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Last Updated on October 12, 2023 by Paul Clayton
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Announcing Our 8 Best Marine Subwoofers
When sailing the open waters, two kinds of bass make a big difference: the kind you can catch and the kind you can feel!
Today, we’ll talk about the latter-the kind that makes your heart pound and your feet tap.
If you want to experience the best bass boating has to offer, you need a subwoofer that can handle the job. A high-powered subwoofer cranks up the bass and improves the audio quality of your entire system. It lets your other speakers focus on delivering crystal-clear audio in the high and mid ranges for a truly immersive listening experience.
But why settle for an ordinary subwoofer when you can have a marine-grade model? A subwoofer designed for marine environments can withstand the toughest conditions, resisting corrosion, rain, salt water, and even harmful UV rays.
Below we’ve reviewed some of the best marine subwoofers on the market that you may want to check out:
1. KICKER 41KMW102LC 10 Inch KM-Series – Best Overall Marine Subwoofer
Looking for a powerful and versatile subwoofer for your boat? Look no further than the Kicker 10 Inch KM-Series Marine 2 Ohm Subwoofer 41KMW102LC.
[amazon box=”B00IYOLQ5M” /]
With its impressive 150W RMS power handling and 10-inch (25cm) size, this sub is tailor-made for outdoor and marine environments.
Design and Features
With the latest sound technology, the 41KMW102LC sub promises to outperform any other Kicker marine sub on the market. You can expect incredible lows and super crisp highs.
This unit also exceeds industry standards with its weather-proof design, injection-molded cone, and tough Santoprene surround.
But that’s not all – it also features removable multi-color LED accent lighting to set the mood and a smart, integrated moisture-draining system to protect against the elements.
It’s available in 2-ohm and 4-ohm models to suit your needs and can be paired with an optional white grille (KMW10G, sold separately) for a sleek and stylish look.
With a frequency response of 30 – 500 Hz, rubber woofer surround, and top-mount depth of 5″, this sub delivers deep, rich bass that will take your music to the next level.
Our Verdict
The best part about this product is that with the motor fully sealed from the elements, you can know that your speakers will continue to perform, no matter what.
So, upgrade your onboard sound system with the KICKER KMF124 marine subwoofer and experience the ultimate marine audio performance.
Pros
- Tough and durable
- Marine-grade subwoofer
- Optional white grill to match your interior
Cons
- Quite pricey
2. Infinity 1022MLT Mobile – Best High-Value Marine Subwoofer
Infinity Reference brand may not immediately come to mind when thinking about subwoofers or audio equipment, but they pack a punch.
[amazon box=”B07BS5LHQS” /]
Design and Features
One of their standout products is the Infinity 1022MLT Marine subwoofer, which can be used in various environments, including as a car subwoofer, in rooms, and even on boats.
This subwoofer is not only versatile but also highly functional. It delivers built-in LED lighting and has an impressive output power of 150 Watts RMS.
And with an impedance of 4 Ohms and a frequency range of 25 Hz to 500 Hz, this is an excellent choice for anyone looking for top-notch sound quality.
Our Verdict
Overall, whether you’re cruising the open sea or hitting the open road, the Infinity 1022MLT Mobile Marine Subwoofer is a great choice for all your audio needs.
Pros
- Offers LED lighting
- IPX5 waterproof rating
- Single-piece polymer basket
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Bulky frame
3. Rockford Fosgate Punch Series P1S4 10 – Best Budget Marine Sub
Rockford Fosgate doesn’t play around when delivering eardrum-thumping bass, as evidenced by its Punch Series of woofers, speakers, and amps.
[amazon box=”B004UFHX4W” /]
These components are built to impress anyone who craves powerful music.
Design and Features
With the P1S4-10 sub, Rockford Fosgate’s engineers pulled out all the stops to give you the power you crave on the road.
It boasts an approachable paper cone enhanced with Kevlar fibers, the same material utilized in bulletproof vests, so you get the best of both worlds; lightness and ruggedness.
Plus, the sub’s oversized rubber surround is attached to the cone using a new technique that increases the cone area by 25%, enhancing bass performance.
Thanks to a bumped backplate and an extended pole piece, the P1S4-10 has enough room for a heavy excursion to deliver deep lows without necessarily bottoming out.
And, since it works well with most subwoofer box configurations, including ported or sealed enclosures, you can choose the type of bass you want for your system.
This free-air subwoofer can handle up to 250 watts RMS power and 500 watts max, so you’ll want to pair it with a mono amplifier rated at 200-375 watts RMS (4 ohms) to drive a single P1S4-10 subwoofer.
Our Verdict
Overall, the Rockford Fosgate P1S4-10 may not be the best-sounding subwoofer on the market, but it’s certainly the most affordable option. So, if you want to add some serious bass to your sound system, the P1S4-10 is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Nice sound quality
- Excellent built quality
- Attractive design
- Easy installation
- Decent price tag
Cons
- Price point
- A little larger than your typical 12” cutout
4. BOSS Audio SystemsASK904B.64 Marine Subwoofer
BOSS Audio Systems is a name that needs no introduction when it comes to sound equipment. BOSS is a popular manufacturer trusted by many for years.
[amazon box=”B00VFZ09TG” /]
And one of their top-performing products is the BOSS Audio Systems ASK904B.64, a boat subwoofer perfect for all types of boats.
Design and Features
Aside from this subwoofer being water-resistant, it also boasts a full-range amplifier. Additionally, you can connect to services like Apple Music and Spotify via Bluetooth high-quality audio streaming.
This subwoofer can withstand even the harshest conditions with weather-resistant conductors that prevent corrosion and full marine certification.
The Boss Audio Systems ASK904B.64 marine subwoofer delivers excellent sound quality with no distortion and boasts an impressive 500 Watt power rating.
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for something serious, this subwoofer is an excellent addition to your boat sound system, whether out at sea or cruising on a lake.
Pros
- Fully-marine-certified
- Great power rating
- Features a full-range amp
- Compatible with streaming channels
Cons
- High mounting depth
- Quite bulky
5. Polk Audio DB+ Series Marine Subwoofer
Building a top-notch sound system for your boat can be a real challenge, especially considering the costs.
[amazon box=”B073JVXVD8″ /]
Some subwoofers can set you back $500-$1,000 apiece, making it easy for your on-the-water stereo to exceed the value of your boat itself.
Fortunately, Polk Audio’s DB+ series of marine-grade subwoofers take the financial worry out of the equation.
Design and Features
It’s a budget pick but powerful. Even the largest and most powerful sub in the series won’t break the bank.
But let’s be real, inexpensive gear is only worth it if it actually works. No one wants to deal with speakers that fail for no reason or sound terrible, and Polk knows this.
That’s why they made sure these subs won’t let you down.
Available in 8″, 10″, and 12″ sizes with single and dual voice coils, the DB+ series offers excellent frequency response across the range and surprisingly good RMS power handling, making them the perfect choice for budget boat builds.
Our Verdict
Polk Audio keeps things simple to save you money. You won’t find any LED lighting or fancy color options for cones and grills here, but you will get a solid, reliable, and well-made woofer that gets the job done at a competitive price.
So why spend more than you have to when Polk’s DB+ series delivers everything you need and nothing you don’t?
Pros
- Durability
- Good power
- Price point
- Available in various sizes
Cons
- Not the most stylish design
6. Pyle PLMRW8 Waterproof Marine Sub
Looking to upgrade your boat’s audio system without breaking the bank? Consider the Pyle PLMRW8 Marine Subwoofer.
[amazon box=”B000MCKAHE” /]
Design and Features
Despite its smaller 8-inch size, it delivers a powerful 400 watts of sound, and with a frequency range of 35 Hz to 3.5KHz, you can expect clear and crisp sound quality.
To ensure optimal performance, the woofer has a 40-ounce magnet and a 1.5-inch coil. The industry-standard waterproof casing makes it perfect for water environments. Plus, its compact size allows for easy installation.
Thanks to its durable plastic case, you can enjoy uninterrupted music for hours without worrying about water damage.
The woofer’s polypropylene cone is designed to withstand water exposure, making it a safe choice even if it’s mounted in a spot that occasionally gets splashed.
Our Verdict
Overall, the Pyle PLMRW8 is affordable and reliable for boat owners looking to enhance their onboard entertainment.
Pros
- Completely waterproof
- It has a low resistance
- Clean, loud sounds
Cons
- Not the best for every kind of amplifier
7. Alpine S-W Series Marine Subwoofer
Alpine is one of the big dogs for automobile products, and for a good reason! Their innovative design and affordability have made them the go-to manufacturer for many.
[amazon box=”B07C62SL6V” /]
One of their best products is the SWR-M100 marine subwoofer – a 10-inch sub that packs a serious punch without breaking the bank. Let’s take a look at what makes this subwoofer so great.
Design and Features
The SWR-M100 has a sleek design, with a molded polypropylene cone and a Santoprene rubber surround that provides excellent performance.
It also has a waterproof rubber mounting gasket that ensures consistent bass performance, no matter the conditions.
This subwoofer also features a CRC motor and airflow management system, which helps keep it cool under heavy loads, making it perfect for extended playtimes.
And don’t worry about harsh outdoor conditions; the SWR-M100 is ASTM-approved for fog, salt, and UV resistance, making it ideal and versatile enough to work with just about any type of enclosure, whether vented or sealed.
This sub can deliver some serious bass with a minimum frequency response of 36 Hz and a maximum power handling of 900 watts.
You might even mistake it at high volumes for having multiple speakers on board. The best part is that its bass performance rivals high-end car stereos.
Our Verdict
If you want an all-out bass assault that will rattle your bones, the Fusion SWR-M100 might not be your first choice.
However, if you’re looking for great quality bass on your car or boat, the Alpine SWR-M100 is one of the best options.
This free-air subwoofer works well with or without a sealed box, making installation a breeze.
Pros
- Durable frame
- High-excursion design
- Waterproof mounting gasket
- High-output, deep bass
Cons
- It may distort upon cranking the amp
8. Fusion MS SW10 Marine Grade Subwoofer
For boating enthusiasts who want to add some thumping beats to their adventures, the Fusion MS-SW10 marine-grade subwoofer is a no-brainer.
[amazon box=”B002R1FSPM” /]
Don’t let its modest price tag fool you; this 10-inch sub packs a powerful 400 watts punch, and it has been tested to withstand even the harshest marine environments.
Design and Features
The MS-SW10’s water-resistant design meets ASTM standards for salt and fog resistance and UV stability.
So, whether cruising through choppy waters or enjoying a relaxing day at anchor, you can expect an excellent audio performance that won’t quit.
Installation is a breeze, even if no manual guides you through the process.
The included measuring template ensures precise cutting of the speaker opening, and once securely mounted, the MS-SW10 delivers impressive, deep tones that perfectly complement any medium-sized system.
Each speaker subwoofer can deliver 130 watts of RMS power while reaching 400 watts peak.
With crisp and accurate bass and excellent high-end response in all conditions, this sub pairs perfectly with a Fusion amplifier, including the MS-AM402, for the ultimate audio performance on the water.
Our Verdict
In summary, the MS-SW10 marine subwoofer is affordable for any boat owner who loves good music.
It’s easy to install, and it seamlessly integrates with other components in your system to give you rich, deep sound in all weather conditions.
So, whether you’re anchored up for the night or cruising along at full speed, the MS-SW10 is the perfect addition to your onboard entertainment setup.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Water-resistant materials
- Durable construction
- Solid base with a nice sound
Cons
- No installation manual provided
Features to Look For When Buying Marine Subwoofer: A Buying Guide
A subwoofer is a nifty gadget engineered to reproduce low-pitched audio from bass and sub-bass frequencies and ranges. But what about a marine subwoofer?
It’s the same but customized for marine environments with water-resistant materials and other elements that can ruin the speaker’s quality.
It’s not just about making your bass sound louder, though.
A good subwoofer unit works in tandem with your amplifier to handle the bass output of your music system, freeing up your other speakers to deliver crisp, high-quality audio in the mid and treble ranges.
Let’s say you’ve got a fancy or versatile marine amplifier and some top-notch marine speakers; you need a subwoofer to complete your setup.
But with so many options available, which features should you prioritize, and what specs matter most? Keep reading to find out.
Material and Construction
Paying attention to the quality of the material is crucial to ensure that the internal components remain safe while also providing an exceptional sound experience.
Before even you make a purchase, take a moment to consider the environment and purpose of the sub. If you’re throwing an epic outdoor bash, you’ll want a sub that can handle the occasional bump and grind.
But if you’re using the sub as part of your home theater system, you might get away with something more delicate. Just make sure that it can still deliver on performance.
After all, finding the perfect balance between durability and sound quality is the key to an unforgettable audio experience.
But you also don’t want to lug around a heavy sub when you’re out on a boat, soaking up the sun. That’s why many marine subs are designed to be lightweight and waterproof.
One great option is a synthetic rubber surround, which can keep your sub safe from the elements without adding too much weight. Brands like Polk Audio and JL Audio have garnered glowing reviews for their marine subs with rubber coatings.
Ultimately, the right material choice for your marine sub will depend on how and where you plan to use it. Whether partying on a yacht or fishing on a calm lake, finding the perfect marine sub with the right material quality can make all the difference in your audio experience.
Peak Power Output
You’ll often see a big number thrown around to catch your eye: the peak power output. It’s measured in Watts and represents the maximum power a speaker can handle.
But don’t be fooled by this flashy figure – a speaker will only hit that peak output occasionally, usually when a particularly loud part of a song plays.
That said, it’s still an important number to consider. You’ll want to find a subwoofer with a peak power output that matches or exceeds your unit’s max power output.
If your amplifier puts out more watts than your sub can handle, you risk damaging or blowing out your equipment.
Root Mean Square (RMS Power Output)
Pay attention to the RMS power output as well. RMS is a short form of Root Mean Square, the average output a speaker can sustain.
This figure is much more indicative of a speaker’s true capabilities and is almost always lower than the peak power output number.
For marine subwoofers, finding one with an RMS that matches your amplifier’s maximum power output or higher is especially important.
However, beware that manufacturers may calculate RMS differently, so be sure to compare apples to apples.
Another key feature to check is impedance, which measures a subwoofer’s electrical resistance.
Note that subwoofers with lower impedance can handle more amplifying power, making them an excellent choice for those who want maximum impact.
Look for models with 4 ohms or lower, as they are sure to provide a powerful audio experience.
Proper Installation
Even the best subwoofer won’t be useful if you can’t install it properly. Thankfully, many models require only basic wiring and easy mounting.
Some subwoofers come with enclosures, while others can be installed into your boat’s bodywork easily.
Regardless of your preferences, it’s crucial to research and read customer reviews before purchasing.
Conclusion
Finding the best marine subwoofer for your boat depends on a few key factors, as we have seen, but generally, it should also match your speakers and amplifier’s power output.
If you love the bass, you can crank up the power on a high-end subwoofer and get great output.
Remember that your output in your boat may not be the same as what you get in your car or truck.
Nonetheless, you can still enjoy excellent sound quality while on the water with the right subwoofer.
