A powerful system for a small boat
Our team upgrades a Yamaha 21-footer

by Crutchfield's
Meet Jon Paul

From car racing to car stereos, I've written a lot of words about cars. Different words, even.
I spent years writing about cars and motorsports for some magazines you might've heard of (emphasis on "might've") despite having only the most basic understanding of what a carburetor does. It was that experience writing about cars that drew Crutchfield's attention. I began as a freelance contributor, using their vehicle research to write articles explaining how to install audio gear in specific vehicles.
Things went so well that they brought me in as a full-time writer and eventually made me an editor. Now I continue to write those vehicle profiles, other web features, product descriptions, and Crutchfield catalog articles. Let's just say I know some pretty cool stuff that'll help you install your car or marine audio system. Hopefully you'll have some fun along the way.
Before I joined the Crutchfield team, I honestly thought that good audio was anything loud enough to annoy pets and/or the neighbors. I was completely and amazingly wrong. The house sounds awesome these days and the latest car is next. And yes, we'll probably write an article about that, so stay tuned!
More about Jon
- Started at Crutchfield in 2012
- Automotive/Marine editor and primary creator and caretaker of the Crutchfield Research Garage
- Completed our thorough in-house Advisor training, and continued learning about the ins and outs of our various products
- Authored dozens of Crutchfield articles and hundreds of product presentations about car, marine, and ATV audio
- Attends dozens of vendor training events each year
- Recovering journalist – Jon spent a decade or so as a magazine writer and editor, and also as a freelance writer
- Former dockmaster
More from Jon Paul

All hands on deck
We never pass up a chance to learn more about the marine audio products we sell and how to install them. So when our friend Alex decided to upgrade the system on his Yamaha AR210, we told him to tow it to our headquarters and let our advisors do the work.
Boats like this are made for fun, but all that fun can get loud. Boaters with weak stereos tend to crank the volume, which makes bad sound even worse. We focused on adding a powerful system that Alex and his crew can really enjoy.

A powerful, practical receiver
The Fusion MS-UD650 receiver has 3-zone control, so Alex can get the sound he wants whether he’s on the lake or at the dock. The water-resistant "Uni-Dock" storage pocket behind the flip-down face lets him enjoy the music on his phone or device while it stays safe, dry, and charged

adding a remote to the swim deck
Mounting this Fusion marine remote control near the swim deck lets skiers and swimmers choose tunes and more. This NMEA 2000-certified remote/repeater can communicate with other NMEA 2000 devices connected to the network. You'll get the multi-zone entertainment control you want, plus important info you need, like depth, speed, and wind direction.

there's a hole in the boat
The remote is not easy to install, but the added convenience and control is worth the effort. Drilling the mounting hole for the remote isn't difficult, but you are drilling a hole in a boat, so it's best to work carefully. Measure, measure again, then triple-check your measurements. Be aware of everything around the area you'll be drilling into – wires, fuel lines, etc. And definitely wear eye protection.

double the bass
A pair of JL Audio marine subwoofers were installed out of sight, but they definitely make their presence felt when they get going. Each sub features M10W5 marine speakers mounted in a waterproof fiberglass enclosure. The enclosure is finished in black with a gel coat that'll stand up to weather and salt water, while the 10" driver is made to withstand the rigors of sea duty.

wet sounds speakers really rock
Volume matters, so we replaced the old speakers with powerful 6-1/2" Wet Sounds marine speakers. They fit right into the existing openings, and they sound terrific. These rugged speakers are made for marine use, with strong, durable Nylas™ (a combination of nylon and fiberglass) speaker frames and grilles that will withstand the rigors of life on the water.

hideaway amplifiers
The Wet Sounds HTX-6 6-channel amp (left) and HTX-1 mono sub amp (right) fit neatly into this portside storage cubby and produce plenty of clean power. Designed by boaters for boaters, these Hydro-Tech™ X amps have conformal-coated circuit boards, sealed, salt-water resistant heat sinks, and stainless steel hardware.

BIG POWER FOR THE TOWER
When we cranked the 8" Wet Sounds Rev 8 B-SC marine tower speakers, people walking through the parking lot were blown away by the volume and accuracy. These speakers feature stainless steel hardware, including swiveling clamps that will fit a variety of tower sizes. Even if you don't have a tower, the clamps can be used on most any suitable tubes or railings on your boat.

Build your own marine system
This is a very impressive system, but you probably want to design something different for your boat. We can help with that. Check out our complete selection of marine audio gear and marine wiring to see what you like. If you're not sure what's right for your boat, ask one of our Crutchfield Advisors. We're here to help you create the marine stereo of your dreams. Just give us a call.
rudy from Mcallen tx
Posted on 4/26/2019
what cable did you use how many feet auge etcétera, also i can see an audio proceso or something there, can yo u supply more specific guide of what you used
Jon Paul from Crutchfield
on 4/29/2019
Jon Paulette from Crutchfield
Posted on 8/11/2017
Ryan and Brad, That boat has a dual battery setup and you can select either battery or both at the same time (it came from the factory like that). The boat owner typically uses one battery and keeps the other one on reserve. There is a stator/generator on the engine(s) that charges the batteries when the boat is running.
Ryan
Posted on 8/11/2017
I'd actually like to hear the answer to the alternator question too. Is there some info you could post here?
Brad Carver
Posted on 7/6/2017
I would assume this boat runs on the small jet ski style powerplants that don't use traditional alternators... if so, how did you supply the power with this install? I am looking at doing something similar my boat.