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This Malibu features the innovative Illusion
X tower that more closely resembles an arch. The Illusion
tower requires direct mount enclosures without collars. We
offer bullet-shaped spun-aluminum cans in powder coated black,
polished and chrome.
This particular boat shipped without any audio equipment
so we began with a clean slate.
Starting with the source unit, this Kenwood marinized CD player
features on board Sirius controls plus changer and Music Keg
controls. Dual pre amp outputs provide level balancing between
the tower speakers and all hull-mounted drivers.
The CD source unit is normally concealed under this padded
lid on the driver’s armrest.
A black wired remote
control is mounted under the driver’s dash for maximum
convenience. A heat-formed ABS bracket conforms to the backside
of the dash.
A
second wired remote in white is mounted on the transom over
the swim deck.
The factory kick panel
under the driver’s console was removed. Shown is the
considerably large cavity. We had the space to use a full-sized
enclosure resulting in a very linear bass response. Although
a large volume enclosure was used, the radius of the steering
and throttle cables is not altered in the least.
We built a bass-reflex subwoofer enclosure for a 10-inch
JL Audio W3 driver. The enclosure was constructed from 3/4-inch
birch using a water-resistant adhesive and protected with
several coats of fiberglass resin. The enclosure was wrapped
in a rubber-backed marine carpet.
The enclosure was mounted with aluminum brackets and stainless
steel hardware. The enclosure received four polymer blocks
to space it off the carpeted deck allowing water to freely
flow under the enclosure. This avoids a mildew trap, also
water will not be wicked up into the enclosure.
The 10-inch driver and bass-reflex slot are positioned to
fire into the outside hull.
The JL Audio six-channel amplifier is mounted in this same
cavity.
Shown are two birch wings attached to the side of the enclosure
to provide mounting for a new cover panel. It is important that
the panel holes are not drilled directly into the cabinet especially
since the cover panel may be removed on many occasions for service
access of the overhead dash components.
A new kick and cover panel is created to fit like a glove
and is wrapped in matching factory carpet.
Six Alpine coaxils were installed in the cockpit
and bow. The vinyl, padding and in some cases the gelcoat had
to be cut-in for the speakers in the combing bolsters and dash.
Two
coaxils in the open bow upholstered bolsters.
Two coaxils are installed
above the driver and passenger consoles.
Two
coaxils in the side combing located to the rear of the cockpit.
The
aluminum tower enclosures were prepped with a three-stage
sound damping treatment. We applied a half-inch thick layer
of polyurethane foam to the interior of the nose cone. The
flat body of the enclosure was damped with Expert Roadkill.
After the foam cured the entire enclosure volume was filled
with polyester fibers. The fiberfill creates an acoustical
effect that simulates a larger displacement enclosure and
retards internal reflections. The total treatment ensures
an aluminum enclosure that is acoustically inert. While too
many tower systems sound shrill and peaky like a public address
speaker, our product has a smooth and natural response.
The aluminum enclosures were mounted to the tower with
1/4-inch thick black polymer spacers. These gaskets have one
side radiused to perfectly fit the curvature of the tower’s
interior.
The
tower enclosures received four more Alpine 6 1⁄2-inch
coaxils.
Shown are the four enclosures from various angles. The enclosure’s
aerodynamic shape and black on black color matches the aggressive
but sleek design of the Illusion X tower.
Sum
totaled, this Wakesetter received ten 6 1⁄2-inch coaxils
and a bass-reflex 10-inch subwoofer.
A factory accessory switch on the dash controls eight sections
of ultra-bright LED light bars. Blue LEDs were selected to match
the hull color.
Shown is the indirect lighting effect under the driver’s
console and two combing pockets.
