When you really think about it, the only time when it’s acceptable to rock the boat is with bass.
If you’re in the market for a pontoon’s original speaker replacement, the options might be overwhelming.
Let’s take a look at some of the best pontoon boat speakers that suit all needs.
Best Pontoon Boat Speakers: Our Top Picks
If you’re in a hurry, go ahead and check our top five speakers:
1. Boss Audio Systems MCKGB450W.6 Weatherproof Marine Package
Boss Audio Systems equipped this set with subwoofers, Built-in Preset EQ, and RDS tuners. With these features, even the lowest frequency bass comes out crisp and clean.
You can get this set in 150, 180, 200, 240, and 350 watts. However, for the pontoon 6.5-inch cutout, you can only go for a 240-watt peak.
The waterproofing rate on this set is IPX6, which makes it one of the best-suited options for marine life.
Besides Bluetooth connectivity, these speakers also support Auxiliary and USB cords onto the receiver unit.
You can either settle for the one-year warranty or pay extra for an extended two-year warranty.
Pros:
- High waterproof rating
- Good bass with a subwoofer
- One-year warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
2. Pyle Dual Marine 2-Way Speaker and Radio
Pyle offers the Dual Marine set at three different watt peaks. We went for the 150-watt model with an added radio feature, but you can go for a different option if you’re on a tight budget.
Being a 2-way set means that you can use the set to receive phone calls while you fish in the pontoon.
If you get the radio addition, you can see the caller number on the LCD monitor for a completely hand-free answering experience.
While the set has a high audio sensitivity at 90 dB, it’s still a dual cone speaker with limited sound quality.
Connectivity-wise, it’s compatible with Bluetooth, RCA, AUX, and SD cards. The latter comes in handy when you want to leave your smartphones behind.
Pros:
- Supports 2-way hands-free phone calls
- Wide compatibility range
- One-year warranty
Cons:
- Not the best sound quality
3. Kenwood KFC-1653MRW 2-Way Marine Speakers
If you’re looking for maximum bang for your buck, the Kenwood Marine Bluetooth Speakers is the way to go.
For some reason, they’re listed as “tan” in the color description, but they turned out to be white. It’s a minor difference, but it might affect your choice.
The sound sensitivity is 86 dB. However, it has a peak of 150 watts, so you might want to boost it with a 100-watt amplifier for larger pontoon boats.
Kenwood used water-resistant PP cones, Santoprene rubber, UV stainless-steel coating, and PEI tweeter dome protection to prepare this set for marine conditions.
Yet, saltwater can cause some wear and tear with extended exposure. That’s why we recommend wiping down the grille regularly to prevent erosion.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Allows 2-way audio transfer for receiving phone calls
- Supports Bluetooth connectivity
Cons:
- Vulnerable to saltwater
4. Polk DB652 UltraMarine Dynamic Balance Coaxial Speakers
Yet another 6.5-inch speaker that works for pontoon boats is the Polk DB652 UltraMarine Dynamic Balance set.
The coaxial-style setup is much better than cone speakers. Plus, the audio sensitivity is a whooping 92 dB!
Additionally, the 300-watt surround sound feature provides an immersive experience, regardless of your position on the pontoon.
One other thing we appreciated in this set was the IP55 climate rating. Not only is it tested for water resistance, but it also offers protection against dust.
However, it was a bit disappointing to find that the DB652 doesn’t support Bluetooth connectivity.
Pros:
- Waterproofing and dust-resistance
- High audio sensitivity at 92 dB
- One-year warranty
Cons:
- Doesn’t support Bluetooth
5. Sony XSMP1611 Dual Cone Marine Speakers
Sony XS-MP1611 Dual Cone Marine Speakers are an affordable option suitable for both front and rear mounting.
The installment process for the pair was a breeze, and it fits like a glove in any pontoon boat that supports 6.5-inch cutout sets.
Since it’s a marine device, Sony’s UV-coating and the waterproof structure passes IPX5 testing.
It has a 140-watt sound peak. However, it’s a dual cone speaker, which takes away from the sound quality. You should expect some level of distortion on these speakers.
While they’re not the most durable pair you can get, you’d still be getting a good value for money.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Removable grille for easier paint jobs
- IPX5 waterproof rating
Cons:
- Not the best audio quality
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Pontoon Boat Speaker
There are a number of factors that shape the ideal stereo set. Here are the most important ones to consider:
Sound Quality
The sound quality you get from any given set depends on its type in the first place. Generally, coaxial speakers are better than dual cones.
The presence of a subwoofer, like in the Boss Marine Package, is always a plus.
Besides speaker type, you can also look for audio sensitivity. Aim for 90 dB and above to make the most out of the set in outdoor conditions.
Waterproof Rating
It’s hard to say that anything is 100% waterproof. Instead, we use IP coding to understand how well a product performs.
IPX5 and higher can handle moderate splashing and light rain.
If a product IP code has two numbers, like the Polk DB652 UltraMarine, this means that it’s also adapted for dust protection.
Logistics and Fittings
Typically, a pontoon fits four speakers that are 6.5 inches in diameter. That’s actually a very common size for boats, in general.
That’s why we went for this measurement as a baseline for all our five top picks.
It’s still better to go ahead and double-check the measurements on the original speaker set. We’d hate for you to have to drill and refit the cutout.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the best pontoon boat speakers, there are a lot of 6.5-inch replacement sets out there to choose from.
Yet, the Boss Audio Systems MCKGB450B.6 Weatherproof Marine Package is hard to resist.
With a crisp subwoofer system and a waterproof rating of IPX6, it’s just a perfect fit for fishing trips.