Best Marine Speakers

When you’re on the water, a good soundtrack can do wonders. You may be looking to replace or upgrade your speakers for that perfect balance of quality and power. We’ve got just what you need with our top 10 best marine speakers! From choosing products specifically designed to withstand wet weather conditions, we’ll tell you how powerful systems should sound when out in nature’s most beautiful settings. Get ready because it’s time for some boating tunes!

If you are new to the marine speaker world, we hope that reading this article will provide some valuable insight into what is available. We have included a buyer’s guide and FAQ section at the end which can answer any questions about our speakers or installing them on your boat. Our comprehensive installation guide includes information for tools needed as well as how-to steps before beginning work with one of these projects.

Our Top Pick!

Polk Audio DXi651 Marine Speakers

The Polk Audio DXi651 marine speakers are made to withstand harsh conditions. Using a polymer/mica composite, these woofers can handle moisture from the ocean as well as heat without falling apart!

Check Price

What makes a speaker a marine speaker?

Salt is a very aggressive element. It ruthlessly eats away at any metal or electronics, so it’s important to find speakers that are designed specifically for salt-air environments like boats and sea-facing properties. It’s important to pick the right speaker for this type of environment, otherwise, they will corrode and break within a year due to saltwater exposure that ruins metal and electronics. You want your sound system components (speakers, receiver, and amplifier) to last well into the future so you can enjoy entertainment any time you please!

Marine speakers are designed and manufactured to withstand the corrosive nature of saltwater. These waterproof, anti-corrosive components will not only last longer but sound better than a standard speaker. Marine speakers offer more durability in addition to quality audio output that is resistant to corrosion due to their design which includes corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel fasteners or marine plastics for internal parts such as cases, gaskets, and wiring insulation

Can I use marine speakers for my patio?

Yes! There are several reasons to choose marine speakers for your outdoor home audio system. As we mentioned, marine speakers are not only water-resistant but also provide protection against corrosion. This makes them ideal for use outside your home, particularly in areas close to the sea or in a humid area like Florida.

Dual-Cone vs Coaxial Marine Speakers

One of the biggest considerations when it comes to choosing marine speakers is whether they will be mounted on a boat’s deck or hull. The two types you can choose from are coaxial and dual-cone models, so let’s take a look at what sets them apart.

Dual-Cone Marine Speakers

A dual cone marine speaker is a type of loudspeaker that combines the woofer and tweeter into one driver. The biggest advantage to this design is cost, as there are fewer parts required for production. However, without audio separation between the two drivers on a single plane, it doesn’t function quite as well in comparison with coaxial designs where each unit has its own housing space.

Coaxial Marine Speakers

Coaxial speakers are the most common form of loudspeaker available in both 2-way and 3-way setups. The design is such that the tweeter is mounted in the center of the woofer, partially obscuring it. Both drivers, either internal or external crossovers send separate audio signals to each other for a crisp sound while using less space than traditional stereo systems would require.

Our Selection of the 10 Best Marine Speakers

A common question sailors ask is “what is the best marine speaker?” With so many different options to choose from and no way to know which ones will work well on their boats, it can be hard to find something that sounds good while being accessible in price. Lucky for all of us who want great sound without breaking our budgets or doing too much heavy lifting (or maybe some light reading) – we’ve compiled not just one but ten awesome choices!

1. Polk Audio DXi651 Marine Speakers

Specs & Features​

Speaker Power	60W RMS / 180W Peak
Driver Size	6½ inch
Tweeter Size	¾ inch
Recommended Amplification	60W – 180W @ 4 Ohms
Mounting Depth	2 inches
Weight	5.5 lbs
Dimensions	8.0 x 4.75 inches

Check Price

Speaker Quality & Design

The DXi651 is the perfect speaker for those who like to enjoy their music in style. The circular design and a sleek, modern look will spruce up any back deck or living room space. Not only does it have an excellent sound quality that can be heard from all angles with its 6½” low-frequency driver as well as its ¾” tweeter but at 60W RMS and 180 Peak, you won’t find many speakers more powerful than this one!

Amplification Recommendation

You want to power the Polk Audio DXi651 with an amplifier that has a minimum of 60W and maxes around 100-125 watts. We recommend pairing these marine speakers with the Soundstream Stealth Series SM4.1000D, which delivers 90w RMS per channel at 4 ohms (more than enough for the DXi651). However, if you decide to go higher be careful not to drive your speakers into distortion or risk destroying them!

Speaker Installation

The Polk Audio DXi651 is an easy-to-install marine speaker. All you need are the speaker brackets (included with the speakers) and 16-gauge marine-grade speaker wire. The installation process is straightforward with all of the steps laid out for you in the installation guide.

What’s in the box?

• 2 x Polk Audio DXi651 marine speakers
• 2 x Speaker grilles
• Speed clips
• 2 x Foam rubber gaskets
• 2 x Spacer/adapter brackets
• Self-tapping screws (1″ and ⅜”)
• User manual
• Installation guide

Polk Audio DXi651 Marine Speakers Conclusion

When it comes to marine speakers, the Polk Audio DXi651 is one of the best affordable options on the market. The speakers produce crystal clear sound and are surprisingly loud despite lacking some bass. Boaters can install these speakers quickly and easily thanks to everything they need being in a convenient box (except speaker wire).

2. BOSS Audio MR690 Marine Speakers

Specs & Features​

Speaker Power	87W RMS / 175W Peak
Driver Size	6 x 9 inch
Tweeter Size	1 inch
Recommended Amplification	87W – 175W @ 4 Ohms
Mounting Depth	3.37 inches
Weight	4.2 lbs
Dimensions	10.6 x 8.9 x 4.0 inches

Check Price

Speaker Quality & Design

The MR690 is a serious contender in the “cheap marine speaker” market. At 175W per driver, this model can produce plenty of sound without breaking your wallet. The 6×9 low-frequency drivers with 1″ tweeters are perfect for those who want to listen to music while out on the water and don’t need anything too loud or bass-heavy thanks to their balanced spectrum that doesn’t sacrifice clarity anywhere else either.

Amplification Recommendation

The Boss Audio MR690 is a perfect match for the  BOSS Audio MR800 Marine Grade Amplifier! This amp will push enough power to fill your boat with sound. Alternatively, any amplifier with a max of 175W per channel at 8 ohms will pair well with the MR690.

You might want to also consider adding the BOSS Audio MGR350B Marine Gauge Receiver too. With this receiver, you can mount it on your dash and have a Bluetooth connection for any music apps that are installed. Plus the USB port is an easy way to play or charge anything from your phone while you’re out in nature enjoying some fun waves with friends!

Speaker Installation

The MR690 comes with step-by-step instructions that make them easy to install. You can use 16 or 14 gauge wire for installing these speakers depending on the type of installation you are performing.

What’s in the box?

• 2 x BOSS Audio MR690 marine speakers
• 2 x Speaker grilles and magnet covers
• User manual
• Installation guide

BOSS Audio MR690 Marine Speakers Conclusion

One of the most important aspects of any boat is audio, as if you’re out on the water it’s nice to have some tunes. The BOSS Audio MR690 Marine Speaker provides a luxurious sound for an affordable price. With patented acoustic technology, these speakers will deliver your favorite songs with clarity so no matter where you are in or around your vessel. Whether that be up close and personal under deck or down by dockside waiting patiently at anchor, you can soak up all those wonderful melodies!

3. Pyle PLMR60 Marine Speakers

Specs & Features​

Speaker Power	75W RMS / 150W Peak
Driver Size	6½ inch
Tweeter Size	1 inch
Recommended Amplification	75W – 150W @ 4 Ohms
Mounting Depth	2.48 inches
Weight	2.0 lbs
Dimensions	7.6 x 7.4 x 7.1 inches

Check Price

Speaker Quality & Design

The PLMR60 features two 6½” speakers with a 1” tweeter capable of producing up to 150W each. Installed as a pair and you have 300watts of power on the back deck of your boat, so there’s never an excuse for not hearing the music! As is always the case with Pyle, these sound much better than their price tag indicates. The high-end clarity shines through in any genre that I tested them out in. Country or rap, they handle it all well! They aren’t bass-heavy but can still produce decent lows if needed without sounding too harsh like some other brands’ lower-level models do.

Amplification Recommendation

The PLMR60 provides a reasonable power handling of 75W RMS to 150 W Peak per speaker, which can be easily driven by your standard marine receiver, such as the Pyle PLMRB29 In-Dash AM/FM Receiver.

If you want more control over the sound and are looking for an amplifier that’ll work with any controller or receiver then we recommend Pyle’s Hydra Marine 800 Watt Amplifier. It will give you all the features needed in order to achieve optimal performance from these speakers whether it is powering them off your own system or as part of another larger setup like houseboat audio systems!

Speaker Installation

The PLMR60’s plug-and-play wiring and mounting hardware make it easy to install, even for those with more demanding installation needs. These speakers come ready to connect to an existing or new setup; you can use a 16-gauge speaker wire when installing the PLMR60 if your current system has holes in place already.

What’s in the box?

• 2 x Pyle PLMR60 marine speakers
• 2 x Speaker grilles
• Mounting hardware
• Installation guide and product manual

Pyle PLMR60 Marine Speakers Conclusion

One of the best speakers you can get for your boat is Pyle’s PLMR60. At a bargain price, these surprisingly loud and clear-sounding speakers will serve up everything from country to rap with ease while not breaking your bank account. These versatile little guys are also easy on power as they work great off any receiver or even one of their own micro amplifiers if that’s more in line with what you’re looking for which means this affordable speaker system would be perfect for someone building an entire sound system around just one brand!

4. Kenwood KFC-1653MRW Marine Speakers

Specs & Features​

Speaker Power	50W RMS / 150W Peak
Driver Size	6½ inch
Tweeter Size	1 inch
Recommended Amplification	50W – 150W @ 4 Ohms
Mounting Depth	2.87 inches
Weight	2.2 lbs
Dimensions	13.4 x 2.8 x 5.5 inches

Check Price

Speaker Quality & Design

With its unique design that includes a 6½” low-frequency driver and 1” tweeter in each speaker, the KFC-1653MRW can produce both decent bass with volume. Mids and highs are crisp for listening to either music or talk radio/podcasts due to good clarity from these quality speakers. These marine speakers will work as background music or even outdoors at parties where you need loudness without sacrificing sound quality!

Amplification Recommendation

The KFC-1653MRW speakers are perfect for any marine setting. These bad boys have a power handling of 50 watts to 150 watts at 4 ohms, which means you can use most dash mount receivers to drive the KFC-1653MRW. We recommend the Kenwood KMR-M325BT Receiver.

If you’re looking for something louder though and want that extra punch in your music then we’d suggest the Kenwood KAC-M3004 Amplifier. With two channels bridged at 4 ohms, you’ll get the best possible sound quality with 150W of power per channel.

Speaker Installation

The KFC-1653MRW marine speakers are plug and play, so it should take you no longer than thirty minutes to install them if they’re replacing an existing installation. If installing with a receiver, use 14 gauge wire. For amplifier installations, go with 12 gauge wire. 

What’s in the box?

• 2 x Kenwood KFC-1653MRW marine speakers
• 2 x Speaker grilles
• 2 x Mounting sets

Kenwood KFC-1653MRW Marine Speakers Conclusion

What if you want a good-sounding speaker but don’t have the money? Kenwood KFC-1653MRW is for those of us who are looking to get a marine-grade sound without spending too much. With hundreds of positive reviews and only slightly more expensive, this middle-range option will make your aquatic adventures that much better! If you want a speaker that’s got more power and volume, then the KFC-2053MRW might be for you. The 8-inch model of this series is slightly better at producing bass than its smaller counterpart but will require an amplifier to really get it pumping!

5. NOAM NUTV4 Marine Speaker System

Specs & Features​

Speaker Power	100W RMS / 200 Peak
Driver Size	4 inch
Tweeter Size	1 inch
Recommended Amplification	100W – 200W @ 4 ohms
Weight	8.9 lbs
Dimensions	2.1 x 1.3 x 3.8 inches

Check Price

Speaker Quality & Design

These speakers are the perfect solution for those looking to add some life and energy into their space, with a punchy bass sound. The NOAM NUTV4 marine speakers feature two drivers – one 4″ low-frequency driver as well as a 1” tweeter. Each speaker  Each speaker produces 100W RMS with a 200W Peak power output. The NUTV4 offers a crisp clean midrange and treble, with a decent punchy low-end. 

Amplification Recommendation

The speakers come shipped with a NOAM NBTA4-A 4-channel marine amplifier in the box. Each channel pushes 100W at 4 ohms which are perfect for N4 Marin speakers and can power two more additional speakers if you’re looking to get a little louder!

The Bluetooth remote control is a handy accessory for playing, pausing, and skipping tracks. It also has a track skip, volume up and down, as well as a power button that can be used to turn on the Bluetooth pairing function of your mobile device. The controller also includes an attached strap that allows you to mount it securely in various locations such as dashboard mounts so you don’t have to worry about where your phone will end up while still connected via Bluetooth.

Speaker Installation

Installing the NOAM NUTV4 marine sound system is a great way to make your boat feel like it came straight out of an episode of Baywatch. The intuitive installation instructions will have you enjoying crystal clear audio from all around, in no time at all! You can even customize how loud or where onboard sounds are coming from with ease thanks to the included rubber pads and wire lengths for speakers.

What’s in the box?

• 2 x NOAM NUTV4 Marine speakers
• NOAM NBTA4-A 4-channel marine amplifier
• NBTA4-R Bluetooth remote control
• Speaker wire (11.5 feet x 2)
• Speaker mounting kit

NOAM NUTV4 Marine Speaker System Conclusion

A great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their wake tower sound system with the latest seamless technology, NOAM NUTV4 marine stereo systems offer an all-in-one package that includes everything you need. With speakers loud enough to make your music rock and a reasonable price tag under $200, this is sure to be one of our best sellers!

For larger installations, you can go with the NOAM NUTV4 Quad Marine Speaker package. This system is essentially the same but includes two extra speakers for even more sound coverage and a total of four channels on your amplifier – perfect if you want to power all four speakers from one amp!

6. Polk Audio DB691 Marine Speakers

Specs & Features​

Speaker Power	125W RMS / 300W Peak
Driver Size	6 x 9 inch
Tweeter Size	1 inch & ¾ inch
Recommended Amplification	125W – 300W @ 4 ohms
Mounting Depth	3.75 inches
Weight	5 lbs
Dimensions	8.0 x 14.5 x 4.8 inches

Check Price

Speaker Quality & Design

The Polk DB691 marine speaker offers great sound in an affordable price. It has a low-frequency driver, tweeter and super tweeter to ensure that you hear the best acoustic performance possible no matter what your listening preference is. The bass response of this 3-way speaker will please those who like their music with plenty of thump but still keeps up well when it comes to clarity for vocals or instrumentals without distortion at high volumes. 

Amplification Recommendation

While it’s not the recommended way to power these speakers, you can use a standard dash receiver. For optimal performance and longevity though, we recommend installing an amplifier such as the Rockville RXM-F3 4 channel Marine Amplifier which will drive both channels of 125W at 4 ohms for each speaker. You have two additional channels left over to amplify other marine or subwoofer systems in case they are needed down the line!

Speaker Installation

The DB691 is a complete boat sound system package. It’s got everything you need to install the speakers, so there won’t be any extras needed from other places. For installation of this speaker set for your boat, I would recommend 16-gauge or 14-gauge marine grade wire if going with an amplifier like the Rockville RXM-F3 amp which also comes equipped with all necessary cabling and accessories!

What’s in the box?

• 2 x Polk Audio DB691 marine speakers
• 2 x Speaker grilles
• Mounting kit
• User manual

Polk Audio DB691 Marine Speakers Conclusion

If you like the Polk Audio price point but the DXi651 is a little underpowered for your needs, then start off with their DB691. The 6” x 9″ speaker offers more bass response than other smaller speakers and will provide enough sound power for an outdoor party or boat ride. A standard receiver just won’t give you all of what this speaker has to offer so if that’s not enough, pair it up with an amplifier! This set of powerful yet affordable speakers also delivers excellent value at less than $100 per pair.

7. JBL MS6520 Marine Speaker

Specs & Features​

Speaker Power	60W RMS / 180W Peak
Driver Size	6 inch
Tweeter Size	1 inch
Recommended Amplification	60W – 180W @ 4 ohms
Mounting Depth	2.75 inches
Weight	5 lbs
Dimensions	9.0 x 5.0 x 8.0 inches

Check Price

Speaker Quality & Design

The JBL MS6520 is a great choice if you’re looking for crystal-clear sound. It features 180W Peak, so it has the power to get any job done with clarity and precision. The drivers are also impressive because they provide clear mids coupled with punchy bass that makes your music come alive! If you want an affordable set of speakers that will make all of your favorite songs sound incredible, these marine speakers should be on your list.

The JBL MS6520 is a great choice if you’re looking for crystal-clear sound. It features 180W Peak, so it has the power to get any job done with clarity and precision. The drivers are also impressive because they provide clear mids coupled with punchy bass that makes your music come alive! If you want an affordable set of speakers that will make all of your favorite songs sound incredible, these loudspeakers should be at the top of your list!

Amplification Recommendation

The JBL MS6520 marine speakers are a perfect match for any dash-mount receiver setup, but they especially shine with the Fusion Entertainment MS-RA70 Marine Entertainment System. This unit will work well in an existing installation or as part of a new purchase and is easy to install thanks to its plug-and-play capabilities.

The JBL MA6002 2-Channel Full Range Marine Amplifier will make your ride a lot more enjoyable with its clean sound and fast response time. The bass is deep without any distortion, which makes for an impressive listening experience!

Speaker Installation

The JBL MS6520 marine speakers come with everything you need to install them. Use either a 14-gauge or 16-gauge speaker wire for installation.

What’s in the box?

• 2 x JBL MS6520 marine speakers
• 2 x Speaker grilles
• Mounting kit
• Speaker wire
• Installation screws
• Installation guide

JBL MS6520 Marine Speaker Conclusion

JBL is a top-notch brand that many people trust. Their marine speakers are no exception to the quality of their products. The MS6520 sounds amazing, delivering clean sound across all frequencies at just under $80! Even if you’re on a tight budget, it’s worth saving for and investing in these awesome JBL marine speakers. You won’t regret your decision once they arrive!

If you’re looking for a little more power, then the JBL MS9520 6″ x 9″ marine speakers are part of the same range as this best-selling model. With improved bass response and almost double the power, these top performers deliver powerful sound in any size boat or watercraft!

8. Kicker KB6000 Marine Speakers

Specs & Features​

Speaker Power	75W RMS / 150W Peak
Driver Size	6½ inch
Tweeter Size	2 inch
Recommended Amplification	75W – 150W @ 4 ohms
Weight	6.8 lbs
Dimensions	11.0 x 8.1 x 8.1 inches

Check Price

Speaker Quality & Design

The KB6000 is a perfect speaker for those looking to have loud, crisp sound on their boat. The 6½” low-frequency driver and 2″ tweeter on each side deliver an excellent balance of clean mids and highs with a punchy bass response that will fill even the largest boats!

Amplification Recommendation

The KB6000 can be connected to a standard 50W receiver, but you’ll need an amplifier like the Kicker KXMA800.5 Amplifier for optimal sound quality and volume. The amp has four channels that power your speakers while its fifth channel powers any subwoofers if you want them as well! 

Speaker Installation

Installing the Kicker KB6000 is much easier than installing flush-mount speakers. You don’t need to cut holes for mounting, just drill your holes and fit the brackets. Then feed in either 14-gauge or 16-gauge marine-grade speaker wire and you’re good to go! The Kicker KB6000 is available as a 2-speaker package as well as a four-speaker package.

What’s in the box?

• 2 x Kicker KB6000 marine speakers
• 2 x Speaker grilles
• Mounting brackets and installation accessories
• User manual

Kicker KB6000 Marine Speakers Conclusion

The Kicker KB6000 is a great choice for an enclosed marine speaker. If you have a larger boat with an enclosed wheelhouse and want to hear your favorite music in crystal-clear quality while out on the water, then these speakers are perfect! Mounting them higher up provides better sound quality and clarity that can’t be beaten!

9. Sony XSMP1611 Marine Speakers

Specs & Features​

Speaker Power	40W RMS / 140W Peak
Driver Size	6½ inch
Tweeter Size	1 inch
Recommended Amplification	65W – 140W @ 4 ohms
Mounting Depth	2.5 inches
Weight	3 lbs
Dimensions	6.9 x 6.5 x 2.1 inches

Check Price

Speaker Quality & Design

The Sony XSMP1611 is a set of marine speakers that features incredible sound quality. The 6½” low-frequency driver combined with the 1” tweeter provides a great bass response, clean mid-range, and crisp highs for both music listening as well as radio or podcasts. This surprisingly loudspeaker can be cranked up if you’re looking to throw an occasional boat party!

Amplification Recommendation

The XSMP1611 marine speakers are the perfect match for Sony’s MEX-M100BT Marine CD Receiver that produces 100W of power at 4 ohms. The Rockville RXM-F3 is also a good choice, delivering 120 watts or more to your system depending on what you need it can do up to four channels all together in an amplifier that delivers excellent sound quality.

Speaker Installation

The XSMP1611 marine speakers are easy to install and come with everything you need for installation. They’re also paintable so that they can blend in or stand out depending on your preferences, which is great because not everyone likes the same thing aesthetically!

What’s in the box?

• 2 x Sony XSMP1611 marine speakers
• 2 x Speaker grilles
• Mounting kit
• User manual

Sony XSMP1611 Marine Speakers Conclusion

Sony’s XSMP1611 Marine Speakers provide premium sound at an affordable price, earning them a place in the hearts of many audiophiles around the world. While some people had issues with earlier versions, Sony has fixed these problems and has not received any complaints since then – making it worth every penny you spend on this product under $50 for two speakers!

If you want even more power, then the coaxial version, the Sony XSMP1621, is also available. It has slightly better power handling than its counterpart with a slight increase in output wattage and frequency range.

10. Polk Audio DB521 Marine Speakers

Specs & Features​

Speaker Power	45W RMS / 135W Peak
Driver Size	5¼ inch
Tweeter Size	¾ inch
Recommended Amplification	45W – 135W @ 4 ohms
Mounting Depth	2.4 inches
Weight	1 lb
Dimensions	8.0 x 14.5 x 4.8 inches

Check Price

Speaker Quality & Design

The DB521 has a 5¼” low-frequency driver with a single ¾” tweeter. The sound quality is good for the size, however, bass response isn’t as good as larger options we reviewed in this article. Mid-range sounds great and treble is present but not as strong or clear as speakers that have 1″ tweeters. One thing it does not lack though compared to bigger marine speakers? Power! For their small size, they’re surprisingly loud and more than adequate.

Amplification Recommendation

The Polk Audio DB521 speakers don’t require much power so they are easy to drive with most standard receivers. The Kenwood KMR-M325BT is a Bluetooth receiver that outputs 50W and is an excellent fit. For those looking for some more power from an amp, we’d suggest the Soundstream SM4.1000D Marine Amplifier.

Speaker Installation

Polk Audio provides everything you’ll need to install the DB521. You can paint them so they match your boat and it’s really easy! Use a 16-gauge marine-grade speaker wire for the installation of these speakers.

What’s in the box?

• 2 x Polk Audio DB521 marine speakers
• 2 x Speaker grilles
• Mounting kit
• User manual

Polk Audio DB521 Marine Speakers Conclusion

The Polk Audio DB521 is a great marine speaker for the money, and it’s surprisingly loud but not as bass-heavy as some of its competitors. You can get this sound system on Amazon for around $70 which I thought was pricey at first glance. However, after listening to these speakers, they are worth every penny!

How to Install Marine Speakers

Installing marine speakers can be a daunting task, but with the proper preparation and planning, it is possible. When installing your system you need to make sure that they are protected against rust or corrosion found in saltwater and sea-air. Installs should always include materials such as silicon sealant for protection from moisture seeping into joints between panels or seams of metal sheeting where wiring passes through holes in deck plates (this may also necessitate more frequent maintenance). You’ll want to take this process one step at a time so paying attention while going through your installation will help avoid any problems later on down the line!

for a more in-depth guide, you can view our article on installing marine speakers.

Step 1:

Attach your speaker template to the chosen position. Cut a hole for your speaker position and drill the holes for each of the mounting screws.

Step 2:

Place the foam gasket to the back of your speaker and align it with the hole. This is a necessary accessory that will make it easier for you to fit your wire through when attaching it in place, so don’t forget!

Step 3:

Connect the speaker wires to each terminal making sure positive and negative are connected properly, then tighten down with a screwdriver.

Step 4:

Slide the speaker in place and secure it with screws. Give all of the screws an anti-rust spray so that your speakers will be safe from corrosion.

Things to Consider before Purchasing Marine Speakers

If you’re looking for marine speakers, there are many features to consider before making a purchase. Here are a few of the top features to consider before buying marine speakers.

Type of Boating Activity

The most obvious and often overlooked first point is what you wish to use the speakers for. Some people purchase marine speakers so that they can enjoy their music on a boat while fishing but other types of activities require different levels of volume in order to be enjoyable. If you plan on doing things like wakeboarding or waterskiing with your new setup, then louder volumes are necessary because these sports involve being farther away from the speaker than when simply sitting near it during an afternoon cruise around the bay.

The type of activity will influence how much power your system needs. Generally speaking, those undertaking more strenuous physical exertions need higher wattage systems whereas those who would just want something low-key can go for a marine speaker with average power.

Marine Speaker Types

When choosing speakers for your boat, you have three options that all depend on where the speaker is going to be installed. Your options include flush-mount speakers, enclosed speakers, or wake tower speakers. It’s important that they are installed in a location conducive to their size and purpose so as not to compromise performance.

Flush Mount Marine Speakers

The flush mount marine speaker is the most common type of speaker found in motor vehicles and is commonly mounted on boats. They can be installed anywhere inside or outside a boat, so they don’t take up any space at all!

Enclosed Marine Speaker

An enclosed speaker is a speaker that’s designed to stay inside of its enclosure. These speakers are often used in bookshelf speakers, PA systems, and soundbars because they have more space for them than on boats that lack the necessary room. The benefit of mounting an enclosed loudspeaker over a flush mount marine one is their increased fidelity as well as the ability to be mounted higher up or angled towards certain areas with improved audio quality.

Waketower Marine Speakers

Waketower speakers are perfect for people who have a bar or tower to mount the speaker on. These directional, high-powered speakers can project sound up and are great if you want more volume. Waketower marine speakers don’t offer a phenomenal bass response, but they can be very loud! 

Speaker Positioning

The next decision you make in your boat speakers installation will be the location of where to install them. You can either replace factory-installed speakers that are not performing as well as they used to or if there is a frequency range missing, then more sound at different places on the front and backside would do better for when you’re trying to get into waves with someone else close by who also has music playing loudly from their speaker system.

Most speakers are directional, meaning they can only send music waves in the direction that they’re pointing. Make sure when purchasing new speakers that it is pointed towards this area for full coverage.

When it comes to marine stereo, you must consider the right balance. It is important for your music to come from both sides of the boat; this way sound can be heard throughout and no matter where someone sits or stands aboard they will still have an enjoyable experience listening in on what’s going on. This is why speakers are installed all around so that there isn’t any imbalance with their placement – achieving a balanced system ensures everyone has access at any time!

Magnetic Shielding

In your quest for the perfect sound system, you need to consider how magnetic devices may affect it. A compass will be distorted if a magnet is too close and this can create problems when navigating using that device as well. The magnets on speakers aren’t usually strong enough to cause issues but especially with marine speakers mounted in consoles near compasses; they should come equipped with shielding or check first before mounting them there.

Your Budget

Deciding which speakers to buy for your boat can be a tough decision. On the one hand, you could go into a store and pick out some of the most expensive ones in order to get what you think is best; but these may not necessarily match up with what’s actually needed for use onboard. You should always consider all available options and select one based on what will best suit your needs; even if money seems like it doesn’t matter at first glance!

Replacing your Factory Speakers

After years of listening to your car’s factory speakers, you may be ready for a change. This is not always as simple as it sounds! Different speaker sizes have different depths and screw mounts which can make the replacement process difficult. To eliminate these potential headaches, measure your old speakers first so that when you go looking for new ones, they’ll fit exactly where needed with nothing extra leftover – just connect and tighten them in place securely before sealing up all holes around the perimeter using silicon or 100% silicone sealant.

Marine Speakers Technical Information

Understanding Power Handling

Power handling is like a speaker’s stamina. Speakers have two power ratings, RMS and Peak wattage.  The RMS wattage indicates the lowest level at which a speaker can play while still projecting an audible sound, whereas peak wattage refers to the maximum power that the speaker operates at.

Understanding Amplification

In order to find the right amplifier for your marine speakers, you’ll want to select one that’s between 1.6 x – 4 x more than your speaker’s RMS power handling. If the amplifier doesn’t have a limiter, then you’ll need to match the RMS wattage of the marine speaker with an equal RMS output from an amplifier.

Additionally, you’ll also need to consider speaker impedance when selecting the right amplifier. When an amplifier is powerful enough to power a speaker, it’ll have specifications for the type of impedance that needs to be matched. An example would be 100W 8-ohm speakers which are made for amplifiers with this same wattage and impedance specification.

It’s important not only to match these numbers but also to ensure they’re adequately sized in order to avoid blowing them out or damaging your equipment over time due to clipping and peaks as well. Marine speakers typically operate on 2 or 4 ohms.

Knowing Which Cable Gauge to Use

Knowing which speaker wire gauge to use can seem confusing at first but it’s actually pretty simple with some basic knowledge. In order to select the right cable gauge, you need to consider the length of the cable as well as the speaker’s impedance.

Make sure both left and right speaker channels are identical in length, with as little slack as possible at either end. Avoid coils or large loops in excess length because this generates heat. For longer wire lengths, make sure you step up in gauge size for optimum sound quality!

Most manufacturers will recommend using either a 16-gauge or 14-gauge speaker cable for marine speaker installations. We’ve included a chart below to help you calculate the correct gauge based on the impedance of the speaker and the length of the cable. Each value is the maximum length and we’ve capped lengths at 50 feet, as lengths longer than this are generally not recommended. 

Waterproof Rating

Marine speakers are built to be as durable and resilient as you need them to be. From waterproofing for the long haul, to corrosion-resistant materials that can take anything from saltwater waves crashing against your boat’s sides or salty air onshore, marine speaker manufacturers have got it all covered with their products. Not all waterproof ratings are the same though, with IPX ratings ranging from just water-resistant to fully waterproof. Be sure that the marine speaker you’re looking to buy matches the right level of waterproof rating needed for your needs.

Our Top Pick!

Polk Audio DXi651 Marine Speakers

The Polk Audio DXi651 marine speakers are made to withstand harsh conditions. Using a polymer/mica composite, these woofers can handle moisture from the ocean as well as heat without falling apart!

Check Price