Boat Sound System Upgrade: Head unit & powered subwoofer

I'm installing an audio upgrade on my boat this weekend and replacing the stock Jenson head unit. I'm not trying to make ripples on the water like in Jurassic Park; I just want a fuller sound while out on the water.

Upgrading to Bluetooth with a

$98 Sony DSXM55BT Bluetooth Marine Digital Media Stereo Receiver SiriusXM Ready, Single DIN

Sony DSXM55BT, a 55-watt marine-specific unit. It has RCA outs for the two existing JBL 6.5" speakers to the left and right.




I'll mount this

$370 KICKER 51HS10 10" Hideaway Under-Seat Powered Car Subwoofer Compact Sub HS10

Kicker Hideaway 10 and the gain control knob underneath the steering console. I'll have to make RCA connections to the harness. At 180 watts, it should provide enough low end to fill out the sound in my three-speaker setup.



I've done electrical wiring before, but never auto-based audio and never on a boat. I would appreciate any tips or advice you can give me.

 

Use heatshrink on the wire splices. and do you have a radio cover as that is not a marine grade receiver.

 

This Sony unit is said to have a coated PCB board for marine applications. It is not waterproof, but it is somewhat resistant. Still, a cover is not a bad idea. I have heat shrink, which I'll follow up with electrical tape on each connection if you suggest it.

 

no need for the tape especially around water as it turns to goo eventually. you can get the waterproof cover like this: https://www.scosche.com/aqua-marine...6oqN79SAfSYay3YkVpqEYeTwROGh4Nivcy5Dnu0&gQT=1

 

and one more thing, make sure you brace the head unit properly as they will bounce like crazy in a boat. Ive used studs to screw in to the red marked holes and then used flat aluminum to make braces for it if youre only installing it through fiberglass.

 

Great call. I've seen some pictures of people using aluminum bracing on the backside to lock the units into place. Yes- I will be using a pass-through fiberglass mount.

Here's the area I'll be working with:

 

I'm familiar. Was a marine mechanic in a past life, wired lots of radios, depth sounders and radars. your unit may already have braces.