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I don't want to install a stereo head, but I DO want tunes!

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scooper77515

freebie fixer
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Do they make a medium sized amp, in the 100-150 watt range, that has just a single 1/8" input, so I can do all the volume adjustments from my ipod/cell phone? I don't want to have a cd player, radio, or anything else. Just a jack for my phone, going into the amp, and then to 2 speakers (for now, may add more later).

Something where I could just drill a hole and mount the female jack under my steering colum or even inside the front steering storage compartment, and leave the cellphone inside there keeping everything dry and hidden.

Model numbers, brands, and any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Also, can my used Jensen marine speakers be mounted into the back of the boat below the engine hatch, or even into the back of the hatch, and would they be able to withstand the environmental abuses of being mounted there? We spend most of our time floating off the back of the boat or sitting on the swim platform, and I think that would be the best place for speakers.

Either the top two or the bottom two red spots.
 

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And, I am NOT looking for top of the line, or even very loud. Just for personal use while sitting and chilling. I don't want everyone in the world hearing it, and I won't be listening to music while wakeboarding, or most likely while the engine is running at all. Budget build, but semi-waterproof.
 
I would put the speakers in the boat. That way you get to enjoy them in there while cruising and when you anchor you can still use them. With an amp and 4 speakers you can easily hear them outside the boat.
 
I may put a set inside the boat later, but when cruising, at least for now, I don't think we will listen to music.

We spend 80% of our time on the beach or near the beach, or just out in the deep end just floating off the back of the boat, sipping sodas or beers. So the first set of speakers would be more effective on the back.

If I can hear the inside speakers from outside the boat, then it is likely too loud.

We listen to reggae and some other music with the occassional curse word or sexual reference, or marijuana reference (hard to find decent reggae without it) and most of our beaches have lots of families and kids near, so we need to keep the music quiet and low so only we can hear it.

So, any suggestions on decent/cheap/smallish marine-proof amp? Especially if that wire is all I need. I have those laying around all over the place.

Again, I will probably just mount it under the steering console so it should stay dry, for the most part.
 
I have a mid-szied amp in my truck hooked up to a hidden 10" sub and 4 door speakers...I may go out and try my phone on it and see if I like the way it works.
 
If cheap is your main concern without adding a radio to the boat. I think that is exactly how it is going to sound. You really get what you pay for. If you just throw in some cheap speakers and hook to some cheap amp with an ipod. It is gonna sound like crap. You might as well just get a portable radio that is waterproof or a waterproof ipod dock and sit it on the back of the boat. You get cheap tunes and dont have to modify the boat.

This one even floats in the water.

http://www.sizzletwist.com/excal-float-ipod-spk.html
 
Yeah! That is pretty much what I am looking for.

It is a cheap boat, I don't plan on sinking a crapload into a stereo system. And volume or even top-end sound quality aren't really an issue. Just something to help us relax while on the water swillin a beer or three :cheers:

I already have a set of speakers, so with one of those kits, I can install a set inside and one in the back.

Speaking of the back, are either of those back locations from first picture safe for marine speakers?

Might even be able to mount all of this near the battery in the engine bay and minimize wiring...Maybe inside a second battery box just to keep it semi-dry.
 
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I dont really know the setup inside the engine compartment of your boat, but i think you can pretty much put holes anywhere as long as you seal them up if they have a chance of getting water in. I think those lower holes would function and look the best for you. Just put a bead of silicone around the hole before you screw the speaker in place.
 
So the speakers are 100% waterproof, not just water resistant?

It was the speaker getting wet that I was worried about, more so than the holes leaking.
 
I wouldnt go dunking them underwater, but for the most part they are waterproof. Marine speakers can handle getting wet, rained and sprayed off with a hose. The ones in that kit do claim to be waterproof and for marine use.
 
How's this one? I can get it for about $40 after my discounts.

A little bigger, but gives me room to grow later on if I want to add more speakers or a sub (which is not out of the realm of possibilities if we find we cannot afford a bigger boat after we buy our next house).

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Boss+Ma...0&skuId=9041592&st=marine amplifier&cp=1&lp=3

137.jpg
 
I like that one better, with less wattage.

I don't work there, but I buy so much stuff from them for my work that I have $85 worth of reward zone points banked up. So even that one would run me about half-price.
 
The wife got home and I showed her this, and she really likes the idea of mounting them on the engine hatch up high, and having the option for more speakers inside later on.

So, I thinki it is a "GO"!:hurray:
 
Yes, I agree that that might be so.

This won't happen until we get out of this house and I get to a place where I can park the boat close by and work on it. Maybe 2-3 more weeks.

Thinking of buying the amp NOW to keep me on track, though. :reddevil:

But the speakers are in a box in storage SOMEWHERE!!!:confused:

I need to get the boat out and take a good look at where everything is, and how flat the panels are before I make any serious decision.

Currently, I am going off just that picture in the first post...:ack:
 
Keep us informed of how it works out works out for Ya..What Inquiring minds want to know and don't bogart the pics :rofl:r
 
Oh, don't worry. I LOVE to post pictures!!!

But like I said, it may be a couple weeks before I do this. We are in the process of selling one house and moving 90 minutes north closer to the lake, so I won't have much time to work on the boat until AFTER we get moved.
 
Hey, that is pretty cool! And you gave it it's own battery, too!

I have decided to do the simple second-battery-with-A/B/Both switch. Just seems like the simple way to do it.
 
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