Rock the Boat With a New Boat Stereo System
The average boater spends more than 70 hours out on the water every season. For boat owners and enthusiasts, nothing comes close to the joy that’s felt being out in the great outdoors, with nothing but water surrounding you.
Well, there might be one thing missing from your setup to make your time out on the water even more enjoyable: a boat stereo system.
If you don’t already have a set of boat speakers, this guide is here to help you learn more about them and why you might need them on your boat.
Keep reading to learn about the different types of marine speakers and helpful installation tips.
Types of Marine Stereos
Just like there’s a boat for every type of person, you can find a boat stereo and speakers that fit anyone’s needs.
Before you decide which type of stereo system you want, first think about how you use your boat and how you intend to use it in the future.
Is your boat the party spot, or is it more of a fortress of solitude? The type of stereo system you need varies depending on your answers.
A Simple System
If you just want to casually listen to music when you’re out fishing or enjoying a warm day on the water, a simple system should meet your needs.
This includes just the basics: a receiver and a few speakers.
These days, most receivers are digital, meaning you can access your digital music library while you’re out on the water instead of bringing CDs on board.
Some receivers also have satellite radio access, so you can listen to your favorite radio programs no matter where you are.
Of course, if sound quality is very important to you, the basic speakers in this type of system may not quite cut it. However, you can always upgrade the speakers if you wish.
A System Made for Parties
One reason people love the idea of getting a boat is that it gives them the perfect place to host their friends and family. If your boat is known for being the go-to party spot, you should have a boat stereo system to match.
A party system includes a receiver and speakers, but they often also include marine amps and subs as well, to really get the party going and the music flowing.
Some speakers also come equipped with LED lights that flash along to the music, helping to further add to the party atmosphere on your boat.
A Top-of-the-Line System
If you have a small boat, a simple stereo system will probably meet all of your needs. However, if you have a yacht, you’ll want your stereo system to match the luxurious feel of your boat.
In this case, consider a top-of-the-line system with surround sound speakers, subs, and a luxury receiver that can be used for on-boat communications as well.
With a large boat, you won’t want to go back to one location if you need to adjust the music, which is why larger systems come with remote controls you can use no matter where you are on the boat.
This leads to a truly luxury experience that you’re sure to enjoy.
A High-Performance System
If you love using your boat for high-speed cruising or water sports, you won’t be able to hear a simple system above all the outside noise. Instead, you’ll want a high-performance system that comes with tower speakers to better amplify the music.
Many high-performance systems also have amps and subs that are specifically made to be heard over the loud noises that come along with boating.
Now, you can spend time water skiing without missing out on the music that perfectly accompanies your moves.
Boat Stereo System Installation Tips
Once you’ve chosen the best stereo system for your needs, the next step is to install it so you can start enjoying it.
While the full installation process varies for each system, there are a few best practices you can follow to make sure you get the most out of your system.
Water-Resistant Isn’t Waterproof
Most marine stereo systems are made to withstand some water. However, they’re not submersible, and they can’t handle a lot of water without damage to the system.
Keep this in mind when deciding where on your boat to mount the receiver. You’ll want to make sure the back of the receiver, in particular, is covered but still easy to access, if needed.
Where You Mount the Speakers Is Key
It’s easy to assume that boat speakers work much like car speakers. But it’s more different than you may think. That’s because the acoustics on a boat are much different than they are in a car.
When you’re in your vehicle, the sound from the speakers bounces around off the walls of your car. On a boat, the top and sides are open, so the sound isn’t as contained.
Mount speakers around your boat in the places where people are most likely to be spending time. Try to place them in a way, so they’re not exposed to too much water spray.
As a good rule of thumb, you’ll want speakers on both sides of the front of the boat and both sides of the back of it for the best sound distribution.
Time to Upgrade Your Boat
So, after reading this article, are you ready to upgrade your boating experience with sound? A boat stereo system could be just what you need to bring your time on the water to the next level.
No matter which type of system you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the fun that comes along with listening to tunes when you’re out on your favorite body of water.
Are you looking for more tech info like this? Be sure to read through our other articles before you go!
