I am putting new speakers in my boat. I am removing the 6.5" and replacing them with the 8". Has anyone done this before? Did you cut thru the vinyl, padding and wood at same time or did you remove it before cutting?

Did a similar project. Once the speaker is removed you should be able to mark the speaker template with a black sharpie and then trim the vinyl with a razor knife slightly leaving way extra padding and vinyl. I then used a Dremel to cut the opening. Once that is done trim excess vinyl and padding. Probably best to remove the vinyl and padding if you have access. No need to rush a project like that.

What speakers did you select?

I like to cut the hole and leave the vinyl so that I can fold it into the hole. It is harder to do but nothing sucks more then to have your vinyl pull back away from the speaker. If you leave it so that the hole is larger you can glue the vinyl around the opening and avoid that problem. It definatly takes more time but it is worth it if you can. Definatly no way do you want to cut them both at the same time.

Jon

I removed all of the vinyl, then cut the holes. Like Audiofn says, you can wrap and tuck the vinyl so it doesn't pull loose. Here's a couple of pics, one during (note the pile of staples) and then the finished product. I added sub holes, but same principle.

Once you have the vinyl off, a sabre saw should do the trick for cutting the holes.

Brian

Looks like a quality job. NICE

If you don't remove the vinyl and padding it makes a real mess out of the whole job.
I wouldn't wish it on my ex-mother-in-law.

Its a 32 fountain fever. I can't see the mounting screws to remove the wood sub board holding the vinyl, and the inner hull/gunwhale is about 1" thick plywood so I don't think a dremel will work in my case.
I cut out the template on the speaker box and I am trying to find a shop that can duplicate it in 1/4" steel. I figure I could screw this in place and then use a jig saw to cut around the inside of the ring. What do you think?

Oh, and I am installing the new Pioneer Nautica 8", rated at 200w, and Clarion 10" subs.

I ended up ripping apart my whole rear bench area. On my 86 Fountain, the "bench face" where the speakers mount is supported by the framing in the center. Nothing was attaching it to the sides, either to the inner hull or underneath the gunwhale. It was a real tight fit, but not much else held it in place.

Here's some before and after pics of that project...