A client from Raleigh contacted Adrenaline Autosound for some help with his 2016 Sea-Doo RXT 260 audio and electrical system upgrades. The client started the process of installing a sound system by mounting a pair of four-inch speakers. He asked if we could take care of installation the JL Audio Bluetooth receiver and amplifier. He also wanted to add a second battery, a dual battery isolation switch, a fuse panel, an automatic charging relay and a pair of voltmeters.
We worked with the client to ensure the charging system components and design would meet his requirements. We discussed how we planned to integrate the upgraded charging and electrical system into his personal watercraft. He liked the plan and gave us the approval to begin work.
Sea-Doo RXT 260 Audio Component Installation
We started by mounting the JL Audio MX500/5 amplifier in the front storage compartment. We used nutserts and stainless hardware to secure the amp to the fiberglass hull. As this amp is water-resistant, the 8-AWG power wiring is permanently attached to the amp. We used a pair of distribution blocks mounted to a custom ABS plastic panel to ensure the connections would be secure, reliable and serviceable. We used nutserts on the panel and stainless hex head socket cap bolts to secure the panel.
Blue Sea Systems Electrical System Components
We added a second battery in order to give the sound system more run-time and eliminate the chance of not being able to start the awesome 260 horsepower, 1.5 Liter engine. We chose a second OEM battery to ensure that it would be compatible with the original cell. Using 3/4-inch acrylic, we fabricated a mounting block for the second battery in the same shape as the original mount. We integrated a location for a pair of JL Audio fuses holders into the top plate of the battery bracket.
The next step involved creating a second acrylic plastic mount for the 120 Amp Blue Sea SI-ACR automatic charging relay, a dual circuit battery switch and a four-position fuse block. We drilled and tapped mounting holes for the equipment to ensure serviceability.
After prepping the battery and equipment mounting panels and the chosen mounting locations on the hull, we bonded everything in place using 3M epoxy.
A pair of Blue Sea Mini OLED voltmeters and a USB charging port are mounted to a 1/4-inch thick acrylic panel inside the glove box. Each battery has its own voltmeter, so the client can monitor how much sound system playtime remains.
Aftermarket Sound with a Factory Look
With each component of the system tested and the amplifier adjusted, it was time for the client to see and hear his Sea-Doo RXT 260 audio system for the first time. He loved the sound and was blown away at the attention to detail and planning we put into the installation. It was exactly what he wanted for his three-seat Sea-Doo. If you own a personal watercraft and are interested in a sound system, or any other electronic upgrade, we invite you to visit Adrenaline Autosound in Clayton to speak with a member of our team. You can also reach us by e-mail using our online contact form.
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