Question about Adding Transom Speakers to a 320DA.

SeaAyeOwe

SeaAyeOwe

Member
Dec 17, 2013
495
Vancouver BC Canada
Boat Info
2005 Sea Ray Sundancer 320
Merc. 350 MPI Stern Drives
Blue Hull
Zodiac C285S Dinghy w/ Yamaha 15H
Engines
2 x MERCRUISER 350 HORIZON 300 HP gasoline engines w/Bravo III Drives
Guys, I have to replace my swim platform clarion remote unit (seems to have had water ingress). I started wondering if I should add transom speakers for the rear of the boat. What I really want to do is improve the sound in the back cockpit seats and when out on the swim platform, in the water. I imagine a pair of 6 to 8 inch 60 to 100W marine speakers are where I would be looking.

A few questions for the SeaRay savvy here.
Has anyone added transom speakers to the 320DA and did you find it worth it?
Does the stock clarion head have spare speaker outputs or do I need to add a seperate amp?
I have Polk speakers, tweeters and subwoofer - should I only add Polk or does it not matter.

I guess I may need to share more information on my questions so fore away if you need more to be helpful.

Dave
 
Dave, I don’t know specifics with your model, but here are some thoughts I have. Depending on how many speakers you have now, in the cabin and in the cockpit, would probably tell you if you have any “extra” outputs for transom speakers. Your head unit may have an extra line level output (RCA), if so, you could add another amp to power the transom speakers. But, do you feel you need the extra speakers? Can you hear your stereo in the water now, and is it satisfactory? On my 330, I have been toying the thought of doing this and am still thinking it over. The system I have developed is really quite good and is eaily heard in and on the water. (I probably just answered my own question!) I have seen other DA’s that have added transom speakers walking the docks. I don’t know them nor do I have first hand experience listening to them. They look OK on the back, and it would be an easy (if you don’t mind cutting your fiberglass) install. If you decide to move forward and install them, get what ever brand you like, but make sure they can take a good dousing of water from time to time! Let us know what you decide to do!!

Matt
 
Matt, we often spend a lot of time on the hook with quite a few other vessels around and to get a volume that I feel you can hear (I do like reasonably loud) from the arch and helm speakers it gets cranked up quite a lot.
My main issue is I feel bad blasting everone else with my music taste - i was hoping that the directional orientation of the transom speakers would help with this. Having said that I may be completely wrong - and by the way, this is also one of those jobs I may talk myself out of :grin:

Hifirush said:
Dave, I don’t know specifics with your model, but here are some thoughts I have. Depending on how many speakers you have now, in the cabin and in the cockpit, would probably tell you if you have any “extra” outputs for transom speakers. Your head unit may have an extra line level output (RCA), if so, you could add another amp to power the transom speakers. But, do you feel you need the extra speakers? Can you hear your stereo in the water now, and is it satisfactory? On my 330, I have been toying the thought of doing this and am still thinking it over. The system I have developed is really quite good and is eaily heard in and on the water. (I probably just answered my own question!) I have seen other DA’s that have added transom speakers walking the docks. I don’t know them nor do I have first hand experience listening to them. They look OK on the back, and it would be an easy (if you don’t mind cutting your fiberglass) install. If you decide to move forward and install them, get what ever brand you like, but make sure they can take a good dousing of water from time to time! Let us know what you decide to do!!

Matt
Click to expand...
 
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Do over, exactly what do you mean by a "pod", have you installed one or could you share pics ?
Do Over said:
How about just adding a pod on the radar arch with forward and rearward facing speakers?
Click to expand...
 
SeaAyeOwe said:
Now that looks cool - I am sure I would need another amp for that so it looks like I need to do some sleuthing today to make sure I have a spare output on the head.

do you know if pulling speaker wires into the arch is a big deal?
Click to expand...


Not to sure but since there's wires run already for the factory speakers I can't imagine it's too difficult.
 
SeaAyeOwe said:
Now that looks cool - I am sure I would need another amp for that so it looks like I need to do some sleuthing today to make sure I have a spare output on the head.

do you know if pulling speaker wires into the arch is a big deal?
Click to expand...

I understand your desire to add to the transom, it seems it would be your best way of keeping your music to yourself! If you choose to go with the arch pod, pulling cable through the arch is pretty easy. Be patient and use a fiberglass fish with a plastic tip, to protect any other cables inside.

Matt
 
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