Mark Greene
There’s nothing better than spending a sunny day out in open water with family and friends, having a blast, and enjoying the sun. All you need is snacks, drinks, and loud music. Relax while listening to good music along with the waves. But, nothing can ruin a party like audio equipment that can’t handle rough weather conditions.
If you’re planning to install a good stereo system on your boat, make sure you choose the right one. Some can be of the highest quality, but not durable. You need to consider many factors when buying sound equipment.
Here are some of the things to look for when choosing audio gear.
Speakers
If you are a music enthusiast then marine tower speakers are a must-have. Look for plastic cones and rubber surrounds for optimal weather protection and enough power to blast out tunes over engine noises, as well as wind and water. Look for marine tower speakers who can handle rough waters, more vibration, and be overall louder.
Another important factor to consider when purchasing marine tower speakers is their marine-grade type so that you can use them in the marine environment and enjoy the best audio.
Receiver
Listening to music on a boat is not the same as listening to music in the car. Bear in mind that there are a lot more surrounding noises, so a high-power receiver is a must to have clear sound.
Usually, marine receivers have a 4-way amplifier, but if you want your music to be louder then you can consider an extra amplifier for your boat. A high-quality amplifier has plated, non-corrosive connectors, a large power supply, and coated circuit boards.
Power Inverter and Connectivity
A power inverter is incredibly handy to have onboard since you can use it to charge your phone, laptop, or any other small electronics you might need. Keep in mind to look for an inverter that has a ground fault circuit interrupter to avoid accidental shocks.
When choosing an audio system, don’t forget to ask for connectivity of devices. Plenty of people these days use their phones, USBs, or iPods to play music, instead of CDs. Marine systems have multiple audio ports, so make sure that you can connect your devices before purchasing.
Verify the Properties of the Marine Audio Equipment
Since you will be installing your audio gear on your boat, you need to make sure that it is built to withstand its surroundings.
Water-Resistance
One of the most important factors to look for when purchasing a sound system is water resistance. Being on a boat, of course, means being on the water, so it’s unavoidable to think about the sound system being damaged or broken altogether.
Looking for a water-resistant product is a must, so make sure that all the electronics on the boat are protected against water. Remember that the levels of resistance vary depending on the manufacturer.
Some can handle light rain and splashes, but cannot handle heavy storms or submersion. Look for tested products with unique specifications and ratings for water resistance. For example, if they are rated as waterproof, that means they offer much higher levels of water protection.
UV Resistance
The sun can also be a great factor in damaging marine audio systems. All electronic equipment is susceptible to damage from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Usually, a quality marine audio system will feature UV protection in the form of speaker cones, faceplates, and protected grilles.
Remember that the sun is so powerful that no matter how much sunscreen you apply, you will be protected only partially. The same goes with electronic gear on boats. The UV rays can cause the gear to crack, overheat, and bleach out. So, don’t forget to invest in UV-resistant marine audio gear if you want it to last longer and be worth your while.
Anticorrosion
Anticorrosion is necessary to prevent the gear from rust and the corrosive effects of saltwater. Residue from the sea, as well as saltwater, can lead to severe rusting and corrosion of delicate electronic components in the sound system.
Keep in mind that not only saltwater, but freshwater can cause damage too because direct exposure to water can cause rusting of metallic equipment. For example, you can look for anti-corrosion features like plated connections, coated circuit boards, and rust-resistant chassis.
Final Thoughts
Along with technological advancements, marine audio gear has also evolved a lot. There are audio systems for boats in various shapes, sizes, and functionalities. Choosing the right one is crucial if you want to have it for a longer time, so be careful choosing a durable marine system that can withstand extreme weather conditions.
The right gear can make the boating experience more enjoyable. Make sure your choice meets your desired criteria and look for products that are tested to survive in a harsh climate.
