plainsman5 Posted February 18, 2016 Report Share Posted February 18, 2016 I am going to install the new JL Audio 8's in the aft end of my rod lockers. I have no idea what to expect when cutting my holes. Any suggestions, tips or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys! Jason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Jazzy Posted February 18, 2016 Report Share Posted February 18, 2016 First, measure three to four times before you cut. Tape over the entire area with blue painters tape to keep from chipping the gel coat and to not scratch the gel coat that the speaker will not cover. Trace the hole out on to the tape(I use a permanent marker). The deck will be about 1/2" thick in that area and there will probably be some spray foam behind it. I used a jig saw to cut the hole with a metal blade, cuts smoother. There are other tools for cutting. Just use the one you are more comfortable with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh B Posted February 18, 2016 Report Share Posted February 18, 2016 I can't say for sure on your boat, but on my 2013 23 HPS they fit no problem, on my 2016 23 HPS the compartments are shallower and I had to notch out the back of them to fit. Either way you can get rubber baskets to cover the back. I would recommend this handy gadget. It's what I use and works well. Can get at Lowes or Home Depot for less than $10-12 I think. http://mdm.boschwebservices.com/files/Dremel%20Rotary%20Accessory%20678-01%20(EN)%20r19894v15.jpg Josh B. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish Food Posted February 19, 2016 Report Share Posted February 19, 2016 If running speaker wire, use good, appropriate wire. Make sure your connections to the speakers are solid and tight. Add some corrosion spray after connected like Boeshield. After you put on the tape and outline with a marker, take the cover and put it over the mark so that you see what the final product looks like and also to see that it is positioned the way you want it - clearance from anything around, etc. Use the gaskets provided or just a bit of silicone to keep out all water, add a dab on each screw as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FINCHASER Posted February 19, 2016 Report Share Posted February 19, 2016 The holes are the easy part... use whatever tool you feel comfy with. I used a dremel with a roto cut bit. Running the wires is what can be difficult, it may be easier on your older hull but on mine there was no gap to get it thru on the stbd side so I had to route with port side and then around the inside of the compartments to stbd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustang190 Posted February 19, 2016 Report Share Posted February 19, 2016 Why not go with wireless speakers? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
koondog Posted February 19, 2016 Report Share Posted February 19, 2016 The holes are the easy part... use whatever tool you feel comfy with. I used a dremel with a roto cut bit. Running the wires is what can be difficult, it may be easier on your older hull but on mine there was no gap to get it thru on the stbd side so I had to route with port side and then around the inside of the compartments to stbd Finchaser,,, do you have the 8'' JL's on your 20? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plainsman5 Posted February 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2016 Thanks guys for your input. Greatly appreciated! I hope to get them installed over the weekend. I will be as nervous as a long-tail cat in a room full of rocking chairs cutting holes that large.. :crazy: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FINCHASER Posted February 19, 2016 Report Share Posted February 19, 2016 The holes are the easy part... use whatever tool you feel comfy with. I used a dremel with a roto cut bit. Running the wires is what can be difficult, it may be easier on your older hull but on mine there was no gap to get it thru on the stbd side so I had to route with port side and then around the inside of the compartments to stbd Finchaser,,, do you have the 8'' JL's on your 20? I have the MX-650's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buttapollock101 Posted February 19, 2016 Report Share Posted February 19, 2016 I just installed 8.8's in my boat the other day. I used a dremel tool with a routing bit. Easy work, buy a couple of bits and do not force or use too much pressure as its a small bit. Best of luck. I'll be installing more this weekend possibly. I hope you have plenty of amp power for them. What did you go with? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plainsman5 Posted February 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 19, 2016 I called JL and asked if the M4300 would be sufficient and they said yes. I have had it for a couple years just sitting around....if anyone think that's a bad idea, please let me know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CG RYAN Posted February 21, 2016 Report Share Posted February 21, 2016 Robert you must be more patient than me. I went through 12.00 worth of bits in 5 minutes and broke out my sawzall when I was cutting out my new splash well hatch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishEyez Posted February 21, 2016 Report Share Posted February 21, 2016 Buttapollock, How do you like the 8s. Can you compare to the 7.7s? I'm still on the fence with going with 7.7s in the rod lockers and 8s in the console. Was thinking of running a Fusion H/U and a JL amp. My apologies if I've derailed. Cliff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plainsman5 Posted February 21, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 21, 2016 Fin chaser, Your starboard speaker wires are on the inside of the compartments? If so, don't you worry about something damaging those wires? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buttapollock101 Posted February 21, 2016 Report Share Posted February 21, 2016 Robert you must be more patient than me. I went through 12.00 worth of bits in 5 minutes and broke out my sawzall when I was cutting out my new splash well hatch. Not sure your problem, maybe my boat is built cheaper? I've cut speakers in my Mav, my bro's pontoon and now the L&B. No issues with the dremel. You have to let the bit do the cutting and not over power the little tool. I imagine with your brute force that's your problem! Haha. Bring it on down to FL I'll do it for u. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buttapollock101 Posted February 21, 2016 Report Share Posted February 21, 2016 Buttapollock,How do you like the 8s. Can you compare to the 7.7s? I'm still on the fence with going with 7.7s in the rod lockers and 8s in the console. Was thinking of running a Fusion H/U and a JL amp. My apologies if I've derailed. Cliff So far I'm happy with the new speakers, it's only been one boat trip so far. My wife noticed the b*** difference, I'm going to be bridging my amp JL m400/4 amp for the 8's and then I'll be able to answer your question better. JL 7.7's are still very good. If you have room do the 8.8's bigger is usually better! If your going from not having speakers or money is a concern the 7.7's are very good. Best of luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cajun4746 Posted February 24, 2016 Report Share Posted February 24, 2016 I have both 8.8s and 7.7s in my 2200. JL1000w amp. It sounds great! Thinking of adding 10" subs, but not sure I need it with the 8's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishEyez Posted February 24, 2016 Report Share Posted February 24, 2016 Thanks Butta, I have 7.7s in my 22 now with Clarion H/U and M400 amp. I'm rigging out the new boat (23 HPS) and going to go with 7.7s in the rod locker and 8.8s in the console with a Fusion H/U and JL M400 amp. Should work out fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buttapollock101 Posted February 24, 2016 Report Share Posted February 24, 2016 Just bridged my amp and what a difference. These 8.8's are awesome, they are so much louder then before. If anyone is on the fences about 7.7 vs 8.8 and you can fit the 8.8 get the 8.8's. Push them with a lot of power and enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rico Posted March 30, 2016 Report Share Posted March 30, 2016 Hey buttapollock101 could you post some pictures of the 8s? I would like to see how they look on the Pathfinder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buttapollock101 Posted March 31, 2016 Report Share Posted March 31, 2016 Sorry no pathfinder. L&B 24. JL m800/8 8.8's are bridged, 7.7's are each on a channel. 8.8's on the side 7.7's removable on the rear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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