How do I choose the right speakers for my boat?

When choosing speakers for a boat, consider both the sound and the environment in which they will be used.

Mounting location

Will the speakers be in an open cockpit, a cabin or on a wakeboard tower?

The location affects which speaker type is most suitable.

Size

Common marine speaker sizes include 6.5 and 8 inches.

Larger speakers can often provide fuller sound and greater scope for high volume, but the result also depends on design and installation.

Power handling

Check the speaker’s RMS rating and compare it with the amplifier or marine stereo specifications.

Impedance

Most marine audio systems use speakers with a nominal impedance of 4 ohms, but other options exist.

Always check what the amplifier or stereo supports.

Environmental resistance

Choose a speaker suited to the amount of water, moisture and sunlight it will encounter.

Not always.

Many marine speakers can be driven directly by a marine stereo.

If you want higher volume, larger speakers or several speakers, a separate amplifier can be beneficial.

This depends on the boat’s size and how sound should be distributed.

Two speakers may be enough in a small boat, while a larger boat may need several for even sound coverage.