Unlike car audio systems, the components used in boats need to be built to withstand relentless sun (particularly in a Utah summer) and moisture exposure. Electricity and water do not mix well, so outfitting your boat with marine-specific components is essential for both functionality and safety.
From Lake Powell to Flaming Gorge and Bear Lake, boaters in Utah have access to some of the most iconic and beautiful bodies of water in the West. No matter where you choose to spend those long summer days, there’s one thing that’s sure to make your time on the water better: a great audio system.
Marine audio upgrades can range from basic off-the-shelf head units and speakers to complex, highly custom systems. The type of boat you have and how you use it also influence the type of sound system you might choose.
At Innovative Audio, we are passionate about sound. In this post, we are going to cover some of our favorite marine audio system upgrades!
Marine Audio Basics
While often referred to as a “stereo upgrade,” audio systems are made up of a lot of different components. This includes speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers, wiring, mounting hardware, and more.
We covered this in detail in our article “Can I Upgrade the Stereo In My Older Boat?” Head over to that post for a more in-depth look.
Now, let’s get into our recommendations!
Media Receiver/Head Unit Upgrades
Upgrading your media receiver or head unit instantly modernizes your boat and brings a range of new features.
Modern Compatibility and Controls
An upgraded media receiver will allow you to use your phone to play music via Bluetooth, giving you more control over what you are listening to. Many modern systems also use full-color displays similar to what you would find in a car or truck.
Zone Control
Zone control lets you choose where the music is loudest. If passengers sitting in the bow want to have a conversation while you jam out in the back, you can control the volume by zone so everyone is happy.
Option for Remotes
Many receivers have the ability to accept remote controls, giving you further control over the system no matter where you are sitting.
Built-In Audio Features
Built-in amplifiers are a common feature for those who want to simplify the upgrades.
Cockpit & Bow Speakers/Subwoofers
Typically, the factory speakers on a boat are meant to meet a price point, not a sound quality standard. While this isn’t always the case, particularly on modern, higher-end boats, speakers remain one of the most impactful upgrades you can make. If your boat is older, years of sun and moisture can cause these lower-quality units to fail.
Adding Larger or Additional Speakers & Subs
While doing a one-to-one upgrade is a great, more affordable option, adding larger speakers can bring your audio system to the next level. The trade-off is that increasing size involves custom fabrication work to the existing cutouts to accept larger speakers.
LED-Lit Speakers
Opting for speakers with built-in LED lighting adds ambiance to your boat when cruising in the evening or floating after the sun goes down.
Wake Tower Speakers
If you own a wakeboat, you know nothing compares to long days on the water, towing your friends and family. Wake tower speakers let the person or people being towed clearly enjoy the music too.
Wake tower speakers are able to project over long distances, cutting through the wind, engine, and water noise a wakeboarder, water skier, wake surfer, or tuber experiences while being towed. Even if you put a ton of time and money into your boat’s onboard sound system, someone being towed wouldn’t be able to hear anything.
Speaker Pod Size
Upgrading to a larger speaker pod size can improve volume and projection. Pods can range from 6.5 inches up to over 10 inches.
Speaker Pod Clamps
It’s important to make sure you are using the correct mounting hardware for your wake tower. Depending on the model, your wake tower may have oval or rounded tubing that can come in a wide range of diameters.
When adding wake tower speakers to a boat that did not have them, the next thing that typically comes up is an amplifier that will let you get the most out of them.
Amplifiers
In our last marine audio article, we discussed the differences between internal and external amplifiers. When deciding on an upgrade, take into account the rest of your boat’s audio setup in order to select the best amp for your system.
Improved Volume and Headroom
Upgrading your amplifier will improve your boat audio system’s headroom, or the volume at which it can operate before becoming distorted. Upgrading becomes even more important, sometimes necessary, when you add large wake tower speakers.
Zone-Matched/Multi-Channel Amps
Looking back to the zone control options from earlier, a multi-channel amp will give you more control over the sound in different zones of your boat.
Our Favorite Brands
Whether you are looking to replace a broken speaker or completely overhaul the sound system on your wakeboat, using high-quality components is essential. While we can source and install a wide range of brands, we typically use components from Rockford Fosgate and Memphis Audio.
Speak with an Expert Today!
Located in Sandy, Utah, and serving customers from Park City to Draper, Innovative Audio is your destination for marine, side-by-side, car, and truck audio, visual, and interior upgrades. Need help deciding what’s best for your marine audio project? Call and speak to one of our experienced staff members today!