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Marine Speakers

Marine Speakers

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What’s so special about marine speakers?

Unlike automotive speakers, boat speakers are designed to withstand conditions associated with the marine environment. Marine speakers must contend with extremes of heat and cold, damaging UV light and with wet, damp conditions due to fog, rain or splashing waves. On the ocean, salt corrosion is also a problem. To assure dependable performance in this environment, marine speakers are generally made with aluminum, ABS plastic and polypropylene and include gaskets and seals to prevent water from damaging the components.

Along with being built out of water-resistant materials, manufacturers such as JBL and others subject their speakers to hundreds of hours of testing before a finished product ever lands on West Marine shelves.

What style of speakers do you want?

The speaker styles seen on boats include freestanding box speakers, flush-mounted speakers and tower speakers, like what are used on wakeboarding boats. A box speaker can go anywhere, so it offers a lot of flexibility, while correctly installed flush-mounted speakers generally produce superior sound. Tower speakers are characterized by a bullet shaped enclosure that helps to project their sound towards the rider behind the boat.

What size is right?

To produce rich, low-frequency bass notes, speakers generally have to be large to move a lot of air. While home speaker systems may have woofers (not to be confused with a subwoofers) which are 10″, 12″ or even 15″ across, most boats are not large enough to accommodate speakers in those sizes. For that reason, 6.5″ full-range speakers are the most popular size that West Marine sells.

Multiple speaker elements are better.

Multiple speaker elements in one enclosure do a better job of reproducing the spectrum of audio frequencies than a single cone. High frequencies are best handled by a small, rigid speaker called a tweeter. Low frequencies are best reproduced by a large conical speaker called a woofer. For even better sound, a third element called a midrange may be added. 2-way speakers have a woofer and a tweeter. 3-way speakers add a midrange.

How can you improve the bass sound on a boat?

For real bass sound on larger boats, adding a subwoofer will work miracles. Low frequency sound is non-directional, so a subwoofer can be located in an inconspicuous location. Sub woofers and multi-speaker systems require plenty of power, so in most cases, adding a subwoofer will require the purchase of a separate amplifier as well.

Need more help finding the right boat speakers?

Check out our article on choosing marine speakers for a full rundown on things to consider before you buy and our article on our top picks for marine speakers for some of our best-selling speakers. In the market for a stereo unit as well? Check out our article on choosing a marine stereo.

Boat Speakers FAQ

Marine speakers are specifically designed to withstand the marine environment, with waterproofing, UV resistance, and corrosion-resistant materials. Unlike regular speakers, marine speakers can handle exposure to saltwater, sun, and humidity without losing sound quality or durability. This makes them ideal for outdoor use on boats, providing clear audio while enduring the elements.

Yes, high-quality marine speakers are built to deliver excellent sound performance comparable to indoor speakers. Many marine speakers feature advanced audio technology, including full-range sound, built-in amplifiers, and bass enhancement. These boat speakers are engineered to produce balanced, clear sound across all frequencies, ensuring a superior listening experience on the water.

To choose the best marine speakers, consider factors such as durability, sound quality, power handling, and ease of installation. Look for waterproof and UV-resistant speakers that match your audio preferences, whether you prefer powerful bass or a balanced sound profile. High-quality boat speakers with corrosion-resistant components are essential for long-lasting performance in marine environments, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

Yes, most marine speakers are designed for straightforward installation on a variety of boat types. Many models come with mounting hardware and wiring that make installation easy. It’s important to choose speakers that fit the available space on your boat and ensure they are properly secured. Consulting installation guides and checking compatibility with your boat’s audio system can help simplify the setup process.

Marine speakers are crafted to withstand exposure to saltwater, UV rays, and other harsh conditions typical of a marine environment. High-quality boat speakers use waterproofing, UV-resistant coatings, and corrosion-proof materials, which protect against damage from saltwater and sun exposure. This durability allows marine speakers to maintain their performance and appearance over time, even with frequent outdoor use.

While some marine speakers come with built-in amplifiers, others may require an external amplifier to reach their full potential. An amplifier can enhance sound clarity, volume, and bass response, especially on larger boats or in noisy conditions. Choosing the right amplifier depends on your desired sound quality and speaker specifications, but adding one can significantly improve the performance of your marine speakers for a more immersive audio experience on the water.
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