Stereo Question

[adub7]

Ok this is probably a dumb question but here it goes...

Recently bought a 1997 pre 2150wt. The boat has never had a stereo on it. My dumb question is, are the boats already pre-wired for a cd player/speakers? If not, what would be the best way to get this done. I am wanting to put 4-6 speakers in the boat and after I get the tower put on, another 4 on it. For now I am just wanting the in boat speakers cause it can get a little quiet out there with no sound. Also, do I need an amp to run the speakers in the boat or can they just run off of the cd player? Thanks in advance.

[TeamAllen]

Congratulations on your new 2150. Welcome to the club and this site! Where are you located?

I doubt the boat is pre wired for a stereo. I'm not one to ask about stereos. I don't have one in my boat.

There are quite a few members on this site that will help you with your stereo install.

Enjoy the new boat and the summer!

[dogbert]

Congratulations on your new 2150. Welcome to the club and this site! Where are you located?

I doubt the boat is pre wired for a stereo. I'm not one to ask about stereos. I don't have one in my boat.

There are quite a few members on this site that will help you with your stereo install.

Enjoy the new boat and the summer!

That said, it's pretty easy to wire your boat for a stereo. SPBFAN, chpthril, philsailz or the wetsounds guys would be more than happy to help you out.

[adub7]

I am in Marietta, GA but the boat is on Lake Lanier. It was just wishful thinking that it would be prewired. So I guess I just have to buy the stuff and run wires and cut holes, right? Will I need an amp for the 4-6 in boat speakers?

[dogbert]

I am in Marietta, GA but the boat is on Lake Lanier. It was just wishful thinking that it would be prewired. So I guess I just have to buy the stuff and run wires and cut holes, right? Will I need an amp for the 4-6 in boat speakers?

Yes, I would. 4 in boat speakers, most H/U will handle it. But 6 is not recommended. If you do get one, look for a marine one that has a transom remote option....you'll be glad you did. I got a new H/U for Christmas w/ a transom remote. I love having the remote on the back so I don't have to climb back in the boat.

Now if I could only get my in-boat cooler to launch a couple of fresh brewskies with the push of a button on my remote, I'd be in heaven

[dingleberry]

A decent quality amp and decent quality speakers will make your music sound vastly better. However, if you don't want to spend the extra $ right now, and you are just looking to get some music on the boat, then they can run directly off the head unit like dogbert said.

When you go to add tower speakers like you mentioned in your first post, you will definitely need an amp.

[adub7]

How easy/hard is it to cut the holes for the speakers and head unit? I was thinking of the two in the back on the side where there is the a side storage area and the other two up front, not too sure, but maybe that area by the dry storage and then across from it.

[chpthril]

A Roto-Zip type saw is about the easiest way to cut those holes. For a 4 cabin speaker system, an amp is not needed to just get some tunes playing. For the tower speakers, when the time comes, you will want an amp.

[adub7]

Thanks for all the help everyone!

[philwsailz]

a 5" hole-saw in a drill is also extremely easy to use for speaker holes, but the cost of the hole-saw can be prohibitive.

Chpthril is right though about teh roto zip. If you do any work around the house, in the garage, etc, a roto-zip is a MUST - HAVE tool. They are amazing and are perfect for cutting on boats too.

[chpthril]

a 5" hole-saw in a drill is also extremely easy to use for speaker holes, but the cost of the hole-saw can be prohibitive.

Chpthril is right though about teh roto zip. If you do any work around the house, in the garage, etc, a roto-zip is a MUST - HAVE tool. They are amazing and are perfect for cutting on boats too.

Yeah, really, the 5-3/4 hole saw I got to do wet sounds was $80+

[adub7]

I dont have a roto zip but I am going to ask my step dad and a few other people. Maybe they have the hole saw and just do it that way. Im going to start buying the stuff and get it all together to install.

[chpthril]

I dont have a roto zip but I am going to ask my step dad and a few other people. Maybe they have the hole saw and just do it that way. Im going to start buying the stuff and get it all together to install.

What did ya decide on to go with?

If you have a Northern Tool in you area, you can get a hole saw set that has from like 3/4 up to 5" or maybe 5-1/2". They are cheap and the bit will be close to toast when you are done, but the whole set is like $15.

[philwsailz]

X2 on northern tool. Cheap tools are okay, if they last long enough to get the job done, and if you only plan on doing it once...

[adub7]

Im probably going to go with northern tool. Im probably going to do all of this in about a month. Just piecing it all together now and planning it out. You guys are great with all of the advice