One of our long-time clients sent us an e-mail asking about a quote that he had received to install an audio system in his 2016 Yamaha 242 jet boat. We have built several audio systems for this client. Both his motorhome and Audi A7 have upgraded audio systems. We know how he likes his music to sound. We suggested that, based on our experience with him, he upgrade some of the products in the quote he got from the shop.
The only reason he did not come to us first is that the boat is docked 3 hours away. After a few more conversations, he decided to bring the boat to us so we could measure it and design a system that would make him happy. We designed a few systems and provided a few options. The client knew that if he was going to be truly happy, he should listen to us. With his approval of a final system design, we scheduled three days to bring this Yamaha 242 audio system upgrade to life.
Preparation and Source Unit
We removed the factory head unit and speakers, and then started running new wiring through the boat for the amplifiers, an extra battery and more speakers. We added another battery to the boat to increase system play time. We installed a Rockford Fosgate PMX-5 Marine AM/FM/WB digital media receiver on the passenger side of the cockpit. We chose the Rockford because its remotes have full-color displays with all the information that is on the main unit. As for those remotes, we installed one at the helm and one on the swim platform.
Amplifiers and Speakers
We installed a JL Audio M800/8 and a pair of JL Audio M500/3 amplifiers. The amps are hidden and completely out of sight. In fact, the audio system does not take up any usable space on the boat. We configured the eight-channel amp as a six-channel amp with channels 5/6 and 6/7 bridged to provide 200 watts to each of the 6.5-inch JL Audio ETXv3 wakeboard tower speakers. We mounted the tower speakers to the ski tower using the M-MCPv3-DM surface mounting kit from JL Audio.
The remaining four channels of the M800/8 power two sets of JL Audio JL-M650-CCX-SG-TB 6.5-inch coaxial speakers in the front and rear locations. One of the three-channel amps powers a pair of M770-CCX-SG-TB 7.7-inch coaxial speakers on either side of the cockpit, while the subwoofer channel powers a JL Audio JL-M10IB5-SG-WH that we installed under the main passenger seat. The second three-channel amp powers another set of 7.7-inch coaxials near the swim platform and a set of M8IB5-SG-TB subwoofers that we installed under the rear bench seat.
As we mentioned, we know how this client likes to enjoy his music. Our quote was more expensive than that of our competitors, and yes, the client spent more than he had planned, but he knew that the investment was well worth it.
We specified JL Audio M-Series speakers exclusively. The M-Series Marine speakers are the flagship offerings from JL Audio. They use a larger 1-inch tweeter and integrate a premium passive crossover network into the speaker chassis. JL Audio M-Series speakers and subwoofers sound better and play louder than almost any other marine speaker on the market.
Yamaha 242 Audio System Delivery
We were blown away by how good this boat sounded.
Once we were done tuning the system, it was time to fire up all the amps at once and see if the system could rock. We have been building marine entertainment systems for years, and this boat blew us away. The bass was rock-solid and extended nice and deep. Vocals were clear, detailed and easy to listen to, even at insane volume levels. We could not wait for the client to arrive to be able to experience it for himself.
The client loved it. He was smiling from ear to ear before we even cranked up the volume.
If you are looking for an entertainment system for your boat, drop into Sound Depot and Performance in Gainesville, Florida. A member of our expertly trained sales staff would be very happy to help work with you to develop a solution that will meet your budget and exceed your performance goals. For more information, feel free to contact us by e-mail by clicking here.
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