Sub Enclosures

guedo8 · Newbie Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 14 City: Austin

I have 2 subs I am going to put in my boat. I was thinking about putting them in a bandpass box so the actual sub has some sort of protection incase someone is wreckless and throws a bag or something into the cubby that I will house the sub enclusure.
My question is for those of you out there that have heard several different types of enclosures in boats what kind do you think sounds better. I have put sound systems in cars for the past 6 years but the sound produced in a boat would have to be different b/c it isn't enclosed.
Thanks for your input.

Wallrat · Posted: Sep 28, 2005 6:31 pm Post subject:

Personally I'd rather use a sealed box with a heavy screen or something covering the woofer. I'd be more worried about moisture getting to the internals but that's just me.

AndyDeeJay · Outlaw Joined: 20 Jul 2004 Posts: 239 City: Belfast

bandpass boxes are very inefficient so need more watts for the same thump. It would be better to spend a little extra and get a good grill and work with a cheeper sealed enclosure.

acurtis_ttu · Soul Rider Joined: 16 Aug 2004 Posts: 499 City: Houston

depending on the sub...go with a sealed box or ported. Resin the entire box if your worried about water.

Eric Golsan · Posted: Sep 29, 2005 2:46 pm Post subject:

Typically most people put a sealed enclosure in thier boats. Due to space and they are eaisier to build. Plus they usually hit the hardest. They do require the most power. If it is possible try different enclosures in different places of your boat. Everyone likes and listens to something different.

I have had both bandpass and sealed enclosures in my boat. Although the bandpass did hit lower and had a higher db at same volume/wattage, I decided on sealed for space and they hit harder. I also listen to a variety of music. And I like the sound of the sealed best.

After build your box it is a good idea is to have it coated with a bedliner material. Or use a do-it-yourself kit.

gene3x · Addict Joined: 31 Aug 2004 Posts: 759 City: Dallas

Does the actual sealing of it really make a big difference in sound?

acurtis_ttu · Soul Rider Joined: 16 Aug 2004 Posts: 499 City: Houston

gene3x · Addict Joined: 31 Aug 2004 Posts: 759 City: Dallas

Thanks man, could you seal them from the inside and have the same effect?

flatwater · Posted: Nov 08, 2005 12:39 pm Post subject:

I'm fairly new to the sub thing but in all the posts that involve subs i've never read about the concern of the boxes getting destroyed due to the mdf sucking up all the water that somehow gets into a boat. Should the mdf get sealed ? Can you fully seal the mdf ? How about putting short legs on the bottom? Just some of my newbie questions / thouhgts.

acurtis_ttu · Soul Rider Joined: 16 Aug 2004 Posts: 499 City: Houston

GenX, you may have the wrong idea of a sealed box. Yes, you need to seal the insides “edges” with some type of sealant, but a sealed box would be just a cube with a hole cut in it for speakers, whereas a ported box will have a hole for the speaker and another hole for the port. There are different styles of ports that allow different tuning.

MDF=Medium Density Fiberboard. It’s made of compressed fiber and if left untreated in a very damp environment will soak up water. To prevent this coat the whole box in fiberglass resin. IT will 100% waterproof it. You can pick up the resin/hardener at any hardware store.

Liquidmx · Addict Joined: 26 Jul 2004 Posts: 755 City: San Jose

For those new to building boxes, a good way to seal them off is by using a caulking gun and assembling the box with the back panel (directly opposite the sub opening) last. That way you can seal every seam easily and seal the back seams by reaching through the sub opening. Rememer to pre-drill your holes because mdf splits pretty easily. I personally used silcont sealant/adhesive for my boxes as insurance on construction strength, curious what the gurus use?

I have seen a few different enclosures with pyramid pieces directly behind the magnet on the speaker. Is this for acoustics or spl efficiency?

joedirt00 · Posted: Nov 10, 2005 1:13 pm Post subject:

This may sound like overkill but this is what I will be doing.

1: Assemble the box with screws and check fit.
2: tear it down and re-build it using construction adhesive(sp?) along with the screws but leave one panel off.
3: Paint the inside with KILZ. It is a waterproofing type of latex paint. You can get it at Home Depot.
4: Put the last panel on and seal it from the inside with silicone sealant through the opening for the sub.
5: Staple lightweight felt to the exterior and resin the hell out of the whole thing.

bremsen · Outlaw Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Posts: 168 City: Charlotte

Liquidmx, That is most likely bracing that you've see. Many of the newer subs create such intense pressures even 3/4 and 1" mdf will flex if there are long spans.

Joedirt, you don't have to wrap the box in fleece. The MDF will soak up the resin just fine. Fleece is only needed when creating fiberglass enclosures.

Also, don't install the sub until all sealants/adhesives are dry. The chemicals released when drying can damage the speakers.

joedirt00 · Posted: Nov 11, 2005 4:39 am Post subject:

The felt / fleece is more to cover up any imperfections on the exterior of the box. But you are right its not entirely neccessary.

h2obug · Soul Rider Joined: 10 Aug 2003 Posts: 450 City: Muncie, IN

quedo8- Check out the 2x10 sealed plexiglass enclosure I just bought on ebay for 200. Dont have have system installed yet but Im pretty stoked about it
http://forums.wakeboarder.com/viewtopic.php?t=50831