What kind of marine audio system is right for your boat?
Get the best stereo gear for your boat and your lifestyle

Photo courtesy of Wet Sounds
In brief: Thinking about a new stereo system for your boat? One of these marine audio system profiles might provide the inspiration you need.
There are as many kinds of boaters as there are different kinds of boats, so sweeping generalizations are worth about as much as a fishnet windsock. That said, if you see a little bit of yourself in these profiles, it might help you create the perfect marine audio system.
Just the basics
A simple system with a stereo and couple of speakers

Looking for an all-in-one upgrade? Check out our selection of marine receiver/speaker packages
If you're seriously into audio, we carry a vast array of outstanding gear that will make your boat sound great. But for some people, a receiver and a decent set of speakers will do quite nicely.
A typical system might include:
- Marine receiver: Get the functionality you want and the durability you need
- Marine speakers: If your old speakers are worn out, you'll be amazed by the improvement
- If you want to upgrade the receiver and speakers at the same time, or just want to make shopping easier, you can get a nice deal with our selection of marine receiver and speaker packages
Don't scare the fish
A simple system with a fish finder

If you're into fishing, you'll definitely want to add a fish finder to your boat
We don't have scientific proof of this, but we're pretty sure that screaming speakers and thumping subwoofers do not attract fish. If you're more concerned with what's biting than what's playing, your boat doesn't need to be an audio powerhouse.
A typical system might include:
- Fish finder: Fish are smarter than we are, so you'll need one of these to figure out where they're hiding
- Gauge-mount digital media receiver: Leave the CDs in the truck and enjoy your digital music library
- Satellite radio tuner: Get terrific reception and enjoy news, weather, sports, and music while you wait for a bite
- Basic marine speakers: When volume is secondary to clarity, one set of speakers is all you need for your boat
Let's party
Hanging out with friends...on a boat

Want better sound and cool lighting? We offer marine speakers with built-in LED lighting
One of the best things about having a boat is inviting your friends out for a day on the water (BTW, this is also the best thing about having a friend with a boat). Good music makes boating even better.
A typical system might include:
- CD receiver with Bluetooth: Play the discs, downloads, and streaming music that will keep your guests happy
- LED speakers: Great sound, plus lighting that pulsates in time with the tunes = awesome
- Marine subs: If people are going to boogie, they're going to need bass
- Marine amps: The power you need to get the volume you want, especially if one or more subs are involved
Fast and loud
Loud music and water sports
If you're into wakeboarding or water skiing, you're into high-performance boats. You'll need a high-performance stereo to hear your tunes over the roar of the engine while you're out enjoying a day on the lake.
A typical system might include:
- Digital media receiver: Play just about anything you want from a variety of devices
- Tower speakers: Big sound that can be heard by the folks on the deck or the person on the skis
- Wet Sounds amps: Whether it's the looks or the sound, these marine-rated amps make a powerful statement
- Wet Sounds subs: These subwoofers will give you thunderous bass and serious style
Big boat, big system
Complex audio system controlled from anywhere on the boat

A quality receiver can serve as the hub of your boat's entertainment and information system
A larger boat gives you the opportunity to create a serious, audiophile-quality audio (and video) system that can be controlled from anywhere on the vessel with strategically placed remote controls.
To create a top-of-the-line audio network on our boat, check out our article about the NMEA 2000 networking system.
A typical system might include:
- NMEA 2000-enabled receiver: Handles your boat's entertainment and communication essentials
- Marine remote controls: No need to run back to the helm every time you want to change songs or sources
- Speakers: You have the space to work with, so fill it with top-quality sound
- Subs: Even if you're not cranking it up to max volume, you'll still want quality bass to fill out your music
Further help
If you have any questions or want some expert recommendations for your boat, contact us via phone, chat, or email. Our advisors are ready to help.
Meet Jon Paul
From car racing to car stereos, I've written a lot of words about cars. Different words, even.
I spent years writing about cars and motorsports for some magazines you might've heard of (emphasis on "might've") despite having only the most basic understanding of what a carburetor does. It was that experience writing about cars that drew Crutchfield's attention. I began as a freelance contributor, using their vehicle research to write articles explaining how to install audio gear in specific vehicles.
Things went so well that they brought me in as a fulltime writer and eventually made me an editor. Now I continue to write those vehicle profiles, other web features, product descriptions, and Crutchfield catalog articles. Let's just say I know some pretty cool stuff that'll help you install your car or marine audio system. Hopefully you'll have some fun along the way.
Before I joined the Crutchfield team, I honestly thought that good audio was anything loud enough to annoy pets and/or the neighbors. I was completely and amazingly wrong. The house sounds awesome these days and the latest car is next. And yes, we'll probably write an article about that, so stay tuned!
More about Jon
More from Jon Paul
2011-2018 Volkswagen Jetta sedan
2012-2018 Ford Focus
Best audio gear for your Jeep Wrangler
Best stereo gear for your Ford F-150
2014-2019 Chevrolet Corvette
2014-2018 Toyota Corolla