Under helm sub install - Advice?

[mdk681]

I have gotten pretty far with my stereo install, and at this point all I have left to do is build a sealed box for my 12" sub and mount it. I have seen many people mount a sub in the wall under the steering console. That is my plan as of now, but I have been unable to find any threads to research from, so any advice would be appreciated. I am trying to keep this as stock looking as possible...

So the wall under the helm sits at a bit of an angle - I had planned on building a box with the front panel to match that angle while sitting on the floor. I was going to cut a square in the wall so I can slide the box back into the storage compartment far enough for the front panel of the box to sit flush with the existing wall. I don't think I would be able to cut a circle in the existing wall and build a box around back of it due to accessibility. Is this the approach that others have taken with this type of install? How should I anchor the box down - maybe build some trim panels to mount to the face of the box then to the wall?

Any input or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[jzts0214]

Cut a square out of the wall then build your box. Side the bock in the hole. The. Make a trim panel that will mout to the old wall. Screw the panel into the old wall the screw the box into the trim panel. Search xxx install and you should see some pics of my install

[jzts0214]

image.jpg

[Timmy!]

Like this? This is the factory Kicker 10" install in my '07 RZ2

[Timmy!]

I put a box behind the wall:

[skippabcool]

Cut a square out of the wall then build your box. Side the bock in the hole. The. Make a trim panel that will mout to the old wall. Screw the panel into the old wall the screw the box into the trim panel. Search xxx install and you should see some pics of my install

Are you using the sealed box or the ported box currently? How high does your trim piece go?

[mdk681]

Yes that is what I would like to do. The only issue is, there is no way to get a box behind that wall (without cutting a square in the wall itself to slide the box through). The only access I have to that compartment in my boat is a small door located in the wall of the walk through to the bow. There is no way I could get a box thorough that door.

Like this? This is the factory Kicker 10" install in my '07 RZ2

[Timmy!]

Can you remove the seat back and bottom in the bow and get to that area?

[mdk681]

Can you remove the seat back and bottom in the bow and get to that area?

No, unfortunately not. It is a completely sealed compartment besides the small door. Kind of strange that they would do that...

I'm starting to think at this point my only option is going to be cutting an actual size square in the wall to slide the box through...

[chpthril]

Are you batteries not in that starboard mid-ship locker? We've encountered them there on a number of the 99-2001 21i's. Even with the access door removed, you are still going to be constrained to a small sub enclosure that would fit through that door. Your best option is to either move forward with a large hole and front-load a completed enclosure, or place the enclosure in front of the wall and loose a lot of leg room. 3rd option is to go with an infinite-baffle sub.

[mdk681]

Are you batteries not in that starboard mid-ship locker? We've encountered them there on a number of the 99-2001 21i's. Even with the access door removed, you are still going to be constrained to a small sub enclosure that would fit through that door. Your best option is to either move forward with a large hole and front-load a completed enclosure, or place the enclosure in front of the wall and loose a lot of leg room. 3rd option is to go with an infinite-baffle sub.

My boat is a 21v, so I have all 3 batteries and my TAPS pump located behind the walls in the v-drive lockers. The starboard compartment is completely sealed except the side access door.

At this point I think I am going to be forced to cut a hole in the wall and front load the box. One question I do have is by cutting out a square in the wall, am I going to create any structural weakness? I know it is just a square out of an interior wall, but I figured I would ask before I start cutting into a thick fiberglass wall.

[NICKYPOO]

You'll be fine to cut it. I battled the same issue of the sealed compartment when I did mine. I actually pulled the door out and built a sealed box that would fit though that opening. I then cut a hole out of the bulkhead under the dash for the sub to stick out of and then screwed the box to the bulkhead from the outside. This was a biatch. So many PITA issues to deal with. Cut the hole for the box and build a trim panel that is the same size and shape as the bulkhead or at least as big as you can make it and get it in there. You might even be able to use the same carpet if you're careful. I'm going to hopefully replace my sub and enclosure next season and I will absolutely be cutting the big hole. Tiges are tanks and can handle that all day long. Look how big the observers compartment opening is.

One thing I'm thinking of doing is making it down firing. I'm thinking of elevating the box 6" or so and fire it off the floor. I would leave a slot, say 14" x 6" at the base of the bulkhead.

Here's an old pic of what I have now. It's nice having it up high. You can't even see it if your in the boat unless you are lying on the floor.

[duffymahoney]

Here is mine. Thumps! Built it tall so I didn't lose all my space in the compartment

[mdk681]

Here is mine. Thumps! Built it tall so I didn't lose all my space in the compartment

Dang that looks sick! Great job with that. Oh and great sub choice by the way, love the look of the new JL w3v3's! I ran two 12 w3v2's in my truck years ago and loved every second of those drivers, so clean! Those remind me of a couple buddies w6s and w7s from years ago...

I plan to do a similar install but with a sealed box. The only issue I am running into now is that the wall I plan to fasten the sub to is at a bit of an angle. I think I am going to have to find the angle of that wall and match it on the front of my box in order for everything to fit flush and square. Thanks for all of the suggestions and pics guys. Keep em' coming...

Where did you guys get your carpet to match the interior of the boat? I know a few car audio shops in the area that might carry something similar...

[duffymahoney]

Mine is mounted behind. I just cut a hole in the wall for the vent and the sub.