Having just decided I need a subwoofer for below deck in a 42' sailboat,
I've just spent the past several hours browsing the newsgroups, google
groups search of subwoofer. Now, I'm more confused than before, but getting
quite educated. My current configuration is an Alpine 7894 powering a pair
of 4x6" speakers in the main cabin, about 15' x 13' x 7' (about 1400 cubic
feet). I know an amp, subwoofer & enclosure are needed, and would like the
following specific questions:

1. Am I correct in assuming a particle board enclosure, sealed by varnishing
inside & out would be best, carpet is not important?
2. Is 1/2" thick sufficient, or do I need 3/4"?
3. How important is the size? I will make a custom box & keep it below a
bench, cutting out a hole the diameter of the
driver.
4. Do I need a certain dimension box? Is the importance in total cubic feet
or a specific ratio of dimensions? There is very limited debth in this
bench, therefore, if I need a certain cubic foot size, could the box be
quite wide, and very shalow to get that quantity of feet?
5. Do you think a 10" driver would be sufficient, don't have room for 12".
6. Am I correct in assuming 1 speaker pointed toward the center of the cabin
should be sufficient?
7. Am I correct in assuming 100 RMS watt amp would be sufficient, it pretty
much is an enclosed cabin, or is that quite an
overkill?
8. Am I correct in assuming I shouldn't need any equalizer, nor filter?
9. Any recommendation for a decent medium priced driver, amp? Problem is I
won't be able to hear my speaker, enclosure, amp until it's all built, which
may be too late.

Where could I get a white grill that's pretty strong, as someone may
accidently kick it? All I see are black ones, rest of cabin is white.

Btw, my email actually ends in 101.
Thanks,

Norm