Sub/sub enclosure in 05’ 226

[ArmourNautique]

Last year we updated entire stereo including head unit, WS cabin speakers, Rev 10s, and WS zone controller. All new WS amps powering everything. Only thing we didn’t change was the sub. Left stock tube sub and stock amp to power. Extremely happy with everything except sub contribution.
Winter projects include updating sub. Any recommendations out there for a good sub/enclosure/amp selection. Don’t need it to blow the doors off but would like to have it at least keep up with other upgrades! Thanks for the help!


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[MLA]

Biggest thing is either getting the woofer out of the closed insulated locker or venting the locker. The later may be easier on your 226. Stepping up to a 12" will also make a significant difference.

[ArmourNautique]

Thanks MLA. I have read a few notes about adding a vent. Seems like it wouldn’t be too hard. What about brand/power/enclosure size for sub? Recommendations on where to buy or do I need to have custom made?


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[MLA]

A custom built enclosure will certainly get you the most. Better quality as it will be built for the marine environment, unlike an off the shelf trunk liner carpet covered raw MDF car box. You have control over the shape and size of the enclosure so you can build it to fit the best possible spot. You can build the enclosure to match the woofer better then a pre-made, especially if you go with a ported enclosure setup. However, it does come with a greater investment though.

id go with an amp thats going to deliver in the 400-800 watt rms range. Mono amp wattage is very reasonably priced. This range will give you good bass output.

Brand? Lots of viable options. Certainly some benefits to a marine amp over a nor marine, but for a fresh water trailer boat, its not super high on my list to go marine if there is another amp that best fits the build. For the woofer, there are some build qualities I would look for in a woofer, over others. Ribber surround over foam, composite cone over paper or cellulose (often called hybrid as its paper backed with a laminate on the front), synthetic spider over cotton based, Composite or aluminum basket over steel, closed magnet over exposed. The Wet Sounds Revo-12 comes to mind as you can likely match its grill to the existing in-boats and the HTX-2 amp.