Mounting Speakers In A Bass Boat: Best Locations For Optimal Sound

Installing speakers in your bass boat can elevate your on-the-water experience. While it can be challenging, with the right tools and know-how, you can successfully upgrade your boat's sound system. Before starting, it's important to determine the best mounting locations for the speakers, ensuring they are positioned to face the desired area and are out of the way of passengers, equipment, and excess moisture. The type of speakers you choose is also crucial; coaxial speakers, component speakers, and wake tower speakers are all popular options for boats, each offering unique advantages. Coaxial speakers, for example, combine a subwoofer and a tweeter in a single unit, saving space without compromising sound quality. With careful planning and installation, you can enjoy your favourite music with enhanced sound while drifting down the river or fishing on your bass boat.

Speaker placement for wakesports boats

When it comes to speaker placement for wakesports boats, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best sound experience. The type of speakers you choose will depend on the size and layout of your boat, as well as your specific audio goals.

For wakesports boats, it's important to consider the size of the boat and the number of potential passengers. In general, larger boats are better suited for activities like wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and waterskiing. So, if you're looking for a powerful sound system that can provide clear audio for a larger group of people, you'll need to choose your speakers and their placement carefully.

Component speakers, which typically include multiple mid-range speakers, tweeters, and subwoofers, can be a great option for larger wakesports boats. By placing these speakers strategically throughout the boat, you can create an immersive sound experience. Just be sure to keep them out of the way of passengers and equipment, and consider facing them towards the areas where you want the sound to resonate the most, such as the cabin or deck.

Coax speakers, which combine a subwoofer and a tweeter in a single unit, are ideal if space is limited on your wakesports boat. They produce high-quality sound while saving space, making them a popular choice for boats where space is at a premium. You can easily mount these speakers above your head, out of the way, without sacrificing sound quality.

Another option for wakesports boats is wake tower speakers. These speakers are designed to fit perfectly on a boat wake tower, but they can also be mounted elsewhere if your boat doesn't have a tower. They are self-contained units that are robust and provide excellent protection for their internal components, making them a good choice for external mounting.

When placing your speakers, it's important to keep them away from excess moisture and to use the appropriate marine-grade wiring and equipment to ensure durability and longevity.

Remember, the right speaker placement for your wakesports boat will depend on your unique needs and preferences, so consider the size of your boat, the number of passengers, and your audio goals when making your decision.

Speaker placement for runabouts

Most runabouts have stock cutouts for four to six marine coaxial speakers, usually with two in the bowrider area and two or four in the main cockpit. It is important to ensure that all speakers are high enough to be out of the way of passengers' feet and that they are positioned to face the area where you want the sound to resonate the most. Getting the speakers higher also helps with perceived sound quality.

Marine coaxial speakers with adjustable tweeters let you direct the high notes upward for better sound quality. If you want to add a subwoofer, choose an above-deck stowage locker, such as within one of the consoles.

If your runabout has a wakesports tower, consider hanging a pair of aft-facing tower speakers for the listening pleasure of tubers, skiers and wakeboarders. Get a stereo with multiple zone controls to turn these speakers off once riders are back in the boat. Alternatively, add a Dual Zone Volume Control as a low-cost alternative to buying a new head unit with built-in zone control.

When installing speakers, it is important to keep in mind that the installation process can be challenging and is best suited for those with some level of audio installation experience. Tools such as marine-grade speaker wire, a wire crimper and stripper, and a hole saw or saber saw may be required.

Speaker placement for pontoon boats

When installing speakers on a pontoon boat, it's important to consider the optimal placement for the best sound quality. While the specific layout of your boat will vary, here are some general guidelines for speaker placement:

Firstly, it's crucial to ensure that the speakers are positioned out of the way of passengers' feet, fishing equipment, and excess moisture. You'll also want the speakers to face the area where you want the sound to resonate the most, such as the cabin or deck. For pontoon boats, the seat bases in the bow and stern areas are typically the most suitable locations for speakers. It's also recommended to install the speakers above foot level to prevent damage and avoid pointing them directly at each other to prevent sound cancellation and improve sound quality.

If you're installing a subwoofer on your pontoon boat, the easiest place is usually underneath the helm. This location offers convenient access to wiring and provides more protection from water. However, you may want to avoid having the subwoofer aimed directly at you. Another option is to place the subwoofer in a storage locker or under the pontoon seats.

When installing multiple speakers, it's essential to position them correctly for the best sound experience. Place the left and right speakers so they are aimed toward listeners equally. If installing four speakers, "cross-channel" them by setting one pair in the normal orientation and the other pair in reverse orientation. This ensures optimal sound quality regardless of the listeners' positions.

Before drilling holes and mounting the speakers, it's advisable to test them to ensure they are functioning properly and producing good sound. Once you've determined the ideal locations and tested the speakers, you can proceed with the final installation steps.

Speaker placement for center consoles

When it comes to speaker placement for center consoles, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, space is a constraint for center-console boats under 25 feet in length, so it's important to make strategic choices to ensure optimal sound quality.

A good starting point is to install a pair of coaxial speakers in the bow area. Coaxial speakers are a great choice for boats as they combine two different styles of speakers, typically a subwoofer and a tweeter, in a single unit, saving valuable space. By placing these in the bow, you can direct the sound towards the center of the boat.

Next, consider adding another pair of coaxial speakers under the gunwales amidships. This will help to fill the boat with sound and ensure a more immersive listening experience. It's important to make sure that these speakers are positioned out of the way of passengers' feet and any equipment to avoid damage.

If your center console boat has an interior bulkhead in the transom, this can be a great location for another pair of speakers. However, if the boat does not have a full transom, you can instead place the speakers under the gunwales in the aft cockpit. Just be sure to avoid pointing them directly at each other to prevent sound cancellation.

Finally, if there is room, you can consider installing a pair of speakers below the helm area of the center console. However, be cautious of potential magnetic interference with compasses and other sensitive marine electronic equipment. An alternative option is to take advantage of the hardtop, which often has stock cutouts for flush-mounting speakers.

For a subwoofer, the inside of the helm console can be an ideal location, providing deep bass to complement the other speakers. As with any boat speaker installation, it's important to use marine-grade equipment and carefully plan the wiring and mounting to ensure a clean and functional setup.

Speaker installation tools

Installing speakers in a bass boat can be challenging, so it is best to have some level of audio installation experience.

• Marine Grade Speaker Wire: Exposed boat speaker wire will be susceptible to water, UV rays, salt, and other outdoor elements, so it is important to use a wire that can withstand these conditions, such as stranded, tinned copper wire.
• Wire Cutter and Stripper: You will need to cut and strip the marine-grade speaker wire.
• Screwdrivers: Flat and Phillips screwdrivers may be needed for removing and attaching screws.
• Screws: You will need screws to attach the speakers to the mounting location.
• Drill: A drill will be needed to make new mounting holes and screw holes.
• Pliers: Pliers can be useful for various tasks, such as removing old wires or holding objects in place.
• Knife: A knife can be useful for cutting tasks, such as stripping wires or cutting through packaging.
• Flashlight: A flashlight will help you see in dark areas of the boat.
• Saw: A hole saw or saber saw can be used to cut out the mounting holes for the speakers.
• Soldering Gun: A soldering gun will be needed to solder wire connections and seal them with electrical tape.
• Hole Template: Creating a template can ensure that multiple speakers of the same size have consistently sized mounting holes.
• Speaker Adapter: Some speakers may include a speaker adapter that can be used to attach the speaker wire to the speaker.
• Zip Ties: Zip ties can be used to secure the wires and create a clean look.
• Waterproof Gasket: A waterproof gasket will help to keep water from getting behind the mounting surface.
• Silicone: A bead of silicone can be run around the cutout hole to seal out any water.
• Female Crimp Tabs: Female crimp tabs can be used to attach the speaker wires to the terminal tabs.
• Power and Ground Cable: You will need a power and ground cable to connect to the second boat battery.

Frequently asked questions