Best Waterproof Boat Speakers
We can probably all agree that blasting good music makes any trip better! It just adds to that vacation (or day off) mood whenever we hear the beat and rhythm of music through a good set of speakers.
Because of the fun and excitement, it brings, blasting music wherever you are whether you are in your car or on your boat becomes a necessity!
Since we’re talking about boat trips, let’s focus on marine speakers. If you’re planning to install marine speakers to impress your friends on the boat ride, there’s a lot you need to consider.
Firstly, they’ll need to be durable and waterproof! Boat speakers have to be able to hold up under harsh weather conditions. I’m going to assume you’re looking for excellent sound performance as well as excellent value for your money.
Lucky for you, there are many fantastic waterproof speakers out there that check all of these boxes! The tricky part now is finding the absolute best one for your specific needs.
To make your life easier, here’s a list of some of the best waterproof speakers that you will definitely want to consider before you set out for your next boat trip!
Boss Audio MR60W Marine Speakers have been a crowd-pleaser ever since they were released onto the market, and we totally get why. For an affordable price, you get a lot for more than what you pay for. Through all seasons and weather conditions, they remain strong and sturdy. Their durability is legendary, plus they have a max power of 200 Watts. This means the sound quality isn’t just like AM-radio sound; you can expect more from it!
When looking for the best marine speakers, aside from the durability, there are many other factors that come into play. These are installation size and power handling, and we can’t forget the speaker quality.
For the installation size, remember that if you are replacing marine speakers that you already have, there are no standard sizes.
Always be meticulous with all the measurements to get it right the first time. A tip for you is to keep in mind that a speaker has larger grills than its cone so make sure that you allocate just the right space for it.
Power handling is another factor you shouldn’t neglect. The rule of thumb when it comes to power handling is to always make sure that your speakers are able to handle the same as or more power than your stereo or amplifier.
Remember that the higher the power, the more you have to pay attention to what your speakers can handle.
Now for the speaker quality. Dual cone speakers may be the most affordable, but they sometimes compromise on quality. Coaxial speakers – commonly known as 2- or 3-way speakers – basically have a tweeter placed in the middle of the woofer cone but with a separated driver.
We recommend coaxial speakers as they typically work better than dual cone speakers, but as a result, they are priced in more expensive ranges.
1. Rockville RWB80B
The Download
What we like most about the Rockville RWB80B speaker is that there are no exaggerated power ratings. It is actually quite common for speaker manufacturers to falsely inflate ratings, but this brand sticks to the true RMS valuation.
This means that what you see is literally what you get. For 200 watts RMS and 300 watts peak, you really do get the most bang for your buck. Rockville RWB80B speakers also have improved mounting brackets. They’re reinforced with steel! This makes them extra strong and durable under surprisingly turbulent conditions. These are probably the most ideal marine speakers for boat rides for years to come because they’re made of marine-grade components which are completely rust-proof.
The Specs
- Impedance: 4 ohms
- Frequency response: 60–20,000 Hz
- Number of speakers: 2
- Number of speakers: Doesn’t feature
Stuff I like
- Mounting bracket is adjustable
- These are two-way speakers
- 100% water and rust-resistant
Stuff I like less
- Can’t be rotated
- Limited mounting options
- Doesn’t handle bass sounds very well
Where to get it
What’s in the Box
- 2 Wakeboard speakers
- Mounting brackets
- Integrated grill
- Installation hardware
2. Sony 4 XS-MP1611
The Download
The Sony 4 XS-MP1611 is truly a stylish set of four marine speakers. They are UV coated which means that they won’t be damaged when exposed to the sun’s radiation for extended periods. They are lightweight while still having durable components.
When it comes to the sound quality, one thing you can expect is that the bass is produced well. They’re one of the most convenient speaker types to purchase as they’re easy to install.
We recommend powering them up with the Sony marine amp for best results. Lastly, they offer low impedance circuitry. This is something that has been refined by this company’s long expertise in the field of audio devices.
The Specs
- Impedance: 4 ohms
- Frequency response: 45–20000Hz
- Number of speakers: 4
- Bluetooth version: Doesn’t feature
Stuff I like
- Water-resistant IPx5 certified design
- UV and saltwater resistant
- IPX5 waterproofing
- Low impedance
Stuff I like less
- Low impedance
- Not as durable as other speakers
- Few inclusions in the box
Where to get it
What’s in the Box
- 4 dual cone speakers
3. Kicker 11 KB6000W
The Download
The Kicker 11 KB6000W are full-range and high-efficiency speakers that can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Mounting these on a boat? They also do the job well there! With their simple box design, they are priced on the more affordable side.
Compared to similar marine speakers, their performance can be considered top-notch. They delegate the workload between the dedicated woofer and tweeter combination which contributes to their superior performance. When it comes to power handling, they are also great with their 150 watts.
The Specs
- Impedance: 4 ohms
- Frequency response: 55Hz-21kHz
- Number of speakers: 2
- Bluetooth version: Doesn’t feature
Stuff I like
- 2-way class array
- Have a classic design
- 150 watts power handling
- Affordably priced
Stuff I like less
- Doesn’t do well with low range bass
- Slightly bulky and large
- Not as loud as some others
Where to get it
What’s in the Box
- 2 pairs of Kicker 11 KB6000W
FAQ
- What is the best brand for marine speakers?
The best brands for marine speakers are Bose, Rockville, and Sony as they have good warranty deals and produce high-quality speakers. Of course, this still depends on the type of speaker you purchase.
- What size speakers do I need for my boat?
The right speakers to get are different for everyone. There is no standard size. It’s important to measure the boat’s side panels and dash panels. Typically, speakers for boats are in the size range of around 6.5” but it is still important for you to measure adequately.
- Can I use car speakers on a boat?
Yes. Since they’re both speakers, it is possible. However, if you want to do this, you have to ensure that everything from parts to wirings are compatible. Also, car speakers may not be weatherproof.
To Sum it Up
Your preference and needs still play a particularly important role when it comes to finding the best boat speakers for you. I hope you’ve gained more knowledge and have figured out exactly which speakers will best suit you and your needs! Have a blast with your new boat speakers!
A passion for writing and ongoing research projects gives Catherine an incredibly broad knowledge of all things. She has authored an incredible number of articles and can be found in the wilderness when not attached to technology or listening to podcasts.
This post was last updated on 2025-01-12 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.