Marine Subwoofer Installation

Installing a subwoofer in a boat is similar to installing one in a car.

Capable of reproducing lower frequencies that other speakers cannot, a subwoofer is the perfect choice to add bass to your boat's stereo system. Many subwoofer manufacturers, including Kicker, Alpine, Kenwood and Bazooka manufacture subwoofers specifically designed for marine use. Featuring moisture-resistant enclosures and waterproof woofers, an all-in-one subwoofer and amplifier package is the easiest to install and add the low-end punch your boat's stereo is missing.

Things You'll Need

• Crescent wrench
• Klein tool
• Screwdriver
• Amplifier wiring kit
• Wire strippers
• Electrical tape

Instructions

1. Disconnect the boat's negative battery cable using a crescent wrench.

2. Remove the plastic bezel that surrounds the boat stereo using a Klein tool to gently pry it away. Remove the screws that secure the stereo in place using a screwdriver. Slide the stereo forward exposing the wires.

3. Determine the location of the marine grade subwoofer enclosure with built-in amplifier. Secure the subwoofer in place following the manufacturer's directions.

4. Attach a red power wire with inline fuse from an amplifier wiring kit to the boat's positive battery terminal using the provided nut and a crescent wrench. Rout the power wire from the boat's battery to the subwoofer. Use a screwdriver to connect the power wire to the subwoofer's built-in amplifier.

5. Locate the blue accessory wire coming from the boat's stereo. Use wire strippers to remove a ¼-inch section of the wire's plastic protective coating. Wrap one of the bare wire ends of the matching blue wire from the amplifier wiring kit around the bare section. Wrap the connection in electrical tape. Rout the blue wire to the subwoofer. Use a screwdriver to connect the accessory wire to the built-in amplifier.

6. Connect the RCA patch cables from the amplifier wiring kit to the RCA pre-outs on the back of the boat's stereo. Rout the patch cables to the subwoofer. Plug the patch cables into the corresponding RCA plugs on the built-in amplifier.

7. Locate the boat's grounding block. Connect the black ground wire from the amplifier wiring kit to the built-in subwoofer amplifier using a screwdriver. Rout the ground wire to the boat's grounding block and attach using a screw and screwdriver.

8. Slide the stereo back into place. Secure using the screws removed earlier and a screwdriver. Press the plastic bezel back into place. Reattach the boat's negative battery cable.

Tips & Warnings

• In the event you select a nonamplified marine grade subwoofer, you will need to purchase and install a separate amplifier. If you elect to go this route, be sure it is rated for marine use and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation.

• Waterproof all connections using shrink wrap and a heat gun.

• Try to rout the RCA patch cables in a location away from the power wires. This will help to prevent distortion while the subwoofer is operating.

• Electrical damage to your boat might result from failure to disconnect the boat's negative battery cable.

References

• Crutchfield: Subwoofer Installation Guide