Sea Ray 400 Sedan Bridge
Click on any of the pictures below to see a larger version.
CABIN AUDIO AND VIDEO SURROUND SOUND
The video surround sound theatre makes this luxury yacht the perfect getaway any time of year. It’s also great for entertaining and watching sports events.

The factory TV/VHS combo unit in the main salon has no rear inputs. The addition of satellite TV and DVD requires a radio frequency modulated audio/video distribution system. Now this TV can select from local UHF/VHF broadcasts, satellite or DVD via remote control. The video sound is inserted into the boat’s audio system and switched in unison with the audio/video distribution.

A separate audio/video distribution system is used on the boat’s other television sets. This allows individual cabins, the salon and the bridge to view the same or different sources simultaneously.

The audio system is slave to whatever digital video source is selected in the main salon. Other cabins can zone in or out the video sound of the main audio system.

This is the same salon cabinet after we upgraded to a 20-inch LCD.

The LCD hinges out for access to the cabinet interior for storage of DVD’s.

This close-up reveals magnets, which keep the door securely closed. A stainless steel cable provides a stop. The thin rear cover panel conceals the internal wiring raceways built into the door.

The DVD player and satellite receiver are flushed into the angled bench face under the lower couch cushion. An ABS trim panel was constructed and dyed to match the upholstery.

The DVD player and satellite receiver are encased in a protective enclosure within the starboard side couch. This allows the bench to be used for general storage, as it was intended, without interfering with the equipment and wiring. The back of the enclosure is vented for cooling while the top section is removable for service access. The birch enclosure was sealed and painted to match the internal factory structures.
This starboard side photo reveals the main salon RF distribution, which is just a fraction of the boat’s general video distribution system. All cables are securely strain relieved. All components, large and small, are mounted down and out of sight. Locations are carefully planned for easy access and service. The opposite port side contains the bulk of the video distribution including ship-to-shore antenna selection and the UHF/VHF antenna gain control.
In another version of the 400 DB salon, we built in a DVD and VHS player behind the 20-inch LCD.

The LCD hinges out to expose a single-play DVD and a HI FI VHS player. All wiring is concealed.

ABS cover and trim panels were used with high quality birch covered in marine vinyl. All fixtures fit into the factory opening so that there in no cosmetic modifications to the wood grain cabinet. In fact, this procedure is totally reversible.

Both of the DVD and VHS infrared targets are concealed within this single lens. Located just under the TV cabinet, this infrared repeater system allows full control of both the DVD and VHS while the LCD is in the closed position.

Hidden within the cabinet next to the LCD, a game port was installed. This location allows the LCD to remain closed while an electronic game is in use versus locating the port behind the LCD. The port also provides an AC outlet.
The interior audio system begins with the factory cassette receiver and CD changer behind cabinet doors.

Audio/video control is enhanced by a series of paddle switches and a rotary preamp fader. We labeled the interior of the cabinet door to make the controls more convenient to identify and use. The top switch selects between satellite and DVD audio. The second switch down turns on and off the FM modulator that allows the video sound to play through the boats entire audio system.

The rotary preamp fader controls the main salon speakers front to rear while maintaining constant bass at either extreme. The bottom switch turns on or off the five speaker system in the main salon without affecting any other zones.

The receiver’s fader allows for full control between interior and exterior zones. The master cabin has its own stereo volume control. The bridge has a wired remote control.

We added an additional wired remote control cup next to the best seat opposite the TV screen in the main salon. This provides full audio control without having to get up or open cabinet doors.

The satellite TV receiver’s radio frequency remote control allows satellite TV channel selection, menu and related information access from all corners of the boat.

Plus, alongside is an XM digital satellite radio controller which also provides an auxiliary input for the video sound pathway into the stereo system.
An amplifier rack is located under one end of the port side motorized couch. The couch converts to a bed via the flip of a switch. The amp rack easily clears all mechanisms. While the amp rack currently holds both 5-channel and 4-channel amplifiers, it has a provision for stacking a third amplifier for a future upgrade.
A polyurethane enclosure containing a down firing eight-inch subwoofer is located under the other end of the port side motorized couch. The enclosure is mounted with aluminum brackets and stainless steel hardware.
Both of the factory 6 1/2-inch speaker grills in the main salon were re-fabriced with an acoustically transparent cloth. This dramatically improves the sound of either the factory coaxials or an upgrade.
This Sedan Bridge model features a spacious, connected galley and salon that can easily seat nine. This area now features a five-channel, five speaker sound system with four high-pass speakers and a subwoofer. At one extreme in the corners atop the sprawling dash, we added a pair of Canton miniature enclosures. These european 2-way speakers feature incredible accuracy and detail thanks to an aluminum dome tweeter, precision crossover and super high quality mid-bass driver. We totally disassembled the enclosures (removing grills, terminals and drivers) and dyed the enclosures and grills to color-match with the surrounding interior. The custom made ABS bases were also dyed. Unlike paint, dye is flexible and has extraordinary resistance to UV.
XM digital satellite radio antenna atop the radar arch.
 
While doing the audio and video, we did a retro-fit in the galley with a convection oven to replace the original microwave.
In the midship cabin, we installed a dual outlet GFI AC receptacle plus an antenna connector to the rear of the nightstand between the bunks. A GFI receptacle is a good idea in case of a spilled drink. We ran AC power directly from the main service panel. The added TV outlet required upgrading the factory UHF/VHF splitter and running a new line. A rubber tablemat is trimmed to provide a non-slip surface and protect the wood grain surface.
A polymer block keeps the 9-inch TV/VHS combo unit from toppling when the going gets a little rough. This TV set provides for front panel RCA jacks so that kids or guests can use their Playstation/DVD player.
In this version of the midship bunk, an LCD flatscreen was flushed into an upholstered shroud. Also, a custom gameport provides entertainment for the kids and their friends.
COCKPIT AUDIO AND VIDEO
On the bridge, we installed an Alpine AM/FM/receiver with a motorized LCD screen. The screen is revealed or concealed at the touch of a button. The accompanying Alpine DVD player is located just below. At the bottom two level controls provide zone control over the bow rail speakers, bridge and aft deck sections via eight channels of amplification.
The bridge features two free-air subs and four MB Quart separates. The midrange driver in the same combing chamber as the subwoofers is isolated with its own internal sealed enclosure.
Aft deck starboard and port side MB Quart marine component speakers.
Earmark Car Audio

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