Do I need marine speakers?

[Dmaxx85]

Looking to upgrade the speakers on my boat. And am wondering if I really need marine speakers? I'm assuming it would make sense! I'm looking at some kicker 6.5" km6200 any one had these? Any other reccomdations would be great! I'm just looking for a good loud clear system and am looking for 4 speakers and an amp. As of now I'm not gonna get a sub. My boat is an 18' mariah shabah

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Do I need marine speakers?

No, normal ones will work, they just wont last as long, the dampness will get to they eventually.

 

[jimbo1229]

Re: Do I need marine speakers?

you don't need marine speakers but its better if you get in and out of the boat and water splashes on them.

 

[OllieC]

Re: Do I need marine speakers?

I would spend the extra few dollars and do it correctly and do it once......

 

[Silverbullet555]

Re: Do I need marine speakers?

I wouldn't bother unless I was perhaps going with high end speakers.

I actually like Polk DB 651 speakers for the boat. They sound good and can be had for $40-$50 per pair on sale at Amazon so when they go bad, replace them.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Do I need marine speakers?

Do they still use paper cones in automotive speakers? That would be my biggest worry. My speakers are exposed enough that a good rain driven by some wind could get them wet. I haven't bought auto speakers in years, so maybe they've got away from paper completely? Just curious...

 

[h2odick]

Re: Do I need marine speakers?

A lot of newer speakers (auto type) have the newer foams and synthetic materials, and they deal with moisture much better these days. That being said, I had infinity kappa's in my boat at one time, they did ok for awhile, but eventually fell apart. Depending on where your speakers are located, and if they're going to get splashed/wet, I would go with the marine speakers (but thats just me). Most marine speakers also come in white, or colors more neutral for a boat as opposed to a lot of the black/dark grey grilles you will find with auto speakers. But hey, sometimes that fits right in too. All depends on your boat and how much you want to spend. Auto speakers will be cheaper, but marine type isn't much more.