Infinite baffle question (AKA -- did I screw up?)

[Fffrank]

Hey guys!  I read somewhere on the forum that I could fit a pair of Wet Sounds XS808 in my cabin speaker locations (2004 23LSV).  I didn't take photos, but here is the spot I'm talking about:

I didn't believe it, so I measured.  It seemed like it would work.  So I ordered speakers.  And they arrived and I used the template to cut the holes and then realized.... even though the hole fits on that panel, the outside dimension of the speakers is too large.

But.... since I had already removed a piece of my boat, I figured I'd just keep cutting and eventually they would fit.  The good news?  I got them installed and they look awesome.  The bad news?  I've added some unnecessary "ventilation" on the top side of the speaker.  It's not visible since it's hidden behind/under the upholstery panel, but it does eliminate the "seal" that the speaker would normally create.  The speaker is mounted solid.

I haven't fully tuned it but my quick test listen made me feel like I wasn't getting as much mid-bass as I should.  Did I screw the pooch on this one?  Or is infinite baffle truly infinite?

 

PS -- XS808s do not fit in this location.  Don't do it.

 

 

[David]

So....all speakers (whether IB or not) need complete front to rear isolation....especially surrounding the speaker at such a near distance. You'll just have to invent a means of sealing up that gap with a method/material that is rigid.    

 

[Fffrank]

This was 

6 minutes ago, David said:

So....all speakers (whether IB or not) need complete front to rear isolation....especially surrounding the speaker at such a near distance. You'll just have to invent a means of sealing up that gap with a method/material that is rigid.    

 

This was the exact what-if panic that was going through my head during my morning commute.  Looks like I'm going to have to get creative with some fiberglass.