Has anyone installed cockpit stereo speakers in a CD36? I'm hesitant to cut holes in the fiberglass and even if I was willing to do so it seems as if the aft sail locker is the only place that would accept a symmetrical installation. Any thoughts or experience? Thanks.
Bob Grabham
CD36 "Hunky Dory"
grabhamb@chesterfield.gov
Cockpit Stereo Speakers for CD36
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Warren Kaplan
Re: Cockpit Stereo Speakers for CD36
We had a discussion about this a couple of months back concerning this on a CD27. Same business about cutting more holes in the cockpit. Look in the archives. Some people are hanging (or installing) the speakers to the stern pulpit. Don't need to cut any big holes. Bill Goldsmith did it a pretty neat way (as he usually does everything, I might add).
Warren Kaplan
S/V Sine Qua Non
CD27 #166
Setsail728@aol.com
Warren Kaplan
S/V Sine Qua Non
CD27 #166
Setsail728@aol.com
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Jerry Axler
Re: Cockpit Stereo Speakers for CD36
I installed stereo speakers several years ago and have had no problems. I installed them in the cut outs in the seat backs and have them facing aft. I reasoned that although they are waterproof it would be best to place them in a protected area. The only issue is if there is a crowd aboard someone sitting in front of the cutout tends to muffle the sound.Bob Grabham wrote: Has anyone installed cockpit stereo speakers in a CD36? I'm hesitant to cut holes in the fiberglass and even if I was willing to do so it seems as if the aft sail locker is the only place that would accept a symmetrical installation. Any thoughts or experience? Thanks.
Bob Grabham
CD36 "Hunky Dory"
cutter36@erols.com
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Chris Scheck
Re: Cockpit Stereo Speakers for CD36
Permanently installed stereo speakers in the cockpit of a Cape Dory??? Isn't there a law against that? It sounds so ... powerboat. Why don't you just buy a Hunter with that nice radar arch ... it's a perfect place to mount speakers.
cscheck@aol.com
cscheck@aol.com
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Bob Grabham
Re: Cockpit Stereo Speakers for CD36
Ah, the purists are among us. I used to own a Beneteau and towed a dinghy around with my old Akai reel to reel tape deck and some Sansui speakers. A small generator on the bow provided sufficient amperage to listen to my live recordings of Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin recorded in Berkeley in the late 60's. Oh, how I long for the good old days.
grabhamb@chesterfield.gov
grabhamb@chesterfield.gov
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Chris Reinke - CD330
Re: Cockpit Stereo Speakers for CD36
Bob - I mounted a set of "weather proof" mini-box speakers on either side of my binacle, under the instriment pods. They hang just above the folding cockpit table. They are removable (wing nuts and quick connects) so I can secure them below when not in use and I avoided cutting my cockpit. The speaker wire runs inside the binacle and each quick connect has a small rubber cover to protect the terminals from moisture. The speaker boxes are very small and not obtrusive. The sound is pretty good and althought I do not crank Hendrix, Jimmy Buffett sounds great at sunset, with a nice bottle of wine.
Chris Reinke
CD330 Innisfail
Chris Reinke
CD330 Innisfail
Bob Grabham wrote: Has anyone installed cockpit stereo speakers in a CD36? I'm hesitant to cut holes in the fiberglass and even if I was willing to do so it seems as if the aft sail locker is the only place that would accept a symmetrical installation. Any thoughts or experience? Thanks.
Bob Grabham
CD36 "Hunky Dory"
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Brian W.
do you mean mounted on the pedstal???
Chris,
You mentioned they hang above the folding cockpit table- does that mean you have them mounted on the pedstal? I may be misunderstanding how they're mounted, but on the pedstal would be WAY too close to the compass and the magnets would cause all sorts of incorrect readings.
If I misinterpretted this, please disregard, but thought I'd point it out.
Brian
I mounted a set of "weather proof" mini-box speakers on either side of my binacle, under the instriment pods. They hang just above the folding cockpit table. They are removable (wing nuts and quick connects) so I can secure them below when not in use and I avoided cutting my cockpit. The speaker wire runs inside the binacle and each quick connect has a small rubber cover to protect the terminals from moisture. The speaker boxes are very small and not obtrusive. The sound is pretty good and althought I do not crank Hendrix, Jimmy Buffett sounds great at sunset, with a nice bottle of wine.
You mentioned they hang above the folding cockpit table- does that mean you have them mounted on the pedstal? I may be misunderstanding how they're mounted, but on the pedstal would be WAY too close to the compass and the magnets would cause all sorts of incorrect readings.
If I misinterpretted this, please disregard, but thought I'd point it out.
Brian
I mounted a set of "weather proof" mini-box speakers on either side of my binacle, under the instriment pods. They hang just above the folding cockpit table. They are removable (wing nuts and quick connects) so I can secure them below when not in use and I avoided cutting my cockpit. The speaker wire runs inside the binacle and each quick connect has a small rubber cover to protect the terminals from moisture. The speaker boxes are very small and not obtrusive. The sound is pretty good and althought I do not crank Hendrix, Jimmy Buffett sounds great at sunset, with a nice bottle of wine.
Chris Reinke - CD330 wrote: Chris Reinke
CD330 Innisfail
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Chris Scheck
Re: Cockpit Stereo Speakers for CD36
Bob ... your choice of music is admirable, and you haven't cut holes for your speakers ... yet. As to being a "purist," it's something I strive for every day.
Here are other ways to spot the true believers among us ...
REAL CAPE DORIES don't have vinyl lettering on their transoms. They have names that were painted on by an old guy named "Shaky".
REAL CAPE DORIES aren't piloted by microprocessors and video screens. Their nav stations are filled with paper charts and hinged rulers and antique (brass) dividers.
REAL CAPE DORIES don't have air conditioning. Don't need it ... they're in Maine in August anyway.
REAL CAPE DORIES don't have names like Fan-T-Sea, Wet 'N Wild or Mommie's Mink. They're named for 19th century women like Sarah or SAT words like Halcyon.
REAL CAPE DORIES don't have black dock lines that came in a box from West Marine. They have regular white lines that were hand-spliced over the winter by the owner, with a little help from the diagrams in Chapman's.
REAL CAPE DORIES are owned by people whose heroes are Thomas Jefferson, Jimi Hendrix and Andy Valvolotis (not necessarily in that order) While others struggle with the moral dilemma inherent in "Paper ... or plastic?" real Cape Dory owners ponder "Cetol ... or varnish?"
REAL CAPE DORIES are owned by people who read a friend's copy of "Wooden Boat" once or twice a year, but have decided that fiberglass, like television, is a justifiable compromise in today's world.
Bob, put the sabre saw away. The first owner of my '65 Corvette thought it needed permanently mounted stereo speakers too. I hear he's in a special place in Corvette hell right now.
cscheck@aol.com
Here are other ways to spot the true believers among us ...
REAL CAPE DORIES don't have vinyl lettering on their transoms. They have names that were painted on by an old guy named "Shaky".
REAL CAPE DORIES aren't piloted by microprocessors and video screens. Their nav stations are filled with paper charts and hinged rulers and antique (brass) dividers.
REAL CAPE DORIES don't have air conditioning. Don't need it ... they're in Maine in August anyway.
REAL CAPE DORIES don't have names like Fan-T-Sea, Wet 'N Wild or Mommie's Mink. They're named for 19th century women like Sarah or SAT words like Halcyon.
REAL CAPE DORIES don't have black dock lines that came in a box from West Marine. They have regular white lines that were hand-spliced over the winter by the owner, with a little help from the diagrams in Chapman's.
REAL CAPE DORIES are owned by people whose heroes are Thomas Jefferson, Jimi Hendrix and Andy Valvolotis (not necessarily in that order) While others struggle with the moral dilemma inherent in "Paper ... or plastic?" real Cape Dory owners ponder "Cetol ... or varnish?"
REAL CAPE DORIES are owned by people who read a friend's copy of "Wooden Boat" once or twice a year, but have decided that fiberglass, like television, is a justifiable compromise in today's world.
Bob, put the sabre saw away. The first owner of my '65 Corvette thought it needed permanently mounted stereo speakers too. I hear he's in a special place in Corvette hell right now.
cscheck@aol.com
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Bill Goldsmith
Here's what I did on Second Chance
Thanks for Warren's kind words below. And to all the purists, I am on your side, as I was loathe to cut any fiberglass in the installation of the stereo. In fact, were I to remove the stereo, the only evidence remaining of the existence of the stereo would be some small screw holes in the headliner where I mounted the CD player and some small boltholes in the starboard forward bulkhead where I mounted the amp. However, I am not on the side of the "purists" who object to any music system on a Cape Dory!!! (More about that below).
First, the speakers, which is your question. I bought the fully enclosed waterproof low magnetic PolyPlanar speakers at the 2000 Sail Expo in Atlantic City. They sound great. I couldn't bring myself to spring for the Bose but they probably sound even better. I used the included mounting brackets and ziptied the brackets to the sternrail at the T-weld joint. Since I have a bulkhead mounted compass, it is the farthest point away from the compass. I would guess that even with the binnacle compass/wheel setup, hanging low-magnetic speakers from the sternrail would be preferable to mounting speakers the cockpit somewhere.
Yes the speakers look a little klunky hanging from the sternrail. However, since they are only semipermanent installations (with zipties), I can remove them in advance of the Cape Dory Temperance Society inspection visit. I can also remove them for the winter. And they sound great there.
I hung the CD player from the headliner above the starboard settee, in the waterproof plastic box sold by West Marine. I installed a 100W Jensen Amp in the hanging locker. My friend Mark helped me wire it all up. The speaker wires go under the deck in the cockpit lockers, through the stern rail, and exit right next to each speaker. The amp really helps in being able to hear the music over the diesel when motoring. And if I am careful, it does not deplete the battery much (I don't have much else competing for electrics in the house besides lights).
Sailing and music go together naturally. How would the sailors of yore managed on the tedious voyages with repetitive tasks without the sea chanties they wrote to get them through? How many songs can you think of, either traditional or modern folk/rock that are about sailing, ships or the sea? I certainly beg to differ with those "purists" who feel that CDs should not be "ruined" by the installation of a music system. Rather, sailing with music is as traditional as it gets. But, as the original construction of the Cape Dory was "done right" so should any add-on such as a music system.
I will start a new thread to see if we can compile a "playlist" of music to sail by!!!
Bill Goldsmith
CD27 Second Chance
goldy@bestweb.net
First, the speakers, which is your question. I bought the fully enclosed waterproof low magnetic PolyPlanar speakers at the 2000 Sail Expo in Atlantic City. They sound great. I couldn't bring myself to spring for the Bose but they probably sound even better. I used the included mounting brackets and ziptied the brackets to the sternrail at the T-weld joint. Since I have a bulkhead mounted compass, it is the farthest point away from the compass. I would guess that even with the binnacle compass/wheel setup, hanging low-magnetic speakers from the sternrail would be preferable to mounting speakers the cockpit somewhere.
Yes the speakers look a little klunky hanging from the sternrail. However, since they are only semipermanent installations (with zipties), I can remove them in advance of the Cape Dory Temperance Society inspection visit. I can also remove them for the winter. And they sound great there.
I hung the CD player from the headliner above the starboard settee, in the waterproof plastic box sold by West Marine. I installed a 100W Jensen Amp in the hanging locker. My friend Mark helped me wire it all up. The speaker wires go under the deck in the cockpit lockers, through the stern rail, and exit right next to each speaker. The amp really helps in being able to hear the music over the diesel when motoring. And if I am careful, it does not deplete the battery much (I don't have much else competing for electrics in the house besides lights).
Sailing and music go together naturally. How would the sailors of yore managed on the tedious voyages with repetitive tasks without the sea chanties they wrote to get them through? How many songs can you think of, either traditional or modern folk/rock that are about sailing, ships or the sea? I certainly beg to differ with those "purists" who feel that CDs should not be "ruined" by the installation of a music system. Rather, sailing with music is as traditional as it gets. But, as the original construction of the Cape Dory was "done right" so should any add-on such as a music system.
I will start a new thread to see if we can compile a "playlist" of music to sail by!!!
Bill Goldsmith
CD27 Second Chance
Bob Grabham wrote: Has anyone installed cockpit stereo speakers in a CD36? I'm hesitant to cut holes in the fiberglass and even if I was willing to do so it seems as if the aft sail locker is the only place that would accept a symmetrical installation. Any thoughts or experience? Thanks.
Bob Grabham
CD36 "Hunky Dory"
goldy@bestweb.net
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Stan W.
Touche'
The one about vinyl letters really hurt, but around these parts all the old guys named "Shaky" either have met their reward or charge an arm and a leg.
smwheatley@capecod.net
smwheatley@capecod.net
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Chris Scheck
REAL CAPE DORIES don't have vinyl lettering ....
Just kidding about the vinyl letters ... hope you enjoyed my list. I was talking to a professional "graphics specialist" here in Newport(they don't call themselves sign painters anymore) and I said I thought it is sort of a shame that boat lettering is becoming a lost art. And he said "Well, you buy a fiberglass boat because it lasts longer. I feel the same way about vinyl lettering." And that's from a guy who used to paint transoms!
cscheck@aol.com
cscheck@aol.com
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Mark YAshinsky
Finishing touch on a CD27
Goldsmith's described the "rear" speakers the have the additional, switchable amp on them. In the salon, there are two more, "front" speakers on the bulkhead between the salon and the head/hanging locker. They are powered by the head only. The head has a wireless remote, too.
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Mark Yashinsky
Related to....
Are you related to Captain Stump (aka "Nautical Traditions Officer")??? This sounds like something that would be posted under his name.
Is the boat to be something on display, as she was when she rolled of the line or something to be used and enjoyed and customized to her owners wants and needs???
Is the boat to be something on display, as she was when she rolled of the line or something to be used and enjoyed and customized to her owners wants and needs???
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Chris Scheck
Not related to Captain Stump ...
No, I am not aware of any relation to Captain Stump, although I understand him to be an honorable man and a fine captain.
As to your second question ... used and enjoyed, yes. "Customized"? Well, I should think it depends on what kind of customizing you have in mind. A fellow on this board just asked about moving his traveller to the top of the cabin. I don't think anyone would disagree with a project like that, to improve a boat's performance and ease of sailhandling. But the question that started this discussion, installing those hideous plastic pasta-strainers they call speakers in the cockpit of a Cape Dory? I think the Captain Stump would have a term for a man who would do that, and it can't be used in polite company.
A Cape Dory is more than just a generic marine product meant for a few years' use followed by quick disposal on the used-boat lot. A Cape Dory is a floating piece of art, an example of craftsmanship that couldn't be duplicated today at a price any but the richest among us could afford. (Just price a Robinhood 36 if you harbor any illusions.)
A Cape Dory is, to my way of thinking, the dream of a man who wanted to capture the glory and tradition of an earlier era of seafaring using modern materials. It's a wooden boat for those of us without the time or the money to maintain a real wooden boat. Cape Dories remind us of a time when men shipped out to see the world and seek their fortune. It inspires people like Captain Stump, unstable people mainly, to fancy themselves as Patrick O'Brian, headed for the South Seas - all flags flying - on a ship of the line in Her Majesty's Navy.
You don't just grab a jigsaw and cut a boat like this because you want to hear your stereo tapes! Leave that to the rubes guzzling beer on their stinkpots with their Billy Joel and their Aerosmith at full blast.
As I said before, there are several excellent mini-bookshelf speakers that can be temporarily placed in the cockpit when one desires some entertainment at a reasonable volume. Maybe even held down with Velcro for security while underway.
But before you set out to improve your Cape Dory, think about what you're about to do.
cscheck@aol.com
As to your second question ... used and enjoyed, yes. "Customized"? Well, I should think it depends on what kind of customizing you have in mind. A fellow on this board just asked about moving his traveller to the top of the cabin. I don't think anyone would disagree with a project like that, to improve a boat's performance and ease of sailhandling. But the question that started this discussion, installing those hideous plastic pasta-strainers they call speakers in the cockpit of a Cape Dory? I think the Captain Stump would have a term for a man who would do that, and it can't be used in polite company.
A Cape Dory is more than just a generic marine product meant for a few years' use followed by quick disposal on the used-boat lot. A Cape Dory is a floating piece of art, an example of craftsmanship that couldn't be duplicated today at a price any but the richest among us could afford. (Just price a Robinhood 36 if you harbor any illusions.)
A Cape Dory is, to my way of thinking, the dream of a man who wanted to capture the glory and tradition of an earlier era of seafaring using modern materials. It's a wooden boat for those of us without the time or the money to maintain a real wooden boat. Cape Dories remind us of a time when men shipped out to see the world and seek their fortune. It inspires people like Captain Stump, unstable people mainly, to fancy themselves as Patrick O'Brian, headed for the South Seas - all flags flying - on a ship of the line in Her Majesty's Navy.
You don't just grab a jigsaw and cut a boat like this because you want to hear your stereo tapes! Leave that to the rubes guzzling beer on their stinkpots with their Billy Joel and their Aerosmith at full blast.
As I said before, there are several excellent mini-bookshelf speakers that can be temporarily placed in the cockpit when one desires some entertainment at a reasonable volume. Maybe even held down with Velcro for security while underway.
But before you set out to improve your Cape Dory, think about what you're about to do.
cscheck@aol.com
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Nautical Traditions Offic
Re: Following the finest traditions....
Captain Scheck,
A glass of wine with you Sir! You have expressed succinctly my feeling about keeping a Cape Dory equipped as they originally were. Hanalei has everything that was originally available from Cape Dory, plus a roller furling heads'l that may have not been original. She also has an AutoHelm 4000+, not original equipment, but that can probably be overlooked. These are beautiful vessels that were made for the sea! They don't require modification.
If anyone would really like to hear "stereo" aboard, all they have to do is sit in the cockpit as the moon rises in the East, and listen to the dark coming on! It is an amazing song, and doesn't offend anyone.
My only question is Sir, "Velcro" on a Cape Dory??? Humm, will have to ponder that.....I remain, your most humble servant...
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30C "1"
A glass of wine with you Sir! You have expressed succinctly my feeling about keeping a Cape Dory equipped as they originally were. Hanalei has everything that was originally available from Cape Dory, plus a roller furling heads'l that may have not been original. She also has an AutoHelm 4000+, not original equipment, but that can probably be overlooked. These are beautiful vessels that were made for the sea! They don't require modification.
If anyone would really like to hear "stereo" aboard, all they have to do is sit in the cockpit as the moon rises in the East, and listen to the dark coming on! It is an amazing song, and doesn't offend anyone.
My only question is Sir, "Velcro" on a Cape Dory??? Humm, will have to ponder that.....I remain, your most humble servant...
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30C "1"