Adding forward speakers to earlier (2007) Challenger 180

[Carboncow]

I want to add the two forward speaker as often seen in the latest Challenger 180 SE. Seems somewhat straight forward with approx. 6.5" speakers and a rotozip. Without removing the bow back pads there is really not much access to the back of that space to confirm what is back there. Therefor I would be assuming and cutting blind through the front. I'm not worried about running the wire but just what I may be getting into behind the glass since I cannot see anything.

Just center up template and rip away or is there something else to consider?

Maybe someone who has the speakers already has looked behind there.

Worst is that could happen is there is not enough room for some speakers with larger magnets!?!?

 

[Asecilop]

I just put in JBL 6.5" speakers at the bow. Nothing behind there to worry about where I put mine at.

 

[Carboncow]

Now that is a helpful and successful reply! Just wanted I needed. Those JBL are actually on my buy list. What is your take on them?

Did you keep your factory clarion or did you update and if so to what. I've got about $300.00 to spend on this project and I want to update speakers x 4 and possibly a new clarion head with a transom remote to come later then a small powered sub.

 

[Carboncow]

Also...what did you cut with?

 

[Asecilop]

Kept the clarions, but may replace in the future. The JBLs sound great. When i have the $$ I plan to do amp and maybe two more speakers. Used a Roto-zip of with multi use bits. Taped it off with painters tape. Used the cardboard holder from the speaker box to mark the hole and then cut it. Used electrical fish tape to feed the wire.

 

[Pirana]

Awesome...it's next on my to do list

 

[Pirana]

I just put in JBL 6.5" speakers at the bow. Nothing behind there to worry about where I put mine at. View attachment 34717

How did you ran the wires?

 

[Asecilop]

Took electrical fishing tape, fed it through the hole in the glove box where the existing ran and fed it all the way around the bow to the furthest speaker. Connected the wire for that one. Pulled it back to he next speaker and connected and pulled both through to the glove box.

 

[Carboncow]

Forgot to pull the rear speakers to confirm their size. Are they in fact 6.5"? I found some POLKS I like with 5.5" I can put up front and the 6.5" in the back. Is there room to cut out the holes larger if I chose to put in 7" or 8" in the rear?

Boat is away from me at the moment and I'd like to order speakers this weekend...

 

[Mike Barton]

I added JL audio 6.5" speakers to the passenger compartment on my 2009 challenger 180. I wasn't too confident about putting holes by the front like these others guys have done. There is nothing behind the fiberglass for the most part it's just sharp back there so wear gloves and use a wire fisher to get them where you want. I upgraded the 2 stock speakers with 6.5" JL audio speakers as well but had to make a custom ply wood piece so the speakers would mount in the 7" space. I upgraded the factory clarion head to a clarion m505 unit which seems pretty good so far. The glove box is not fun to run wires or make connections due to the weird angle but if you remove the door you'll be happier. There's surprisingly a lot of base from the JL audio marine 6.5" speakers. If I wasn't out on the water with young kids most of the time I would add a subwoofer and amp but the 4 speakers sound great. Of course the best part about the Seadoo is being able to drown out the stereo with the Rotax @ 8000 rpm!

 

[Diablo]

I just did mine today ... as when i got my boat 6 weeks ago the old speakers where basically kaput! and the deck for me was unsatisfactory pulled it all out and started again bought a new clarion m505 diskless with anew starboard remote then just fitted some new polk audio speakers and holy cow what a difference very happy with the outcome

 

[Carboncow]

Very cool remote location. We went for the digital display remote on transom and a wireless RF on the dash.

 

[Diablo]

Very cool remote location. We went for the digital display remote on transom and a wireless RF on the dash.

the old remote utilized up front on the bow area ...i then bought the y split cable and adapter lead got a new digital display remote on the dash and installed took me all of an hour to do including hole cutting. .Hell of a difference though.