Cockpit speaker failure solution

[P54]

I’m in Australia and have only had my 2015 Ranger Tug 31-S “Sea Dragon” for a few months. As received neither cockpit loudspeaker was working. Never having encountered a failed loud speaker in my many years I concentrated on checking the wiring, then assumed a zone amp issue and replaced the amp without solving the problem. Eventually removed and tested the speakers (Fusion MS-FR7021) and found them faulty. Looking for replacements I found that the MS-FR7021 was no longer available, and the replacement required a larger cutout. The cheaper Fusion EL Series however required a similar size cutout, so I used them. The EL series have the same IP rating as the previous speakers but I noted in the installation notes that they were waterproof from the front, but not back. This was not mentioned in the MS-FR7021 instructions, but the same could be assumed. I noted that as installed the deck recessed rod holders on my RT could drain water to the rear of the speakers. This could account for the speaker failure, so by means of a rubber tube reducer over the 2” OD holder tube I devised a drain tube by passing the speakers. By the way I replaced the Fusion Zone Amplifier I originally suspected with a much cheaper Pyle Hydra 2 channel, and it works fine. Hope this helps someone.

 

[JMarshallR25]

I’m in Australia and have only had my 2015 Ranger Tug 31-S “Sea Dragon” for a few months. As received neither cockpit loudspeaker was working. Never having encountered a failed loud speaker in my many years I concentrated on checking the wiring, then assumed a zone amp issue and replaced the amp without solving the problem. Eventually removed and tested the speakers (Fusion MS-FR7021) and found them faulty. Looking for replacements I found that the MS-FR7021 was no longer available, and the replacement required a larger cutout. The cheaper Fusion EL Series however required a similar size cutout, so I used them. The EL series have the same IP rating as the previous speakers but I noted in the installation notes that they were waterproof from the front, but not back. This was not mentioned in the MS-FR7021 instructions, but the same could be assumed. I noted that as installed the deck recessed rod holders on my RT could drain water to the rear of the speakers. This could account for the speaker failure, so by means of a rubber tube reducer over the 2” OD holder tube I devised a drain tube by passing the speakers. By the way I replaced the Fusion Zone Amplifier I originally suspected with a much cheaper Pyle Hydra 2 channel, and it works fine. Hope this helps someone.

Cheers to you for posting a problem WITH a solution and for being self-reliant. Very Aussie. Hope your boat is working out great for you!