How to Install a Marine Audio System

Once you've decided on the components and layout of your boat's audio system, you might try installing the components yourself. However, if you're not a committed do-it-yourselfer, you might want the audio shop to install it instead.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• RCA Cables
• Circuit Breakers
• Power And Ground Cable
• Terminals
• XTC Baffle
• C-clamps
• Phillips Screwdrivers
• Saws
• Drill Bits
• Fuses
• Multiuse Screws
• Silicone
• Solder
• Soldering Guns/irons
• Speaker Wire
• Variable-speed Drills
• Wire Crimpers

1. Read the instruction manuals that come with each component.

2. Gather the following tools: drill, screw bit, a small saw or jigsaw with a fine blade, Phillips screwdriver, waterproof crimps, silicone, tie wrap, C-clamps, power and ground cable (Ask the salesperson at the audio shop to help you select the proper gauge cables.), speaker wire (Ask the salesperson at the audio shop to help you select the proper size wire.), RCA cables, solder gun, solder, 1-inch to 1 1/2-inch stainless steel screws, XTC baffles, a circuit breaker, fuses and terminals.

3. Pull power and ground directly from the second battery.

4. Solder all wire connections and use the stainless steel screws and silicone to mount components securely.

5. Mount speakers directly to wood. Use an XTC baffle behind the speakers to give them a proper air environment. Put silicone on the speaker grilles to ensure a secure mount.

6. Route wires cleanly. Signal wires should go on one side of the boat and power wires on the other side. Use tie wrap to gather the wires neatly together and secure the wires under the panels with the C-clamps.