Untitled Document

Sea Ray 460 Sundancer

Click on any of the pictures below to see a larger version.

This Sea Ray 460 Sundancer received a premium cockpit audio upgrade, including eight flushmount fullrange speakers, four subs and four exterior-projecting speakers.

Our first step was to circumvent the ship-to-shore switching function of the factory Glomex amplified antenna control. We added a trim panel to house the existing Glomex control plus the new high-isolation switch. This brings dockside cable into the boat with a superior picture.

Shown is the factory LCD TV and concealed DVD player. An IR target at the base of the TV in combination with an IR emitter over the DVD provides full DVD control while the cabinet doors are closed.

This Sundancer features dual stereo source units; one at the helm and one concealed in a salon cabinet. Inside is a separate CD changer for both cabin and cockpit source units. We delivered the audio output of the LCD TV to the auxiliary inputs of both cabin and cockpit audio systems. Now, full theater sound supports any video source within the salon and out on the cockpit or slip.

A waterproof radio frequency remote fob and its accompanying RF receiver allow full control of the cockpit Clarion source unit from the bow deck, slip or even a raft.

Two hardwired remote controls, one on the starboard side of the rear cockpit and one on the port side at the transom, combine with the source unit at the helm to provide three cockpit control stations with digital displays.

Under the helm and normally concealed, a drop-down hatch reveals an audio control station featuring multiple zone controls and a 5-band graphic equalizer. The equalizer benefits are obvious but the primary importance of the EQ is it delivers six-channels of 7-volt line level outputs. With ten channels of amplification to drive, the added voltage makes a considerable difference in the system’s dynamic range.

The EQ offers a separate subwoofer level control and a pre-level fader that adjusts between eight flushmount cockpit speakers and four perimeter speakers.

Upon fading to the perimeter speakers, two separate stereo line level controls provide individual volume adjustments for bow and transom speakers. This scheme allows for perfect gain matching from zone to zone or total isolation of any individual zone.

The enclosure for the equalizer and accompanying zone controls was fabricated out of a marine polymer in the identical color as the helm.

In combination with the RF remote fob, the zone controls can turn a whole-boat control into a totally localized volume control. This is particularly convenient when relaxing out on the bow deck pads or floating off the swim deck.

The cockpit audio system boasts a total of ten channels delivering nearly 3000 watts of music power. A Boston Acoustics fan-cooled four-channel amplifier drives eight flushmount cockpit speakers. A similar B.A. two-channel amplifier drives four subwoofers. Underneath two more amplifiers power four Boston Acoustics enclosed speakers.

The custom-built amplifier rack is neatly concealed beneath a slide-out couch in the aft cabin.

One pair of port and starboard MB Quart marine integrals at the helm. Each MB Quart has a separate crossover network and a bridge-mount titanium tweeter. These are true component speakers behind a common grill.

A pair of MB Quart speakers on each side of the hardtop. These two pairs share stereo channels, as do the two pairs lower in the combing. The upper speakers are gained down to blend seamlessly with the lower speakers.

One pair of MB Quart are located in the port and starboard combing at the rear of the cockpit and just under the gunwale steps. The distribution of speakers and precise system tuning yield consistent amplitude as you move anywhere around the helm and cockpit.

A pair of Boston Acoustics Voyagers are mounted under the hardtop and are positioned to project out over the bow deck.

A matching set of B.A. Voyagers play out over the swim platform. The main purpose of the Voyager speakers is to project exterior from the cockpit. Realistically at a distance of fifty feet the sound is loud and clean.

Underneath the rear cockpit wrap-around seating we installed two subwoofer enclosures, each containing dual Boston Acoustics G2 10-inch subwoofers. The down-firing enclosures are covered with a thick coating of polyurethane making them absolutely waterproof.

A number of vents were added to allow the bass radiation to flow freely, which is especially important with the significant surface area of four 10-inch subs.

Two elongated horizontal vents angle downward from the seat consoles making the vents nearly invisible.

The factory subwoofer was replaced with a white polymer grill. A second and staggered interior grill helps block visibility into the locker and also serves to block out water spray during a washing.

Concealed behind the captain’s chair we added four downward-louvered white vents. The net result is that bass is evenly distributed throughout the entire cockpit.

While this system will effortlessly play at a rock concert level, the reserve power translates into exceptional contrast and clarity. And, because the system is so linear, you can hear every nuance at a moderate volume. Considerable time was spent tuning the asymmetrical crossovers, gains and phasing, which is as important as the quality of componentry.

Cabin LCDs

Concealed behind this cabinet door in the master stateroom we installed a 15-inch LCD TV and a DVD player.

In the aft stateroom we installed the identical 15-inch LCD TV and DVD player. Front panel jacks on the DVD players provide an auxiliary audio/video input for a Playstation. When not in use the LCD and DVD are concealed.

iPod

An iPod holder and cable in an overhead salon cabinet. In this version the iPod is controlled by the CD source unit and remote controls. The iPod menu is also displayed on the CD source unit and remotes.

An iPod holder and cable at the cockpit helm. A custom mounting panel conceals the cable penetration. In this version the menu and control is maintained on the iPod.

A rocker switch at the helm controls a hideaway electronic selector which delivers both the iPod output and the cockpit LCD audio output to the CD source unit auxiliary port.

A junction box and ship-to-shore cables allow the master iPod on this Sea Ray to sync up the audio systems of two boats. A powerful line driver on one boat provides enough gain to transmit the signal a long distance without loss. The iPod link connects both boats whether in the slips or anchored side by side out on the water.

KVH TracVision

A KVH TracVision in-motion satellite TV antenna is mounted at the rear of the hardtop with a custom powdercoated aluminum tower. We designed this pedestal to level the KVH dome on a sloping 460 DA hardtop.

Concealed in a salon cabinet, a DirecTV satellite receiver is accompanied by the KVH switch and diagnostic port plus a ship-to-shore satellite antenna selector.

Cockpit LCD

We installed a Sharp Aquos 26-inch widescreen LCD TV on the cockpit just behind the captain’s chair. The TV is mounted to a white powdercoated aluminum stanchion. We relocated the drink holders and fabricated a polymer adapter to cover previous penetrations. The stanchion consists of three main parts. The pole mounts the LCD TV and features a key pin, which locks the TV in the correct position once inserted into the console. The socket is permanently mounted in the console. A polymer strike plate covers the socket and protects the powdercoated flange during insertion. The strike plate also serves to conceal four heavy duty 5/16” mounting bolts. This quick installation and removal system is light, very strong and stable. Tight tolerances ensure that even in chop the LCD will not shimmy.

Security

In the AC service panel we installed a status indicator, coded valet switch and radar field control switch.

Twin LEDs in the stern light reflector.

Just a few of the security amenities include flashing and strobe lights, siren, pulsing air horns, physical switches on all hatches, radar field sensor, back-up battery with isolation module and charger, courtesy lights and much more. Peripheral components are on separate fused circuits to protect the core components. All of the core components are buried within the cabin. Although comprehensive, this security system is almost invisible. Infrared night vision cameras can be viewed 24/7 via the Internet.

Back To Top

Earmark Car Audio