Product on Recreational Boat

[Silverston]

Hello,

I am thinking about putting some speakers on my 20ft recretional boat.
What type of speaker would you recommand?
I've heard about JL Audio, Pioneer, etc...

Many thanks,
Your man

[Shrew]

Are you in a saltwater environment??

Higher end marine speakers typically have waterproof or water resistant cones and non-ferrus materials.

Pay for waterproof marine speakers and the service/replacement cycle is less frequent, but the cost is higher.

Pay for water-resistant marine speakers and the service/replacement cycle is moderate, but so is the cost.

Install inexpensive automotive speakers and replace more frequently.

Unless your an audiophile I wouldn't worry too much about the brand. At the high-end, they are all fairly decent.

[Silverston]

Thank you for your answer.

My boat is on a big lake.

What would be the different brands for waterproof vs water resistant?

Do you think I can buy it online and install it myself or should I go to a specialist?

I am kind of an audiophile, but I am not familiar with marine brands, which one would you recommend?

Thanks!

[roam]

You might consider just using a decent blue tooth speaker. Probably cheaper and you can place it anywhere you want or take it to shore with you.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Silverston.

[Shrew]

Originally Posted by Silverston

Do you think I can buy it online and install it myself or should I go to a specialist?

I would consider a speaker installation a DIY. However, No offense....... but, if you have to ask, hire someone.

[hellosailor]

"waterproof vs water resistant?"
Under FTC regulations, only a pet rock can be sold as "waterproof". Everything else must be labeled as "water resistant to a depth of __ feet for __ minutes" with specific numbers, or a standard rating like IP67. Those IP ratings are commonly used these days--but they are for static submersion, not for resistance against a mass of water impacting the seals or the object. So, getting splashed at 15mph by a wave top...easily exceeds a rating of "water resistant to a depth of six feet for thirty minutes".

The closest claim I've heard for "audiophile" is from Bose on their old outdoor speakers as being water resistant, but Bose ain't quite "audiophile" to many people.(G) Crutchfield might have some suggestions for you. Basically, you will be constrained by what can fit where on the boat, and if you want high end audio...a headset.(G)

[wingless]

Welcome to the forum.

Use marine speakers in the cockpit for the plastic, not paper, cone.

On my 2,500W system, at maximum volume, I'm pushing many times the wattage rating through my speakers. It sounds great and has been holding up well for many years.

In my case, the speaker selection was dictated by the available depth. I wasn't willing to sacrifice appearance, like others with my boat model, to select superior speakers that are also deeper.

The marine speakers include UV protection. In my area the sun disintegrates everything in very short order.

[astokel]

I would consider keeping the speakers in your cabin. I'm not interested in hearing your music and I already know you are not interested in mine.

[oleman]

Professional speakers for the highest quality reproduction of music. We have some Cerwin Vega CVA-28's installed, never regretted that decision.

[zengirl]

Buy a Bose bluetooth speaker. Keep it the salon and it is so loud no trouble hearing it in the cockpit, or take it out there. You don't need to take up space and wiring for old fashion JBL speakers.

[lordgeoff]

Originally Posted by Silverston

Thank you for your answer.

My boat is on a big lake.

What would be the different brands for waterproof vs water resistant?

Do you think I can buy it online and install it myself or should I go to a specialist?

I am kind of an audiophile, but I am not familiar with marine brands, which one would you recommend?

Thanks!

Combining a smartphone, Bluetooth speakers (whatever quality/price speakers you want) and Spotify is a pretty good solution. Charge everything using 12V sockets and no wiring.

[Mike Banks]

There are purpose-built marine hi-fi speakers. Not cheap either--

[StuM]

The smallest ones possible. Other boats don't want to hear your music

[Gypsyjon]

Originally Posted by roam

You might consider just using a decent blue tooth speaker. Probably cheaper and you can place it anywhere you want or take it to shore with you.

That is what I do. I have an ANKER portable Blue tooth speaker. I can play music from my phone or blue tooth mp3 player. Great sound and will get LOUD