How to Choose the Best Marine Audio System for Your Boat

Not all boats are the same, and everyone uses theirs differently—for fishing, tubing, relaxing, watersports or maybe a little bit of everything. And there are some moments when you need the perfect soundtrack ... and not from the speaker in your smartphone (however, many party-level Bluetooth speakers can bring enough bass and volume to satisfy some). But one of the best marine audio systems will help kick up the energy of any trip out on the water. Dance, lounge, relax, enjoy—it's all better when your music is at its peak. But that requires the right setup for your vessel, and you'll need to consider factors like durability, sound quality, smart features and easy connectivity. We'll dive into our top list of things to consider when shopping for the best marine audio system for your boat.

With indoor AV equipment, some elements are expected to be fragile, like turntables and records. You won't find any of those outdoors with choppy waves that rock your boat ... but you will need an audio system that can stand up to splashes and rain. The best marine audio system for you will be able to handle weather, water and other elements on its marine stereos and speakers. Things that can quickly age audio components (and a boat itself) include saltwater, UV rays and moisture. When making an investment, shoppers should look for components that are water-resistant or completely waterproof, or even rated for full submersion for the most protection. That means that the best marine audio systems will be made of materials coated in plastics with rubber surrounds, along with anti-corrosion features. For those who boat on salty water, you know just how damaging it can be on all kinds of materials. Choose audio products with coated circuit boards, plated connections and rust-resistant chassis construction: with the right protections, your system will stay protected from any corrosive effects. With these protections in place, you'll be able to listen to your music as you motor across the waves—without worrying about getting any water in the boat.

Whether you're boating in the freshwater Great Lakes or are enjoying a ride along the Atlantic coast, durability isn't important if the sound quality doesn't measure up. The best marine audio system for you has to put just as much effort into the audio build quality—look for products with polypropylene cones and rubber surrounds. These are designed to produce audio that can cut through high winds, choppy waves and even the sound of the engine. Ambient noise out on the water is louder than you might think, and you'll want to make sure that the speakers you choose for the best marine audio system can overpower ambient sound for playlists you can hear as you enjoy a day out on the boat.

What about the components themselves, the speakers, amplifiers and subwoofers? The best marine audio system for you will have a marine amplifier, a key component when it comes to delivering that undistorted sound that's hard to find in a completely open space. A good marine amplifier will have the features we touched on earlier: protective coatings and connectors that are non-corrosive alongside the power for undistorted audio output. Since there are no barriers like walls or ceilings that can help keep sound in, you'll want true power from your amplifier. Next up, the subwoofer(s). Subwoofers bring the bass, the punch, the impact you need to feel every beat land. And in the best marine audio systems, weather-resistant cones will bring the impressive lows you're looking for. One thing to note is that the RMS power rating (or average power output) of your subwoofer should match that of your amplifier. If the amp makes more power than the sub, you run the risk of damaging, or "blowing" the subwoofer. When it comes to choosing a subwoofer, you'll have a few choices here: pick between enclosed subs and free air component subs. Enclosed models are built and installed right into your boat, while free air component subs allow more flexible installation— all while keeping that bassy punch you're looking for. With these, it's easy to build the best marine audio system for yor watercraft.

The best marine audio system for you and your boat will have truly seamless integration between your audio components and smartphone. While connecting a single phone to speakers via an audio cord or even Bluetooth may once have been the standard, there are ways to improve. Make sure that you choose a system with a strong wireless Bluetooth range as well as the ability to pair with multiple devices at the same time. That means that you'll have multiple DJs on deck, all ready with their playlists. And with the best marine audio systems, you can enjoy features like voice control for hands-free usage. Change the song from anywhere on the boat with just a few words—or skip a song when you jump overboard to play in the water.

As marine audio technology gets better and better, components like speakers and amplifiers are further integrated into other onboard systems you may have on your boat, especially via NMEA 2000 networking. With the NMEA 2000 "plug-and-play" protocol, receivers, GPS, marine gauges and other accessories sync together for seamless controls powered in one unified system. Keep an eye out for custom soundscaping and streaming integration with music services too as you craft the best marine audio system.

Voice controls and smart systems are exciting, but it's important to focus on the heart of what will be your best marine audio system: the receiver, or head unit. For many boaters, you'll likely find that a single-DIN marine radio unit that's designed with a waterproof faceplate will give you what your audio system needs. Make sure you look for a marine radio with line-level outputs for an outboard amplifier. And if satellite radio like Sirius XM is for you, explore options with satellite radio controls. On top of that, several receivers are designed for universal gauges that will make mounting easy and painless. While the radio is the brain of the system, speakers and amps are the muscles that bring out the volume and the life. You have two installation options for speakers: enclosed or component. Enclosed speakers are easier to install, while component speakers can be mounted in a more versatile way (and offer more fidelity). We've already touched on marine amps and subwoofers, but it bears repeating that an amp's circuit protection is paramount to the quality of your sound system. And for subwoofer installation, some models even fuse the amp and the sub together in one piece for an enclosed powered subwoofer. Hoping to add more subwoofers for a bigger beat in the best marine audio system? To keep your receiver's built-in amp driving the main speakers, pair component subs with an outboard marine subwoofer amplifier. There are so many options, combinations and ways to make your boat's sound system sound so much better. Explore all of your options and learn how you can make the best marine audio system for your watercraft.

For many, satellite radio is a must-have audio amenity for enjoying boat rides or driving on the roads—it provides uninterrupted listening even if you're as far as 200 miles from shore. Most marine receivers and many aftermarket car stereos integrate SiriusXM functionality with an optional tuner module, making them an integral part of the best marine audio system. Another upgrade? Combining your satellite radio controls with chartplotter visibility for a more unified helm. And whether you navigate over the seas or across the Great Lakes, it's always important to know where you are. When you explore GPS units, choose a model that has a sunlight-readable screen. Other possible upgrades include expansion charts, an antenna, complete water resistance and more. If you're always running out of battery, consider a power inverter that will let you charge phones—and with a fully-charged phone, you'll be able to stay the DJ all throughout the day.

Installing anything in your boat can present unique challenges, especially when it comes to adding electronics. With different designs, power systems and available mounting locations, there's no one-size-fits-all installation setup for what may be your best marine audio system. If you're replacing an existing setup, you're at an advantage: you can likely use pre-wired locations for the most important pieces like receivers, speakers and amplifiers. If you're hoping to install an entirely new system, you'll want to work with a skilled dealer and professional technicians (like those here at Abt) to choose the right place to install components based on your boat's layout.

Electric wiring for even the best marine audio systemrequires proper grounding and layout, but grounding can be difficult on watercraft. Solutions include dedicated grounding plates, but owners may need to work directly with the manufacturer or explore their boat diagrams. No matter what you're wiring, pay close attention to cable routing and protection to avoid leaving wires exposed. Otherwise, they'll be vulnerable to moisture, weather, snags and other damage. The last step before proper installation is to carefully consider where each piece of your audio system is going to live. You'll want them to stay shielded from the elements, but accessible enough for you to use them during daily operation. The perfect balance of proper wiring, easy accessibility and the right gear will give you the best marine audio system on the water.

Every boater knows that for every moment spent on land, they'd rather be on their watercraft. With the best marine audio system for you, you'll have more fun on your own and a more exciting time bringing friends aboard. Enjoy slow cruises with relaxing tunes and snacks, or create your own party on the water with bass-heavy songs, high volume and dedicated DJs. There are several factors to consider when shopping for, buying and installing a new audio system, but you've got experts that can help here at Abt. Consult with our in-house specialists to know exactly what kind of sonic equipment you need for your vessel. With help and guidance from our team, you'll soon have the best marine audio system for your boat—a new world of entertainment experienced on the water awaits. If you have any questions or are ready to speak to our Mobile Install team to start your project, call us at 800-860-3577. We'll have your boat ready for the water, whatever the season. Alternatively, stop into our Glenview store to get a look at some of our products in the flesh.

Explore some of the most-asked questions about marine audio systems and how to choose the best one for you.

While different professionals and hobbyists will have their own opinions on what makes up the best marine audio system, but you'll want to keep one thing in mind: the best marine audio system for you will depend on your needs. A sound system for wakeboarding will look different from one that you use on a pontoon that mainly goes for rides around the bay. Match all of your audio components to your needs. If you want powerful bass, pick out a subwoofer and matching amp. Maybe you'd rather have a modern head unit that can connect to multiple phones at a time. If you want the ultimate in marine audio systems, customize every piece and add-on to match your boat with the help of your dealer (like our specialists at Abt).

That can depend on a few different factors, but the one thing that you should always prioritize is resistance to water, weather and saltwater if necessary. You're investing a significant amount of money in what could be your best marine audio system—you don't want corrosive elements to destroy it. Instead, look for marine audio systems made with anti-corrosive materials as well as plastics and rubber surrounds.

Abt's Mobile Install Team
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Glenview IL, 60025

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