Waterproof marine speakers give you smooth tones while you cut a smooth ride through the wake

Boating has continued to be a relaxing past-time, enjoyed by people worldwide. It is only natural that music be a part of that.

Waterproof marine speakers make it possible. Not only can you play some of your favorite tunes, but you can do so without having to keep the system dry.

Waterproof marine speakers were produced as an answer to the constant shorting of traditional speakers. Loudspeakers have often been the target of such waterproofing, but while loudspeakers make for great PA systems they don't make for good Beethoven.

The technology of making waterproof speakers is not so difficult. However, the demand for someone like Clarion or Kenwood to start a new assembly line for such a product was once just not there. It is now.

With the rise of recreational boating, waterproof speakers makes good sense. There is nothing more frustrating than hearing a song play through the air and then be interrupted by the gurgling and the final “pop” that occurs after water has entered the speaker.

Speaker enclosures have made it so that not only is water not a factor in the corrosion of a speaker, but neither is salt. So, the sea reins no more.

Loudspeakers, in times past, had to be used because of their industrial toughness. However, these days, a small speaker mounted inside the boat will last for ages, even though they do appear fragile.

A good digital audio player and waterproof speakers make for a small, but powerful boating sound system.

Choosing a waterproof speaker system

Bose, Jenson, Kenwood, Sony, and JBL are all in the game as far as waterproof speakers go. They are all reliable as well.

The choice basically depends on the type of atmosphere you are trying to create with your sound. Obviously a speed boat needs something different than a “house boat.” Before you buy speakers, ask yourself these questions:

• Are you going to retrofit your speakers?

• Is there room for internal placement or will you have to go external?

• What type of wiring issues are present?

The latest in waterproof marine speakers is both the wireless speaker and the “floating speaker.” Just don't fall asleep out on the water and wake up to a speaker that decided it wanted a different home!

Wireless water speakers offer the widest range of possibilities. However, most boats allow for easy hiding of the speaker wires.

Avoid the easy answers and shortcuts

Many people try to customize regular speakers and turn them into a waterproof solution. Sure, it can be done. But after the expense of both time and money in doing so, you could have easily purchased high end waterproof marine speakers.

House speakers are made for the house, after all.

Many customers don't realize that different speakers operate at different power ranges. In short, a house speaker hooked up to a boat audio system will not sound good. Good sound, after all, is what we are after. So, no shortcuts.

While looking for waterproof speakers, it might also be to your advantage to find a complete system that will deal with digital media like MP3's. This will cut down on the lost compact disks and wet cassettes.

Look and you will find

You don't have to go to your local marine harbor to find good discounts and reviews on waterproof marine speakers. The Internet is a great resource.

A quick glance for boat speakers and you will find a crowded marketplace. That is both good and bad. Good in that the pricing is competitive. Bad in that the you may find it confusing.

You might find our buyer's guide helpful in weeding through the junk. It contains the most discounted prices on the net along with reputable companies that offer great service.