For the past 10 years, I've experimented with stereo systems for boats of all sizes and types, which has brought me to the conclusion that marine audio has a great similarity to the car audio. Boats and cars use the same type of voltage, battery charging, speakers, amplifiers, and source units. New challenges facing both boats and cars include: the environment, motion abuse, component accessibility, staging and imaging, equipment protection (using component fuses appropriately), sufficient current, and product and installation durability.

The Past...

It used to be that boat shops did most of the installs, and the average setup was a radio and couple of coaxials. Most products weren't designed for the marine environment back then, so they didn't last as long as they typically would in a car. With entry-level-style radios combined with 6.5-and6-by-9-inch speakers as the norm, it was obvious that manufacturers weren't focusing on a full line of components; the sound quality wasn't even worth talking about. Plus, adequate amplifier power and speaker power handling just weren't there.

The Present...

.Today, as car audio specialists begin to install big systems in boats, there are finally a few products available (mostly speakers and head units) from several manufacturers, including Clarion, Jensen, MB Quart, Diamond Audio, Pioneer, Scosche, Boss Audio, aura, Kenwood, and Rockford Fosgate. Unfortunately, none of the above companies are developing a full product line for boat applications. In response to the lack of equipment on the market, the few car stereo shops currently installing marine systems are improvising by modifying component speaker sets, subwoofers, amplifiers, head units, and CD changers.

Interest in high-quality audio has been increasing worldwide within the boating industry. Currently, few boat manufacturers install sound systems, including the likes of a four-channel amp, subwoofer, cassette deck, and changer. And those installs that are factory performed are generally not done quite right. In essence, both aftermarket and stock stereo gear still require development to be able to stand up to the harsh marine environment.

The Future...

 Imagine holding a wireless remote control with a digital display. In your hands is the power to switch and control audio/video input sources…the power to turn on speakers in any area of the boat. The remote will control everything from primary system functions (on/off, volume) to battery voltage to amp temperature. There'll be two special water-resistant storage compartments for the remote one on the deck and one in the cabin. The boat will be equipped with waterproof mids, tweet, and subs, while existing storage compartments will become actual sub enclosures. The electronics will be employed in a single, self-contained component chassis sealed from the elements. This one product will integrate a tuner, five-channel amp, crossover, 18-disc changer, six-tape cassette deck, four-disc MD changer, navigation system, video gear, cell phone, and an internal fan. It'll be mounted on a quick-release bracket that'll disconnect the component so it can be moved to second boat or car; wiring and speakers will be left intact. To provide current to the system, you can expect deep-cycle dedicated-audio batteries that'll always be charging-when the engine's running, when the boat's being towed (using the car's alternator), and when the boat's not being used (solar-panel charging).
In addition, there will be headsets that can be used for music, intercom or marine radio, and closed circuit TV or movies. With all this stuff, you'd have to have a security system too.

Car audio shops are already installing sophisticated boat systems that can withstand the harsh marine environment. Customers are beginning to appreciate the development of technology and knowledge that installers have been using. Every product continues to be a challenge, and with more experienced boat audio installers out there, the consumer is reaping the rewards of high-performance sound quality, and long-lasting, easy-to-operate marine systems.

When mobile electronics companies respond the increasing demand from current boat owners, "The Future" will become the "The Present."

  Mobile Sound June 1997