Tips From James and Gary: Boat Audio Installation at Abt

Abt mobile audio expert James next to a modern boat sound system.

By: Megan

Content Writer

9 min read

Sunny days and warmer weather mean it's time to break out your boat and breathe in the refreshing air as you cruise over waves, either on a freshwater lake or out on the open sea. And what better way to enhance the experience than with an upgraded boat audio system? Though factory systems come installed in several speedboats, pontoons and many more watercraft, there are countless ways to improve their performance and take your music to new heights. The extensive options may seem overwhelming, and you might not know where to start. That's why we met with our in-house mobile experts, James Senne and Gary Allen. They know the world of boat audio systems and installation processes like the back of their hands. Below, we've compiled a list of upgrade recommendations, complete with tips from James and Gary, to help you build the best system for your summer adventures.

But First... Why Upgrade?

Before you start selecting products and customizing your boat audio system, you may be wondering... why should I upgrade my craft's current setup? To start, achieving a bigger, bolder sound. When you're out on the water, the whipping wind and crashing waves tend to drown out traditional factory systems—even with volume turned all the way up. And many setups don't include subwoofers or secondary controls. For older boats, you might be dealing with aged radio systems that don't offer Bluetooth connectivity. Or you may not have a radio at all.

Depending on your boat's size, adding a secondary control near the rear is a highly recommended upgrade. The extra controls make it easier to adjust the music as you and your loved ones sunbathe in the cool water. Subwoofers are a must-have too, particularly if you enjoy the punchy, rich vibrations of those lower frequencies. A subwoofer is installed directly into the frame, most often in the walls or beneath the seats. The integrated placement means you don't just hear the beat, you feel it.

Many boat audio systems come with one or more 6.5-inch speakers. Though these speakers perform adequately, our marine specialists can enlarge them to boost their power and improve audio quality. Tie your entire setup together with an amplifier. These additions give you a central hub to control and power each speaker in your system. Some factory systems include one; however, they tend to be on the smaller side. Upgrading means having more sound power and sharpening different musical elements so each note is heard clearly, even on the windiest days.

Tip from James and Gary: If you have a yacht, you’ll most likely get a combination of boat and home audio. So be prepared to choose from a wider range of products when upgrading your boat audio system. For smaller crafts, standard marine equipment will suffice.

Popular Choices From Abt Customers

Curious what other boat owners are choosing? Tower speakers are a go-to for those who love to waterski, tube or simply enjoy swimming around in the cooling waves. These additions project sound to the back of the boat so everyone can enjoy the music, regardless of where they're sitting or swimming. Since subwoofers aren't often included in the factory setup, they're a commonly selected option. For some, nighttime is where they shine. RGB speakers enhance more than just music, as the colorful backlighting gently illuminates the deck of your watercraft. However, it's good to know that you'll need to invest in multifunction speaker cables, which differ from standard speaker cables.

Tip from James and Gary: Think about which activities you and your family like to do. You want your boat audio system to complement your lifestyle while out on the waves. For example, if your family likes to waterski or tube, then you’ll want to consider adding a tower speaker so they can enjoy the music while enjoying the waves.

Abt’s Top Boat Audio System Recommendation

If you're only looking to upgrade one aspect of your watercraft's setup, our experts say go for an amplifier. The extra power means more sound, perfect for reaching all members of your boating crew. Plus, some speaker models, particularly larger ones, don’t work as well without one. If you do decide to upgrade, it’s good to know that amplifiers require lots of cables, as each component of your boat audio system needs to be connected for proper performance. That means you will need a speaker wire run to each speaker or subwoofer you add.

Tip from James and Gary: You truly can’t go wrong with an amplifier. They add power and depth to songs that can’t be achieved without them. Whether you like to listen to upbeat songs or create a peaceful vibe, an amplifier tops off the experience.

Ready to Upgrade Your On-Water Experience?

Regardless of which enhancements you choose, our team of mobile experts, including James and Gary, ensures each component is properly installed. After selecting your upgrades, schedule your installation appointment to amplify the fun for your next water excursion. If you’d like help finding the right additions or have questions about a specific product, give our specialists a call at 800-860-3577. Or learn more about upgrading with our guide to choosing the best boat audio system.