2003 240 OUTRAGE: Installing More Loudspeakers

[Accurate]

I want to install more loudspeakers on my 2003 240 OUTRAGE under the aft gunwales. Because of the Unibond hull construction, I am concerned about:

• drilling a hole [large enough to accommodate a loudspeaker];
• if there will be sufficient room behind the gunwale to fit a loudspeaker, and
• if there will be a path to run wiring to the loudspeaker.

FOR READERS WHO HAVE INSTALLED MORE LOUDSPEAKERS ON A c.2003 240 OUTRAGE UNDER THE STERN GUNWALES:
Q1: how did you install the loudspeakers under the aft gunwales on a c.2003 240 OUTRAGE?

Q2: can you provide photographs that show how you installed the loudspeakers under the aft gunwales on a c.2003 240 OUTRAGE?

[jimh]

I am concerned about:

• drilling a hole [large enough to accommodate a loudspeaker];
• if there will be sufficient room behind the gunwale to fit a loudspeaker, and
• if there will be a path to run wiring to the loudspeaker.

Your concerns are justified.

In the construction of a Unibond hull, all the space between the hull molded part and the hull liner molded part will be filled with high-density foam.

If you were to cut a large diameter hole into the laminated surface of the inwales (that is the cockpit side bulkhead below the gunwales) you would find that the space between the outer hull laminate and the cockpit laminate is entirely filled with foam.

To then remove foam in that location would tend to create a void in the hull foam that would tend to weaken the hull at that point.

There would also not be any way to route wiring between the loudspeaker and the audio power amplifier that was to drive the loudspeaker in a concealed manner, that is, remaining behind the cockpit bulkhead.

I suggest you weight the value of the placement of the loudspeakers in the aft section of the cockpit inwales against the damage that this would create to the integrity of the Unibond hull.

If an overwhelming mandate exists that requires additional loudspeakers must be installed on your Boston Whaler boat cockpit inwales in the aft part of the cockpit, I would recommend you consider other ways to install the loudspeakers.

Two methods come to mind:

1. select very thin loudspeakers, and fashion an attractive wood fixture in which the loudspeakers would be mounted, and then the wood could be fastened to the cockpit inwales; or
2. obtain an appropriate size cooler and install the loudspeakers in the cooler, choosing the direction that the speakers will face as appropriate to where you will be locating the cooler on the aft cockpit deck surface, and provide a cable to connect the speakers to the power amplifier circuit that will be provided for them by running the wiring close to where the cooler will be located.

[Accurate]

Thanks Jimh, agree with all your points here, I have seen a picture of a similar year outrage with additional speakers in this location and wondered if it was a factory "option" perhaps. Looked at all the available Boston Whaler hull and sub-part drawings and couldn't find any mention hence reaching out here.

Will take your advice and mount elsewhere, perhaps on the T-Top will be best thinking through this.

Cheers.

[jimh]

Loudspeakers are most effective when they are mounted and directed toward the listener so their sound arrives at ear level and the listener is facing the loudspeaker.

[Jefecinco]

May I suggest a more cost effective means of sharing your taste in music with your guests. Bluetooth ear plugs or earphones. That will avoid bothering nearby boaters and nature with your entertainment.