Marine subwoofers are key elements to outdoor sound systems because a sound system needs bass and volume to overcome background noises. Marine subwoofers are perfect for outdoor applications, because marine technology was invented to protect audio equipment from light rain, moisture and sun rays. Most marine subwoofers are specially designed for free air mounting and baffle installations. These types of installations are common in boats, because often times you will need to mount a subwoofer in a location where a box cannot be used.
Marine designers anticipate that marine subwoofers will be used without enclosures, so they design the subwoofers with plenty of power to compensate for the lack of box amplification. The RMS power handling rating refers to the amount of power a marine sub can handle on a continuous basis. We recommend that you power your sub with 75% – 90% of its recommended RMS power rating. This will help prevent over-powering or blowing your sub.
Most marine subs are fashioned with waterproof rubber mounting gaskets to prevent deterioration. Most marine subwoofers are built with materials that are less susceptible to corrosion, such as gold plated terminals and stainless steel. The lead connections are usually insulated to guard against weather and water. The electrical components and magnet also are built with hard plastic covering to prevent wear and tear. Marine subwoofers typically have plastic grills to prevent weather damage or to protect the cone from impact. Most are UV resistant to prevent the color from fading and the general aging of the subwoofer’s appearance.
We also carry enclosed marine subwoofers. Enclosed subs are either powered (do not require an external amp) or unpowered (require an external marine amplifier). Among these enclosed marine subs are bass tubes, which are water resistant enclosures. The unique cylindrical bass tube design saves space, and weather resistant mounting straps help keep your bass tube secure in spite of harsh weather conditions.
JL Audio, a notable leader in car audio, also produces a line of marine subwoofers. Rockford Fosgate marine subs are notable for their long linear excursion, vented motor designs with stainless steel rear diffuser plates, polypropylene cones and synthetic rubber surrounds.
You can build your own top notch boat entertainment system. Be sure to check out our wide selection of marine subwoofers, amplifiers and speakers. As always, if you need help deciding what to get, feel free to give us a call at 1-877-289-7664.