2004 SANTE Interior Speaker Replacement - Surface mount - removing mesh?

[snowpromod]

I have been searching the old posts to try to find some pointers on how to surface mount the interior speakers in our '04 SANTE! Can this be done without replacing the vinyl? I like the looks of the surface mount vs. speaker mesh, but looking to see how hard this is to do and see if it is worth it.

Any tips, tricks, pictures, or how to's would be greatly appreciated.

Need to decide on my replacement speakers as well, hmmmm.

[intrlaz]

There are several threads on this site regarding your questions. Check them out

I replace mine with the Polk 6.5. It's not hard and you don't need to replace the vinyl. There is a plastic ring inside the vinyl that I drilled pilot holes into.

[cupples]

I need to do this as well to my speakers in the bow. I guess I will have to search this forum and see what comes up.

[cupples]

I have searched and did not find much info with pictures. I like pictures. Anybody care to help a new boat owner out?

[jhiestand]

I just went through this exercise about a month or so ago and it makes a pretty significant difference. Looks less dated, plus helps sound out a ton. I used liquid-diet's technique, although I didn't cut the rings back any and as such, my speakers aren't as flush as his. They still look a ton better than stock. I wouldn't be surprised if the "mounting rings" method that Grant and a few others used would produce somewhat better acoustic results, but I prefer to minimize my "off water" time so that method seemed quickest and less risky to me.

[cupples]

Thanks for the reply. I guess I just need to just go ahead and tackle this project. I am just a little hesistant to mess up the vinyl.