How to Install a Jet Ski Sound System

A jet ski is a terrific recreational vehicle, enabling you to skim across the water at high speed and even race your friends. That doesn't have to be the limits of your jet ski, however. There's no reason you couldn't use it to tour the coastline and just sightsee as you drive. If you want to increase the luxury of the trip, however, you should consider installing a sound system.

Things You'll Need

• Waterproof sound system
• Sealant
• Drill
• Screws/screwdrivers

Instructions

1. Determine the position where you want to place the speakers for the sound system. The most common location for speakers on a jet ski sound system is near the dials and readouts, fore of the steering column. This is the simplest spot for installation on most personal watercraft.

2. Determine how you want to affix your speaker system. Some models permit you to bond the speakers directly to the chassis using a bonding agent (glue or epoxy), while others require mounting via a mounting plate and screws/rivets.

3. Prep the area where you will complete the mounting. This means cleaning and completely drying this area to ensure a good bond with the mounting bracket. If you're going to hard-mount the speakers then just make sure there is no nearby debris which can fall into the chassis.

4. Drill holes into the chassis to accommodate the wiring of the speakers. Typically a single hole for wiring is necessary, as well as a hole for each secure point (where the screws are placed to hold the speakers firmly).

5. Thread the wires through the holes. Leave enough slack outside to connect the wires to the sound system device itself (MP3 player or waterproof radio, for example).

6. Secure the sound system to a convenient location. For example, just next to the handle bars is one of the more ideal locations for a sound system, or directly onto the handlebars if there is space near the grips.

7. Seal any gaps or holes left behind during construction. It's vital that a completely waterproof seal is maintained between the engine compartment/chassis and exposed surfaces.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy a jet ski that includes a sound system pre-installed. This eliminates the need to upgrade later (thereby preventing the danger of installation damage) and guarantees full compatibility. Since a sound system is a luxury, however, expect to pay more for your jet ski if you choose to include this feature.

• Do not attempt to install a sound system in your jet ski if you have no experience with making modifications to pre-existing designs. Some sound systems require you to drill holes into the chassis to install wiring and if you fail to properly seal the holes you create you run the risk of permanently damaging your jet ski. Always go to a trained professional in the event you are not able to install a sound system yourself.