it seems i have to take the knife to the boat this weekend to cut holes out for the speakers, are there any template type things online i could print out and use to sketch my guide line on the boat for cutting, id like to only cut once

thanks
steve

Did you check the box that came with your speakers? They usually come with a template.

What material are you cutting? Are they new speakers? They should have a template included if so.

If not, make your own template out of some clear transparent adhesive film. This is how the templates come with new speakers.

Also, make sure you have room BEHIND where you are cutting for the DEPTH of your speakers. I recommend making a 3D mockup of the magnet/speaker housing out of wood, and placing it behind where you are going to be cutting, BEFORE you cut. Slide it around in all directions about 2 inches, and remove before cutting. This will alert you to any clearance issues, and anything in the path of your cutting bit/blade.

I recommend a Roto-Zip type tool for cutting fiberglass, with a TILE bit, and SAFETY GLASSES. Keep a shop vac running while you cut, just under your blade to capture dusk/shavings as soon as you make it. If you use a Roto-Zip, its not IF the bit breaks, its WHEN. Trust me, wear glasses or even a full face shield. Cut even and smooth, too fast and you heat up the bit; too slow and you heat up the bit. You can tell when the bit is dulling and losing cutting performance. Make sure you have several bits on hand. Its better to keep changing them, some of mine when through two bits per speaker hole in thick material.

Measure 7 times, step back, look at it. (Maybe even tape the speaker grill in place temporarily to see how they look; and to check door/hatch access.) Measure twice more, then cut once.

I added 10 speakers to my boat, using the above methods. Good luck.