Stereo System Upgrade - 2002 Sea Ray 290 Bow Rider

Liquid-Therapy

New Member
Jun 4, 2012
19
Lake Of The Ozarks, Missouri
Boat Info
290 Bowrider 2002
Engines
496 Mercruiser w/Bravo III Drives
Hi Everyone! It's been a bit since I've been on this forum, but I couldn't think of a better place to come for help with a complete stereo system upgrade I'm looking at doing. I had a quote from a local dealer and want to make sure what I'm getting and being quoted is not only adequate for the boat, but also a fair price. This link should take you to a spreadsheet showing the equipment and price quote. Anything you guys can tell me about the quality of equipment, price quote, etc, would be very much appreciated!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9UilrOrRrqic3Q4V2JKc1ZnWHZyVDNLSlVONG15VjBKVWc0/view?usp=sharing
 
I'm always leery of any quote that doesn't give an itemized price breakdown. Just a quick browse shows a retail price of around 3k for the listed equipment. (street prices would probably be a lot less if you're willing to source the items yourself). Then there is the labor. If you assume 100/hr, they look to be charging you for about 30 hours of labor which seems high.

I think you could do a lot better if you sourced the items yourself and just got some bids on installation.
 
Product quality is outstanding. The Fusion RA-70 head great. The Wet Sounds Revo series full-range speakers are about the best sound marine in-boat going. Although the HTX series is Wet sounds budget friendly line, they are well built and stock up to others in that price point.

If im reading it correctly, you will have 8 full-range speakers and woofer? Not sure because Wet Sounds does not offer a revo-6 tower speaker, yet its listed singular while the others are listed as 6, instead of 3 pair.
 
I'd have a hard time spending that kind of cabbage. It will surely not make your boat worth $5k more. Are you at all into DIY? You can find pretty detailed videos of just about everything you'd need to know to do this work yourself on Youtube...for free.

I'd recommend you poke around your boat a bit before you commit. Running wires on boats can be pretty darn easy. At a minimum you could probably pay your marina a few hundred to run the main power and add a battery? This is likely the most complex part of the install. Of course the pucker factor can by high if you're cutting glass for a 10" sub...but even that is 100% DIYable.

Just my two cents. I understand time is money. But the parts/components associated with your install are likely well below $3k...
 
I do have some car stereo installation experience. About 20 years ago I worked at Best Buy installing stereos while in college. I'm willing to pay for the install if it's reasonable, but I guess it comes down to what's reasonable. I don't know what kind of time is reasonable to complete an install like this. I'm figuring $100 an hour is about right based on bobbeast's post. I've researched the equipment and prices. This is what I've come up with. What do you guys think?

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CwrovaRX6bFlIbSrWd03YRs0HLrV59lOBDmWahLXMOM/edit?usp=sharing
 
A couple of things with your findings. I dont think onlinecarstereo is an authorized wet sounds dealers, so thats why their prices are below the actual MSRP. Second, wet sounds sells speakers in pairs not singles. The revo-6 XS silver retail for $320 a pair, so are you really doing 6 pair or 6 speakers total?

If you are doing 6 pair plus a pair of tower speakers, you are WAY short on amp chnls, unless 2 pair are going to be run on the head unit.

I think you you need to clarify the setup with the shop, before the cost can be dissected.

The Wet Sounds has one controller thats is $99 and one that is $450. Thsi can make a HUGE difference in both parts and labor costs.
 
I have just had a similar install done on my 52 with nearly the same equipment but a few more items. I had them install it as I don’t have the time or knowledge to do this project. I could but it would take 4 times as long and may still need to have it tweaked. They did give me a complete itemization of everything. It was a very thought out quote. They did up charge all the equipment a few bucks but I didn’t have to order it or get it shipped. Compared to mine yours seems fairly close. I’m paying around 7 ish but I’m having P.O. x box’s stripped out along with other WiFi network mess out and replacing 2 new smart TVs and cameras made operable. A lot more labor. I’d shop other places just to make sure. Entertainer in Jefferson City is who I used. Only thing I can’t tell you about is how it works. I haven’t seen it yet. Coming down to lake this weekend!!!!!
 
Yeah cut the quantity in half for the revo-6. Also. not sure what the Tower speaker is, but the original quote only had one, whereas your spreadsheet lists 2.
 
charlesoceanone, I called Entertainer today in Jefferson City and spoke with Todd. Oddly enough, Wet Sounds equipment didn't sound like something they normally install. He seemed to favor JL Audio. In any case, he's going to drive down and look at my boat first, which I really appreciate, before giving me recommendations and a quote.

Do you mind reporting back on what you thought of your installation and sound quality when you make it down to the lake?

Thanks again for everyone chiming in. This helps me immensely!
 
JL makes a high quality product as well, so dont get hung up on brand this, brand that. Design and execution are more important at this point. Understanding what you are getting and is it going to meet your goals.
 
I have the same boat, a few years newer. Six grand for a stereo system seems unbelievable.
My boat needs and upgrade as well. Seeing all those different components at full list price makes me sick. Best of luck with your project and this boating season
 
If I was going to tweak anything, id look at 1 or 2 changes. Id go with the one 800/8 for the 4 pair of in-boats and a 600/1 for the 2 woofers. 2nd, of your boat lives in the water, id suggest the M series amps over the XD.
 
So looking back at the 1st proposal, I guess the build was for 4 pair of full range speakers and a 10" woofer driven by one 6 chnl amp. If I was going to tweak that one, id step up to the Wet Sounds Syn-DX6. 8 speakers and a bridged woofer puts all 6 chnls at a 2 ohm load. Thats a pretty hefty load for the HTX-6. The Syn-DX6 is more robust to drive that load. Also, it yields a little bump in wattage for the in-boats, and MORE than enough wattage for a 10" woofer.

Still not sure of they are proposing the Revo-10 FA or HP. Doesnt make a huge impact component cost wise, but could on the proposed labor and execution. Comparing two 8" woofers to a single 10 shakes out like this. At face value, the pair of 8" will have more surface area and could yield more output, as in move more air. At the same time, the larger woofer can dig deeper. So, always a give an take. Without knowing more about both woofer proposals, hard to compare deeper then that. The Wet Sounds Revo series 10" is outstanding as well as the JL W3 series.
 
Okay, so I now have a second bid from The Entertainer in Jefferson City. The total price on this bid sheet is almost exactly the same price I got from Epic Audio. This will probably come down to which system is better for the same money. I'd definitely love to hear your opinions on this guys:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9UilrOrRrqiRkMwbGlwRXdDdnVWbk1XR19TR2Rrb1Ywa0tZ/view?usp=drivesdk
Did you go forward with your upgrade ? If so, would love to see/hear it. I also boat at LOZ, and have a 02 290 Bowrider. The right channel went out last year on the original Clarion unit with CD Changer, and it is time for a upgrade. Thanks. Kevin
 

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