Suggestions? Installing stereo on 175

[kchaudha]

I've got a 1998 175 and was thinking to add a stereo to it.
Maybe I need some practice with the search function but I couldn't see any previous discussion of this.  Does anyone have suggestions on where to install a stereo?  And/or do you have a 175 that already has a stereo and do you have some pics of the console to show the installation?
Thanks

[seabob4]

Where do you want your speakers?  If it's just a simple install, head unit and 2 speakers, mount them on the sides of the console.  Want 4?  Then you will be snaking some wires...

[kchaudha]

Yes, I was just thinking to keep it simple with a couple speakers on the console.  Sides of the console sound easiest but then I was thinking it makes more sense to do front and back to have the sound coming out to where people will actually be located.  I guess I could just mount the stereo on the top of the console in an enclosure but I was wondering about inset into the console for a built-in look.
Any suggestions on specific brands, etc too?

[seabob4]

KC,
I've done a lot of installs using the sides of the console for speaker locations, the inwales really help to disperse the sound throughout the boat, works really well for a 2 speaker install.  

The key to any stereo system is the speakers, not so much the head unit.  You can go with a relatively cheap head unit, and splurge on the speakers.  I prefer JL Audio and Infinity for the speakers (Infinity's are VERY efficient!), I've had good luck with Pyle head units, around $99 w/usb and ipod capabilities...

[kchaudha]

Thanks seabob - good to know that the sound travels well when speakers are mounted on the sides.  Also good to know your experience on the pyle head units; they seem to have mixed reviews online so I was wondering if I should go with sony or kenwood instead.

[seabob4]

KC,
An example, although a bit further than you want to go.  Did an install on my customers Talon, JL AMP and 4 JL speakers, coupled with a $99 Pyle head unit...sounded AWESOME!!  The Doc's Talon.  Same customer, the Doc, on his 28 Pursuit.  JL 4-channel and JL mono-bloc sub amp, 4 JLs and a JL sub, coupled to an "ancient" (2002) Panasonic head unit...once again, awesome!

[icemanbryan]

Hi Bob, not trying to hijack the thread.
What about installing the speakers on the P and S sides of the breadbox?
I didnt really want to cut into the console
on my 25 Osprey
Thanks Bryan

[seabob4]

Hi Bob, not trying to hijack the thread.
What about installing the speakers on the P and S sides of the breadbox?
I didnt really want to cut into the console
on my 25 Osprey
Thanks Bryan

What, Bryan, do you mean the overhead electronics box?

[c master]

What you want is the basic In-Boat Salt Water Series speakers from "Wet Sounds"...they ONLY make speakers for water craft.  They will take the pounding, the vibration and the salt.  And they will sound fantastic.   The side of the console is fine for mounting.   (Don't get flustered by the photos of their wakeboard or jet-ski speakers...click on the in-boat speakers.)   Although if a speaker can stand up to a jet-ski, it will pretty much take anything.  

While you're at the site, click on the Gallery of his Offshore Seahunter and his Tige Wakeboard Boat...I think you'll like his "amps under glass".   And his big truck pretty much beats anything we pull our Aquasports with!  

The speakers will cost about $160/pair, but they'll outlast anything else.  I'm pretty sure the WetSounds folks will give you some free advice about the head units that are out there.

www.wetsounds.com

ps - I have nothing to do with this company...but the owner lives in my neighborhood...and he's a good, honest, hard-workin' dude.  Cleanest, straightest home on the block...not a hair out of place.  He's....shall we say...an overachiever.  But that's the kind of guy that builds a great product, you know?

[icemanbryan]

Hi Bob, not trying to hijack the thread.
What about installing the speakers on the P and S sides of the breadbox?
I didnt really want to cut into the console
on my 25 Osprey
Thanks Bryan

What, Bryan, do you mean the overhead electronics box?

Yes, I do.