Click
on any of the pictures below to see a larger version. |
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At cruising speed the stock system can’t
compete with the wind and motor noise. This is the case with
most factory systems. The existing source unit provides a
great deal of versatility to build on.
While we want to upgrade the two pair of factory speakers,
it is also crucial to install a third pair at the front of
the cockpit in both the driver and passenger consoles. This
forward location is in close proximity to the primary occupants
and is most important for developing adequate volume with
minimal distortion. The next priorities are more power and
a subwoofer so we can get the full range of music while underway
without overtaxing any part of the system. |
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We installed a line-level subwoofer control in the dash between
the two rows of switches. |
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A wired watertight remote control is located on the transom
just over the swimdeck. |
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A pocket for the owner’s
portable MP3 player was constructed and installed within the
interior of the driver’s console. Just above the player
we added a DC power receptacle. Also, a stereo minijack is
an easy plug-in for transportability. The minijack is converted
to RCA and delivers the audio output to the CD player’s
changer input. A concealed changer expansion module allows
the use of both a changer and several auxiliary sources. |
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Up under the driver's console we added a 10-disc changer.
This changer features electronic shock protection. The changer's
ESP buffer memory all but eliminates skipping in choppy waters. |
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Next to the changer a 4-channel Alpine amplifier drives the
four cockpit coaxils (2-ohm stereo high-pass) and a subwoofer
(4-ohm bridged mono low-pass). The CD source unit power drives
the bow speakers. The source unit fader functions from bow to
cockpit while the dash control provides a dedicated sub level. |
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A 7-gauge power and
ground is routed directly to the battery to ensure a healthy
supply of voltage for peak amplifier performance. |
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 A
pair of Bazooka oversized 6.5” coaxils were cut into the
driver and passenger consoles which constitutes the best location
on the boat. |
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The existing dual cones in the bow and under the rear bench
seat were upgraded to the Bazooka coaxils by enlarging each
hole diameter a 1⁄2 inch. The Bazooka’s boast significantly
more cone surface area plus a 3⁄4 inch aluminum dome with
a full 3⁄4 inch voice coil. The tweeters also benefit
from a second-order crossover network. This translates to cleaner
sound, smoother response and greater output. |
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Within the passenger’s console a Bazooka 8-inch bass-reflex
subwoofer loads against the hull surface. In this application
a single Bazooka subwoofer fills the boat with bass and does
so with authority. White polymer blocks and white nylon straps
lock the enclosure in place. |
| This Amplifier / Speaker / Subwoofer upgrade for
either the Crownline 225 LPX or 225 Bowrider is economical with
exceptional results. |
| In another 225 LPX we ran ten coaxil speakers,
a subwoofer and eight channels of amplification. And, it rocks!! |
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We maintained the factory Sony CD headpiece. It is a CD
changer and XM controller, has dual pre-amp outputs and a
provision for a transom-mounted hardwire remote. So, it’s
very expandable.
We added a Clarion EQ. The EQ acts as a six times 7 volt
line driver for plenty of dynamic range. This really wakes
up the amplifiers. Also, the EQ has a pre-amp fader from bow
to cockpit plus a dedicated bass level control.
We used the EQ’s auxiliary input for a personal MP3
player. The auxiliary input has it’s own adjustable
input level to match up with the CD player gain. Plus the
EQ has a master volume control. |
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A custom cradle was fabricated out of several thicknesses
of white polymer to hold a personal MP3 player. The cradle was
mounted just to the interior of the driver’s console. |
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An Alpine two-channel amplifier is mounted within the driver’s
side bow locker and drives the two bow speakers. |
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 We
upgraded the factory dual cones to Alpine marine coaxils.
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A six channel JL Audio amplifier was installed up and
under the driver’s console. As the boat comes factory
equipped there were no speakers in the front of the cockpit.
We relocated the courtesy lights and added two Alpine coaxils
to both the driver’s and passenger’s consoles. The
helm is the most important speaker location on the boat. |
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Two Alpine coaxils in the passenger’s console with a
Bazooka 8-inch bass reflex subwoofer up and under and hidden
from view. |
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Under the rear bench seat we replaced the factory dual cones
and added a second pair of Alpine coaxils. The JL Audio six-channel
amplifier uses four channels to drive the eight cockpit coaxils
high-pass and runs two-channels bridged mono low-pass to the
subwoofer. |
| Dual batteries, 4-gauge service directly connected
to the batteries and a 100 amp DC breaker is standard equipment
for a system of this size. |
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Here is another speaker option for a Crownline without a tower.
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| A pair of Boston Acoustics Voyager speakers on the transom. These waterproof speakers were installed to specifically project away from the boat when rafting or beached. The speakers within the boat, regardless of the level of power, cannot generate volume outside of the hull. The transom speakers with a post mount quickly install or remove from the stainless steel socket flush-mounted in the transom. Upon reaching a destination or slip the B.A. speakers are removed from storage and installed for use. A switch diverts two-channels of amplification from four cockpit coaxils to the transom speakers. Quick-disconnect binding posts are concealed under the engine compartment hatch.
We have this scheme available for many types of pleasure boats which are without a tower. We offer a variety of speaker sizes in both black and white.
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| Earmark Car Audio ©2004 Earmark Car Audio. All Rights Reserved. Design & Programming
by Earmark, INC.
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