So there are many factors that make you comfortable on the water, and having music is one of them, but standard household solutions are not really suitable for high humidity, splashes and constant vibration. acoustics Inflatable boat, requires detailed consideration.
Owners of inflatable watercraft often face a dilemma: whether to take a proven home option or look for a specialized one. sea-acousticsChoice errors cause the equipment to fail quickly, and improper installation can damage the boat itself, and it is important to understand the specifics of PVC materials and the effect of salt or fresh water on electronic components.
In this article, we will discuss all aspects of creating high-quality sound on board, you will learn about the types of protection, ways of attachment and nuances of power connection to your home. audiosystem It has been a pleasure for many years without endangering the safety of the boat.
Specifics of the choice of acoustics for inflatable vessels
The first thing to decide on is the security class of the equipment, and the normal speakers, even expensive ones, are not designed to get water on them and to be exposed to UV light. IP protectionwhich guarantees the tightness of the body.
The materials used to make the speaker body must be inert to corrosion. Metal mesh rusts quickly, and the glue that holds the parts together can dry out under the scorching sun. Therefore, priority is given to models made of plastic with additives resistant to UV radiation, and stainless steel brand. 316L.
Also, consider dimensions and weight. An overloaded transom or sideboard can change the performance of a light inflatable boat. Compact solutions often sound better in a confined cockpit space than bulky systems designed for open spaces.
- 🌊 Moisture protection: The minimum required standard is IP65, ideally IP67 or IP68 for full immersion.
- ☀️ Resistance to UV: The body and diffuser must not turn yellow or crack from the sun.
- ⚓ Anti-corrosion materials: Use of stainless steel and special coatings for contacts.
⚠️ Warning: Never use household acoustics without an additional sealed casing, even if you plan to remove it after fishing.
Materials and types of protected columns
The market offers several main categories of devices suitable for use on water. marine speakersThey're specifically designed for yachts and boats, but they're also great for PVC.
The second option is portable. Bluetooth speakers They're convenient because they don't require complex wiring or installation, but they often don't sound as good as stationary solutions, especially at high volumes, and they also have cold-fighting batteries.
The third type is the specialty ATV and snowmobile systems, which have similar water and dirt protection specifications, making them a great alternative for boaters looking for a balance between price and quality, and it's important to look at the type of connection, whether it's wired or wireless.
| Type of acoustics | Protection | Difficulty of installation | Average price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marine (Yachtmen) | IP65 - IP68 | High. | High. |
| Portable (Bluetooth) | IP67 | Minimum | Medium |
| For off-road equipment | IP65 - IP67 | Medium | Medium |
The myth of water resistance
Many people think that if you drop a column in water, it will last forever. It's not. Salt water aggressively corrodes contacts even with short-term contact, unless they're coated with special varnish or made of gold/platinum.
Planning of the installation site on the transom and sides
The choice of location for speakers is a balance between sound quality and boat safety. squirt-boardThis allows you to direct the sound towards the stern or back, creating a surround sound effect.
But the transom attachment has its risks: Vibration from the outboard motor is transmitted to rigid structural elements, which can lead to resonance and rattling of the plastic of the speakers, and when running on full gas, the transom is constantly poured with water.
The alternative is to attach a tent arcs or to special racks attached to the nozzles. fitting It reduces vibration but requires careful balancing so as not to disturb the stability of the vessel, and in any case, the wires must be laid so as not to be rubbed.
Technology of strengthening transom and fastening
Installation of heavy speakers on a soft side or a thin plywood transom panel is unacceptable without prior preparation. PVC fabric will not withstand the point load from fasteners, especially in conditions of dynamic loads on the wave.
To reinforce the transom, additional sheets of moisture-resistant plywood or composite materials are often used, which are glued to the main board. This distributes the load and prevents deformation. The fasteners must be made of stainless steel, and the holes must be carefully sealed.
If you attach speakers to the inflatable cylinder elements, use special platforms with a wide base, they are glued to the PVC fabric and have mounting points for bolts, which avoids punctures and tears of the material under the weight of the equipment.
☑️ Pre-drill check
⚠️ Warning: When drilling a transom board, always use a smaller diameter drill for the pilot hole to avoid chipping the plywood and damaging the outer layer of PVC if it comes onto the board.
Connection schemes and wiring protection
The electrical part is a high-risk area, and the water is a great conductor, and any spark in the area of the gasoline vapor can lead to disaster. shrink-tube with a glue layer inside.
To power the active acoustics or amplifier, you need to use a separate line from the battery. Laying the wires inside the boat should be done in corrugated hoses or cable channels to exclude mechanical damage and contact with sharp edges. Be sure to install a fuse on the plus wire directly at the battery terminal.
Use connectors with gilded contacts, such as: RCA Or specialized sea connectors, or even a boat with tape, you can't live long enough, and all cables should have a margin of length to dismantle, but not hang around freely.
Connection diagram:
Battery (+) -> Safety -> Mass switch -> Amplifier/Column
Battery (-) -> Body / Mass -> Amplifier / K>
Use silicone lubricant for electrical contacts before putting on the shrink, which will create an additional barrier to moisture and prevent oxidation.
It's important to remember polarity. The entangled plus and minus can instantly disable the electronics. Before you finalize your entire system, run a dry-shore test run.
Operation and care of audio equipment
Even the most protected equipment requires attention. After every foray into the water, especially if it was salt water, you have to wipe the column housings and fasteners with fresh water, the salt crystallizes and destroys the protective coatings.
Keeping a boat with electronics installed in winter in an unheated garage is risky. Temperature swings and humidity can lead to condensation inside the speakers. It's best to dismantle the removable elements and store them in heat.
Check the tightening of the mounting bolts regularly. Vibration has the property of unwinding joints. A weakened column can fall overboard or damage the side of the boat when rolling.
The main rule of longevity of acoustics on a boat is regular washing with fresh water and storage in a dry place in the off-season.
How to clean the speakers of oxides?
Use a soft brush and a solution of warm water with neutral detergent. Avoid aggressive chemicals that can damage the speaker's protective coating. After cleaning, be sure to dry the surfaces.
Can I wash the columns with Kercher?
Unless they have an IP67 or IP68 protection rating and you're not bringing a jet close to the grid with a pressure speaker.
What to do if the sound becomes hoarse?
It's probably moisture or dust, and you need to remove the safety net, check the integrity of the diffuser, dry the speaker, and if you have any wheezing, the speaker fails.