A client from here in Metairie recently contacted the team at Prestige Car Audio and Marine to inquire about upgrading his custom wooden boat with a new stereo system. The center console boat was built by hand, and the woodwork is meticulous. The client wanted an audio system that would sound good, play loudly and look great. After inspecting the vessel and allowing the client to audition several speaker options in our store, we put together a system design that would look and sound amazing.
Custom Painted Marine Speakers
As is the case with any audio upgrade, the most important aspect of the system is its speakers. The client chose two sets of the amazing JL Audio M880-CCX-CG-WH 8.8-inch coaxial speakers. Our first task was to paint the grilles so that they would blend cosmetically into the interior. The golden-brown paint we came up with has a metallic that mimics the grain of the wood used in the boat.
The front speaker set is installed on the sides of the forward bench seat. The speakers point rearward toward the center console. The second set of 8.8-inch coaxial speakers is mounted on the front of the rear seat.
High-Power Marine Audio Amplification
The Prestige team called on a JL Audio M-series amplifier to power the speakers.
The speakers are powered by a JL Audio M800/8v2 eight-channel amplifier. The amplifier is rated to produce 75 watts of power per channel when each is connected to a single four-ohm speaker. Our technicians configured the amp in what is known as a bridged configuration. In this mode, we have four channels of amplification, each capable of producing up to 200 watts of power.
Marine Media Source Unit
A JL Audio MediaMaster radio was added as the source unit.
The system is fed by a JL Audio MediaMaster MM100s-BE media player. Our technicians mounted the radio to the right of the steering wheel, just below the Raymarine two-way radio. The MM100s-BE includes an AM/FM tuner, Bluetooth audio streaming capabilities and a USB port to play music from a memory stick.
Marine Lighting
We finished the project with the installation of Heise marine-grade LED lighting in the gunnels. The lighting provides a nice glow that makes moving around the boat after dark much safer. We took the time to make sure the light strips aren’t visible for a clean and tidy appearance.
Custom Wooden Boat Stereo Upgrade Project
With the stereo and lighting system installed in this gorgeous custom wooden boat, we called the client and let him know he could pick it up. When he arrived at Prestige Car Audio and Marine, we invited him onto the boat for a listen. He loved the way it sounds! If you are in the New Orleans area and want to upgrade your marine entertainment system, drop by our store or send us an e-mail using our contact page.
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