle. If you only really plan on them lasting for a few seasons and you just want cheap cheap, then go for it, if you want them to last for any length of time, then spend a little extra and get marine grade. Like I said look on ebay, you can get some decent Infinaty's for under a 100 bucks a pair.

aristocraft · Newbie Joined: 11 Jun 2009 Posts: 4

thanks, also is my wiring plan up to snuff or should i be looking into another way.

Brit Rider · Posted: Jun 17, 2009 1:01 am Post subject:

aristocraft, I would run a memory cable... it'll become a pain if not and the power draw is next to nothing.

Also, remember to fuse any power wires... a 10 amp inline fuse on the power feed should be sufficiant.

I'd also run a new ground wire yourself, if you're running a power wire it won't be any extra work and will make a difference to your stereo.

In terms of speakers you could get away with none-marine if they have poly cones and are of a decent quality, but ideally, Marine is the way to go... especially if you just want to fit this and forget about it.

aristocraft · Newbie Joined: 11 Jun 2009 Posts: 4

thanks for the info.

kartman · Posted: Jun 17, 2009 12:03 pm Post subject:

get an old extension cord. you have your ground, your constant 12v, and your switched wire. and its all kept neat. its what i did, and it worked great

aristocraft · Newbie Joined: 11 Jun 2009 Posts: 4

i like the extension cord idea.