Best 12" sub for Nautique

[natedog]

I've got a 96 super sport and wondering what anyone's opinions are on the best 12" sub to use. I've used an Alpine type R in my last boat with a 600 watt amp and it was nice but i had to turn the gain down and i never was able to get it to hit like i thought it should. i would be using a sealed box and i was thinking about putting it behind the drivers kick panel and porting the kick panel. I cant really find any pics on here that show other people's sub locations. Thanks for any input.

[EarmarkMarine]

natedog,
A 12-inch subwoofer typically requires a sealed box with an external displacement of 1.75 cu. ft. Fairly large for that space. My suggestion would be to start with your enclosure rather than the woofer. First determine the maximum space available, the shape and dimensions plus the orientation of the woofer so that it clears all obstacles. Then the enclosure should dictate which subwoofer best fits the application. The amount of amplifier power may also determine which type of woofer works best and whether sensitivity or power handling is the primary objective has to be considered. You'll certainly get alot better performance this way rather than choosing by brand or how a particular woofer may have worked in a diifferent scenerio.

David
Earmark Marine

[natedog]

Thanks, do you have any suggestions for the placement in the boat that would maximize the enclosure space and sound the best, under the driver consul or passenger side consul? Also if i run a moderate amp for a sub (500 watts) and an amp for the mids/highs 350-400 watts, should i use a second battery?

[EarmarkMarine]

natedog,
Yes, I would always run a second battery, a simple dual battery switch and a shore charger.
You'll never have a worry and you'll get twice the battery life.
I would use the available space under the driver's helm console even if I had to compromise the size of the woofer.Why? An unobstructed 10-inch will sound far and away better than a 12 within any storage compartment. So back to my original suggestion of a sequential design based on first, taking what the boat gives you, second, let the boat dictate the enclosure, third, optimize the woofer to the enclosure, and fourth, match your amplifier with the woofer. A balanced design will provide the best performance and value.

David
Earmark Marine

[natedog]

David, do you know the best way to pull the vinyl panel off to replace the stock 6.5" speakers on a 96 super sport, i have not tried yet but i would like some tips so i don't damage any of the vinyl or panel.

[wake_fun]

Just unbolt it from the backside. You will see all the nuts on the backside.

[natedog]

thanks wake fun, what kind of 6.5" mids/highs are you running, do you have pics of where you put your sub andwhat kind of prop are you running to counter the weight of your ballast, thanks.

[wake_fun]

check my stereo link in my sig..........I'm running an ACME 644.