Help me with my JL Subwoofer Choice

[SVT54]

I am looking for advice from people who have owned both, or installers who have installed both. I have a 2008 Sundeck 240. I am in the process of upgrading the factory stereo. I replaced the factory speakers with JL M880 in the bow, and M770 component in the cockpit. I am running them off of a MHD 600/4. I have already aquired an MHD 750/1 to power the sub/s. I am trying to decide between a single JL M12IB or a pair of JL M10IB. The 12 is massive in construction compared to the 10s. I am just not sure which will sound better.

The plan right now is to install it/them in the engine compartment wall below the rear seat/engine hatch. I have spoke to one dealer who said being exposed on the back side to the engine compartment shouldn't be an issue. Anyone have doubts or thoughts on this?

 

[Wylie_Tunes]

Awesome question.

Thats a great amp to power either a single 12 or a pair of 10's, so no need to go there.

1) will the boat allow you to do the 12 correctly? Will the location support the woofer's size, weight and not flex? Does it offer complete front to rear cone isolation? As in not a false or incomplete wall?

2) are the two 10's able to go side by side or at least be on the same plane? If not, refer to #1

In short, two 10's might have more peak output volume, but a single 12 will deliver deeper bass extension.

 

[SVT54]

1) It would definitely have to be reinforced for the 12. It looks to be 3/8 or so Fiberglass and has eggcrate insulation on the back side. It is completely enclosed, with the exception of the bilge blower hoses, which feed out under a cover on the rear toward the swim deck.

2) The two 10s would be roughly 8"-12" apart on the same plane. so they should act as one accoustically.

The 10s, being much lighter will probably be a much easier install. Also, do you think the heat from the engine bay will be an issue?

 

[Cincy Aquaholic]

Interesting question and curious to know too. I thought about adding another 10 inch sub and wonder if it is firing at a 45 degree angle from the other would be good. One is pointed to the port side from cockpit seat and the 2nd would fire forward from behind my legs at the helm.

FWIW I have the M8’s in my transom lockers and they are exposed to the engine compartment. No issue after 2 years.

 

[SVT54]

https://imgur.com/m7yCYII

Here is a picture of where I am looking at putting them.

 

[Wylie_Tunes]

The 10s, being much lighter will probably be a much easier install.

One is lighter, but you are looking at two 10's and both setups driven with the same amp wattage, with a slight bass energy advantage going to the two 10's.

I dont see the engine bay heat being an issue

@Cincy Aquaholic you can get some phase cancellation with off-plane woofers.

 

[JDinTN]

https://imgur.com/m7yCYII

Here is a picture of where I am looking at putting them.

SVT54, sorry to bump a 2-year old thread, but I'm in the process of installing a subwoofer in our 2005 240SD - did you install yours in the location you circled in the photo? If so, how did it turn out? Have you had any problems? I was told a potential downside is having the sub there would allow more engine noise into the cabin. Have you noticed this as an issue? THANKS in advance for any help/advice, I'm very nervous about cutting a big hole in our boat!