Bose 131 User Manual

The Bose® 131TM Marine Speaker System

Owner’ s Guide

October 30, 2001

AM188201_02_V.pdf

Safety , Warranty , and Technical Information

Please read this owner’ s guide

®

The Bose
other marine speaker systems. This guide helps you install and use your speaker system
properly. Please read the installation section completely before cutting any holes. It is
important to understand the reasons for choosing one mounting hole size over the other.

131TM marine speaker system is engineered to provide sound quality far beyond

Warranty period

Bose 131 marine speakers are covered by a limited 3-year transferable warranty. Details of
the coverage are provided on the warranty card that came with your speakers. Please fill out
the information section on your card. Then detach the card, and mail it to Bose Corporation.

T echnical information

For your records…

Features

• Polymer fiber driver cone

• Dual-port polypropylene enclosure

• Syncom II® computer quality control

Speaker driver complement

• One 41⁄2" (11.4 cm) full range environmental
driver per enclosure

Compatibility/Impedance

• Maximum continuous power per I.E.C.: 40W

• Compatible with receivers or amplifiers
10 - 80 watts per channel

• Impedance 4 - 8 ohms

Size/Dimensions

• Weight, unpacked: 9 lb (4 kg)

• 12"L x 31⁄2"D (30 cm x 8.9 cm)

• Cut out Diameter:

• 53⁄8" (13.7 cm) with access to
rear of mounting surface

• 71⁄8" (18 cm) without access to
rear of mounting surface

• Grille Diameter: 8" (21 cm)

• Mounting Depth: 31⁄2" (8.9 cm)

• Mounting Wall Thickness:
.75" (1.9 cm maximum) rear
mounting
.50"(1.2 cm maximum) front
mounting

Finish

• Grille: Arctic White

Serial numbers are located on the label of each 131 marine speaker.
Serial numbers: _____________________ and _____________________________________
Dealer name: __________________________________________________________________
Dealer phone:_______________________ Purchase date: ___________________________
We suggest you keep your sales slip and warranty card together with this owner’s guide.

2 October 30, 2001 AM188201_02_V.pdf

Where to find…

Contents/Records

Setting up

Unpack the carton ........................................................................................................4

Tools required ...............................................................................................................4

Select the locations for your speakers ......................................................................... 5

Installing Your Speakers

Test the speakers ......................................................................................................... 6

Mounting the speakers .................................................................................................6

Installation from the rear of the bulkhead .....................................................................7

Installation from the front of the bulkhead.................................................................. 11

Maintaining Your Speakers

Cleaning the speakers ................................................................................................16

Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................................16

Bose® Corporation ....................................................................................inside back cover

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Bose® Corporation, The Mountain,

Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA

acknowledge our sole responsibility, that the product:

Kind of equipment: Loudspeaker

T ype designation: 131™ marine speaker system

in accordance with EMC Directive 89/336/EEC

and Article 10(1) of the Directive,

is in compliance with the following norm(s) or document(s):

Technical regulations: EN50081-1, EN50082-1

Accredited by Bose Corporation

23 January 1997

Bose B.V.

Nijverheidstraat 8, 1135 GE Edam

The Netherlands

We, the offerer:

Anton Schalkamp

General Manager, Bose Europe

Manufacturer’s authorized EU representative

AM188201_02_V.pdf October 30, 2001 3

Setting Up

Unpack the carton

Carefully unpack your speakers and save all packing materials for possible future use. Do not
attempt to use your speaker system if any part of it appears damaged. Notify Bose® Corpora­tion or your authorized Bose dealer immediately. Check that your system contains the parts
identified in Figure 1. For shipping, the mounting flange is packed inside its speaker grille.
Separate these components before installation.

Notes:

Please remove the perforated drilling and cutting template from the inner carton
containing the grille and mounting flange. Also remove the perforated speaker cone shields
from the inner cartons containing the enclosures. You will need the template and shields
during installation.

Now is a good time to record each speaker serial number on page 2 of this guide and on
your warranty card.

Figure 1

Packaging Contents:

• Two 131 marine speaker
enclosures

• Two mounting flanges

• Two speaker grilles

• One Owner’s Guide

• One template for
positioning, cutting, and
drilling holes

• Two speaker cone shields

• Mounting hardware:

• 30 screws (6 extra)

• 10 wire nut connectors
(2 extra)

• T wo 20 foot speaker
cables, 18-gauge

T ools requir ed

CAUTION:

The 131TM marine speakers are not intended to be installed in automobiles.

You will need the following tools to complete this installation:

•Phillips-head screwdriver.

•An appropriate cutting tool for the surface to be cut. For installation in fiberglass or wood,
we recommend a sabre saw. Use a short blade, and have some extra blades available. A
hole saw may also be used. Large diameter hole saws are available and they allow you to
make circular cuts on a flat surface.

•Drill with the following bits:

- For drilling the screw holes a 3⁄

1

⁄8 (.32 cm) inch bit.

inch (.24 cm) bit is preferred, but you could also use a

32

- For drilling the starter hole, use a 5⁄16 inch (.8 cm) bit.

•Center punch or awl.

•Half-round file or rasp.

•Eye and ear protection; dust mask.

CAUTION:

Failure to follow these instructions voids all warranties on your speakers. If you
are unsure of your ability to complete this pr ocess, consult a professional installer. Please
read this owner’s guide completely before beginning installation.

4 October 30, 2001 AM188201_02_V.pdf

Select the locations for your speakers

In selecting locations for your speakers, understand that there are two possible mounting
options. It is easiest to mount the speakers from behind the mounting surface. However, if
you cannot reach behind the mounting surface, you may cut a larger hole that allows you to
insert the speaker enclosure from the front of the mounting surface. See Figure 2. With this in
mind, find a location that:

•Allows sufficient room to snap on the grille. Use the template to be sure there is
enough area around the holes you will cut in the bulkhead.

•Allows sufficient room for the speaker enclosure behind the bulkhead. During installation,
the enclosure requires 4
enclosure requires only 31⁄2 inches (9 cm) of mounting depth and 12 inches (31 cm) of
extension. The enclosure may be rotated in a complete cir cle, but attaches to the mounting
flange in only one position.

•Accommodates the speaker wire provided. Lay out lengths of wire that comfortably
reach from the receiver to each speaker. Be sure the wires are secure and protected
from being pinched, pulled, or damaged in any way.

•Is not close enough to adversely affect any compass.

Note:

The magnets in the speakers will affect a boat compass. Avoid mounting the speakers
closer than three feet from the compass. If necessary, a marine installer can help correct any
deviation.

1

⁄2 inches (11 cm) of mounting depth. However, once installed the

Setting Up

Figure 2

Selecting the right locations

A.

Mount from the rear if you
can insert the speaker enclo­sure behind the bulkhead
mounting surface.

B.

Mount from the front if you
cannot reach behind the
mounting surface. If you are
uncertain about the depth and
clearance behind your mount­ing surface, consult your boat
manufacturer or dealer.

A

Note:

Before going any further with your assembly, choose one of the methods de-

B

scribed in Figure 2 above. The instructions for A begin on page 7; B on page 11.

AM188201_02_V.pdf October 30, 2001 5

Installing Y our Speakers

T est the speakers

It is a good idea to test your system before installation. With the power turned off, connect
the receiver to the speakers.

The provided speaker cord consists of two insulated wires; one is marked or ribbed, and is
always positive (+). The plain wire is always negative (–). The wires corr espond to the red (+)
and black (–) terminals on the back of the speaker, receiver, or amplifier. Place the stripped
end of the positive (+) right channel receiver wire together with the stripped end of the
positive (+) right speaker wire. Then place the stripped end of the negative right channel
receiver wire together with the stripped end of the negative right speaker wire. Repeat this
procedure for the left speaker.

Be sure to connect each wire to the proper terminal (positive to positive, negative to nega­tive). For this test, just twist the wire ends together. You will use the supplied wire nuts for the
permanent connections.

When you are satisfied that everything works, disconnect the speakers and continue with the
installation.

Mounting the speakers

CAUTION:

holes in the hull. We recommend you consult a marine installer before drilling or cutting any
holes. Choose a safe spot for drilling. Do not mount the speakers on surfaces with concealed
hazards, such as electrical conduits or plumbing.

Be sure to mount your 131TM marine speakers on a bulkhead only. Do not cut

Figure 3

The template

The cutting and drilling template

Locate the cutting and drilling template. It is perforated into the inner carton that contained
your grilles and mounting flanges. The template has four functions.

1. It helps you position the speaker enclosure by showing how much room to provide for
the extension of the enclosure behind the bulkhead.

2. It shows you how much room to allow for the snap on grille.

3. It assists you in cutting the appropriate hole size in the bulkhead wall.

4. It helps you drill the mounting screw holes in the bulkhead.

The template has two punch-out hole diameters. Use the smaller size for installation from
behind the bulkhead. Use the larger for installation from the front. See Figures 2 & 3.

6 October 30, 2001 AM188201_02_V.pdf

Installing Y our Speakers From The Rear Of The Bulkhead

Installation from the rear of the bulkhead

A

Choose the 53⁄8 inch (13.6 cm) diameter hole size if you can comfortably hold the
speaker enclosure from behind the wall while installing screws from the front. This is
the preferred mounting method. If the hole you cut is not perfect, any slight overcut
will be hidden by the grille.

Determine that there is enough room by

A 1

reaching into the mounting area and
sweeping with your hand. Determine
where you will drill the hole for the
speaker. You should also experiment by
placing the speaker enclosure behind
the bulkhead before making your final
selection. Any orientation of the speaker
enclosure is acceptable.

CAUTION:

Determine whether any
obstacles exist behind the mounting
surface. To be certain, contact your boat
manufacturer or dealer. Also, be certain
that the enclosure will fit within the mount­ing area before drilling any holes.

The round outer edge of the template

A 2

shows how much room to allow for
the grille. The long end is used to plan
for room for the enclosure behind the
bulkhead. There are two perforated
circles in the template. Snap out the
smaller one.

Place the template over the area

A 3

where the speaker is to be located
and mark the 53⁄8 inch (13.6 cm)
hole with a metal scribing tool or
pencil.

Drill a starter hole that is large enough

A 4

for your sabre saw blade. Be sure to
drill inside and close to the line you
have marked.

AM188201_02_V.pdf October 30, 2001 7

Installing Y our Speakers From The Rear Of The Bulkhead

Using the sabre saw, cut the hole for the

A 5

speaker, carefully following the line. Take
your time; you want a smooth-edged
circular hole.

Use a half-round file or wood rasp to

A 6

smooth out any roughness in the hole
you have cut.

Hold the speaker enclosure up to the

A 7

hole from behind the bulkhead and find
the best position for the extended
portion of the enclosure. Be sure the
enclosure is hidden behind the bulkhead.
If the enclosure does not fit, use the file
or rasp to enlarge the hole.

Place the mounting flange so that it

A 8

interlocks with the enclosure and is flush
with the mounting surface.

8 October 30, 2001 AM188201_02_V.pdf

Installing Y our Speakers From The Rear Of The Bulkhead

Mark six screw holes. Use the smallest

A 9

hole pattern that fits.

Remove the enclosure from behind the

A 10

bulkhead.

CAUTION:

Be sure the enclosure is not in

place behind the bulkhead while drilling.

Drill the marked holes using a 1⁄8 inch

A 11

(.32 cm) bit. Use a center punch to make
a slight indentation for your drill bit. This
will keep the drill bit from “walking” away
from the mark you have made.

You need to open one of the five marked

A 12

drain holes because water can enter your
131TM marine speaker through the ports on
the front of the enclosure.

Holding the enclosure in the mounting
position you chose in Step 7, find the drain
hole that will be at the lowest point when
the speaker is mounted and break through
the surface using a center punch, awl, or 1⁄
inch (.32 cm) drill bit.

8

CAUTION:

if the hole is larger than

Acoustic performance is reduced

1

⁄

inch (.32 cm) in

8

diameter.

AM188201_02_V.pdf October 30, 2001 9

Installing Y our Speakers From The Rear Of The Bulkhead

Connect the speakers. Be sure the receiver or

A 13

amplifier is turned OFF. If possible, disconnect the
power source. Use the supplied silicone-filled wire
nuts to secure the ends of each wire pair. Place the
stripped end of the positive (+) right channel receiver
wire together with the stripped end of the positive (+)
right speaker wire. Place the wire nut over the ends of
the wires and turn it in a clockwise direction. Turn it
with firm pressure until it stops; there should be no
uninsulated wire visible. Repeat this procedure for the
remaining wire end.

Repeat the above procedure for the left speaker.
Check that all connections are made positive to

positive (+ to +) and negative to negative (– to –).
Tighten any loose connections before you plug in the
receiver or amplifier and turn it on.

Note:

Twisting the ends of the wires together is not

necessary .

Tie a knot in each joined wire pair to protect the

A 14

connection from being pulled apart.

Remove the perforated speaker cone shields

A 15

from the enclosure cartons. Insert the tabs of the
shields into the speaker ports. This helps protect
the speaker cone from potential damage during
the installation process.

Note:

For added protection against water entering
the bulkhead, you can apply a generic silicone
sealant between the flange and the mounting
surface.

A 16

Replace the enclosure behind the bulkhead and
place the mounting flange so that it interlocks with
the enclosure and lines up with the drilled holes.
Attach the flange to the mounting surface using six
screws.
Next, install six screws through the flange into the
matching holes in the enclosure.

Note:

If you plan to use a screw gun to install
the screws, you should first set the gun to its
lowest torque setting (do not exceed 12 inch­pounds or 135.84 N-cm of torque). If the screw
does not seat properly, finish installing the screw
at the next highest torque setting, or by hand.

10 October 30, 2001 AM188201_02_V.pdf

Installing Y our Speakers From The Front Of The Bulkhead

Remove the speaker cone shield from the

A 17

enclosure.

Snap the grille in place on the mounting flange.

A 18

No hardware is needed to secure this part. You
are now finished with the assembly. Enjoy your
music system!

B

Installation from the front of the bulkhead

B

If you cannot reach the mounting area from behind the bulkhead, you will have to
mount the speaker enclosure by inserting it through the fr ont. To do this you will need
a 71⁄8 inch (18 cm) hole, the larger of the two perforated sections on your template.

CAUTION:

be certain, contact your boat manufacturer or dealer. Also, be certain that the
enclosure will fit within the mounting area before drilling any holes.

Place the template over the area where the speaker

B 1

is to be located. The round outer edge shows how
much room to allow for the grille. The long end is
used to judge the room needed behind the bulkhead.
There are two perforated circles in the template.

Snap out the larger one and mark the 71⁄8 inch (18
cm) hole with a metal scribing tool or pencil.

Determine whether any obstacles exist behind the mounting surface. To

AM188201_02_V.pdf October 30, 2001 11

Installing Y our Speakers From The Front Of The Bulkhead

Mark six screw holes from the largest hole pattern on

B 2

the template, but do not drill yet. You may need to
mark and drill a different set of holes along the same
circle before finally attaching the flange.

Note:

These markings are important to help keep the

saw blade inside the line you have just drawn.

Drill a starter hole that is large enough for your sabre

B 3

saw blade. Be sure to drill inside and close to the line
you have marked.

Using the sabre saw , cut the hole for the speaker,

B 4

carefully staying just inside the line. Take your time;
you want a smooth edged circular hole.

CAUTION:

Be sure to stay inside the line you have
marked, and in particular, be sure to stay well inside
the hole pattern you have marked. The marked
holes, or others along the same circle, will be used to
secure the speaker and must not be too close to the
speaker hole. It is also important to stay inside the
line because any error you make could be visible
after the speaker grille is installed.

Use a half-round file or wood rasp to smooth out

B 5

any roughness in the speaker hole you have cut.

12 October 30, 2001 AM188201_02_V.pdf

Installing Y our Speakers From The Front Of The Bulkhead

Attach the mounting flange to the enclosure using

B 6

six screws.

Slide this assembly into the 71⁄8 inch (18 cm) hole

B 7

and rotate the enclosure a full 360° to determine the
best mounting position for the extended portion of
the speaker enclosure.

When you have determined the best position, take a
moment to make careful note of it. Then, remove the
speaker enclosure.

You will need to open one of the five marked drain holes

B 8

because water can enter your 131TM marine speaker
through the ports on the front of the enclosure.

Holding the enclosure in the mounting position you
chose in Step 7, find the drain hole that will be at the
lowest point when the speaker is mounted and break
through the surface using a center punch, awl, or 1⁄
inch (.32 cm) drill bit. Completing this task may require
you to temporarily remove the flange from the enclo­sure.

CAUTION:

hole is larger than

Connect the speakers. Be sure the receiver or amplifier is

B 9

turned OFF. If possible, disconnect the power source.

Acoustic performance is reduced if the

1

⁄

inch (.32 cm).

8

Use the supplied silicone-filled wire nuts to secure the
ends of each wire pair. Place the stripped end of the
positive (+) right channel receiver wire together with the
stripped end of the positive (+) right speaker wire. Place
the wire nut over the ends of the wires and turn it in a
clockwise direction. Turn it with firm pressure until it stops;
there should be no uninsulated wire visible. Repeat this
procedure for the remaining wire end.

Repeat the above procedure for the left speaker.
Check that all connections are made positive to positive

(+ to +) and negative to negative (– to –). Tighten any loose
connections before you plug in the receiver or amplifier
and turn it on.

Note:

Twisting the ends of the wires together is not

necessary.

8

AM188201_02_V.pdf October 30, 2001 13

Installing Y our Speakers From The Front Of The Bulkhead

B 10

B 11

B 12

Tie a knot in each joined wire pair to protect the
connection from being pulled apart.

Reinsert the enclosure into the wall in the position
you determined in Step 7. If the outside circle of
holes in the mounting flange line up with the ones
you originally marked, remove the enclosure
and drill at these marks. If they do not, make new
markings that you can differentiate from your original
set of markings.

Remove the speaker enclosure.

B 13

B 14

CAUTION:

Do not drill while the speaker enclosure

is in place.

Drill six 1⁄8 inch (.32 cm) holes.

Reinsert the speaker enclosure.

Note:

For added protection against water enter­ing the bulkhead, you can apply a generic silicone
sealant between the flange and the mounting
surface.

14 October 30, 2001 AM188201_02_V.pdf

Installing Y our Speakers From The Front Of The Bulkhead

B 15

B 16

Remove the perforated speaker cone shields from
the enclosure cartons. Insert the tabs of the shields
into the speaker ports. This helps protect the
speaker cone from potential damage during the
installation process.

Install six screws, if possible. You need at least three
screws installed and equally spaced.

Note:

If you plan to use a screw gun to install the

screws, you should first set the gun to its lowest
torque setting (do not exceed 12 inch-pounds or

135.84 N-cm of torque). If the screw does not seat
properly, finish installing the screw at the next highest
torque setting, or by hand.

B 17

B 18

Remove the speaker cone shield from the enclosure.

Finally, snap on the grille to the mounting flange.No
hardware is needed to secure this part. You are now
finished with the assembly . Enjoy your music
system!

AM188201_02_V.pdf October 30, 2001 15

Maintaining Y our Speakers

Cleaning the speakers

Wipe the grilles using a soft cloth dampened with a mild detergent, such as dish soap. When
cleaning near the speakers with a hose, be careful to avoid forcing water behind the grille,
onto the driver, or into the acoustic ports.

No other regular maintenance is required.

Troubleshooting

If you have a problem with your 131TM marine speakers, turn off your sound source and try the
solutions below. If one of these solutions does not solve your problem, contact your Bose
dealer to arrange for service. Or, to contact Bose directly , refer to the inside back cover of this
guide. Bose Corporation will make every effort to remedy any problem within the terms of
your warranty.

Problem What to do

No sound

No sound from one
speaker

®

• Make sure the boat’s receiver is turned ON.

• Make sure the power supply of the boat is connected and
adequately charged.

• Make sure the receiver is not set to MUTE.

• Refer to the owner’s guide that came with your receiver.

• Check connections to both the speakers and the receiver.
Refer to “Test the speakers” on page 6. Correct any connection
errors.

• Disconnect the working speaker from the receiver.

• Switch the cord of the “faulty” speaker from its original
receiver connections to the other set of connections (the
working speaker was originally attached to those connections).
– If the speaker now works, the problem is in your receiver.
– If the speaker does not work, continue below.

• Remove the cord from the working speaker and connect it to
the “faulty” speaker and either set of receiver connections.
– If the speaker now works, the problem is in the original speaker
cord.
– If the speaker does not work, the problem is in the speaker.

One speaker
sounds distorted

Not enough bass
or treble

16 October 30, 2001 AM188201_02_V.pdf

• Follow the same procedure for the problem of no sound from one
speaker, as outlined above.

• Adjust the bass and treble controls on the receiver.

• Check the connections to make sure they are correctly in phase
(+ to + and – to –). Refer to “Test the speakers” on page 6.

Bose® Corporation

USA

Bose Corporation, The Mountain
Framingham, MA 01701-9168
1-800-367-4008
Phone hours - ET (eastern time):
Weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Canada

Bose Ltd., 1-35 East Beaver Creek Road
Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 1B3
1-800-465-2673
Phone hours - ET (eastern time):
Weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

European Office

Bose Products B.V., Nijverheidstraat 8
1135 GE Edam, Nederland
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Australia

Bose Australia, Inc., 1 Sorrell Street
Parramatta, N.S.W. 2150
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Belgique/België

Bose N.V., Limesweg 2, B-3700 Tongeren
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Danmark

Bose A/S, Industrivej 7, 2605 Brøndby
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Italia

Bose S.p.A., Via della Magliana 876
00148 Roma
www.bose.iT
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Japan

Bose K.K., Shibuya YT Building
28-3 Maruyama-cho
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Nederland

Bose B.V., Nijverheidstraat 8
1135 GE Edam
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Norge

Bose A/S, Solheimsgate 11
N-2001, Lillestrøm
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Österreich

Bose Ges.m.b.H., Vienna Business Park
Wienerbergstrasse 7 (10.OG)
A-1100 Vienna
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Schweiz

Bose AG, Rünenbergerstrasse 13
4460-Gelterkinden
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Deutschland

Bose GmbH, Max-Planck-Straße 36d
D-61381 Friedrichsdorf
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

France

Bose S.A., 6, rue Saint Vincent
78100 Saint Germain en Laye
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

India

Bose Corporation India Private Limited
W-16, Greater Kailash-II
New Delhi 110 048
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Sverige

Bose A/S, JohanneFredsgatan 4
S-43153 Mölndal
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

United Kingdom

Bose Limited
1 Ambley Green
Gillingham Business Park
Gillingham, Kent ME8 ONJ
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

From other locations

Bose Customer Service, 1 New York Ave.
Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

Ireland

Bose Corporation
Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]

AM188201_02_V.pdf October 30, 2001 17

World Wide Web

www.bose.com

©2000 Bose Corporation
The Mountain, Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA
188201 AM Rev.02 JN97843