Best_Marine_Subwoofers

If you enjoy listening to high-quality music while exploring the water, a marine subwoofer is an unavoidable part of the setup. By boosting your audio system with rich bass, the best marine subwoofer will completely change your audio experience.

When choosing a subwoofer, two things are important to consider – sound quality and durability in marine conditions. With this in mind, we created our marine subwoofer reviews to discuss all the pros and cons of the best boat subwoofers, so you can equip your boat with a bass that you can really feel.

1

OUR TOP PICK

Fusion MS-SW10

Fusion MS-SW10


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Summary

The Fusion MS-SW10 marine subwoofer combines a 60-ounce magnet with a 2-inch voice coil to deliver a thunderous bass that you can feel throughout your body. Measuring 10 inches in diameter and with a depth of 4.5 inches, this model will be easy to install on any boat. The casing is made of marine-grade plastic, allowing it to withstand long exposure to water and sunlight. 

The peak power output for Fusion MS-SW10 is 400 watts but the RMS is a much more interesting metric here. At 200 watts, it guarantees smooth and powerful bass lines. To additionally boost performance, you also have an option of pairing this unit with Fusion’s FM-402 amplifier. All of this, combined with its good price, is why we placed the MS-SW10 subwoofer on top of the list.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Fully adapted to use in a marine environment
  • Large magnet improves the woofer power
  • 88-decibel sensitivity boosts performance
  • Excellent compatibility with FM-402 amplifier
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Diameter: 10 inches
Peak Power: 400W
RMS: 200W
Magnet Weight: 60oz
Impedance: 4 ohms
Frequency Response: 30Hz-2kHz

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2

EDITORS CHOICE

Rockville MS10LW Free Air

Rockville MS10LW Free Air


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Summary

If you’re after the most powerful sound, Rockville MS10LW Free Air will knock you off your feet. This top rated boat subwoofer has a staggering 2400 watts of peak output and 600 watts RMS, ranking as the loudest model on our list. On top of this, Rockville MS10LW also has blue LEDs built in that make it look fantastic during the night. 

For improved durability, the subwoofer is made of molded ABS plastic. This not only makes it virtually unbreakable but also provides exceptional water protection to the sensitive elements inside. When talking about interesting technicals details, the woofer has a double-stacked 80oz magnet inside. Overall, it’s a really good system that is guaranteed to exceed your expectations.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Built-in white LEDs look great at night
  • Highest power output on the list
  • Unbreakable basket made of molded ABS plastic
  • Equipped with a double-stacked 80-ounce magnet
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Diameter: 10 inches (12 also available)
Peak Power: 2400W
RMS: 600W
Magnet Weight: 80oz (double-stacked)
Impedance: 4 ohms
Frequency Response: 30Hz-4Khz

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3

BEST VALUE

Pyle PLMRW8 Hydra Waterproof

Pyle PLMRW8 Hydra Waterproof


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Summary

For those of you on a tighter budget, the Pyle PLMRW8 Hydra marine powered subwoofer is the best buy option. For a very reasonable price, this great model delivers 400 watts of raw power that will impress even pickier customers. Besides the 8-inch version we’re reviewing, Pyle also sells the Hydra in 10 and 12-inch versions if you’re after even more power.

Due to its wide frequency range (35 Hz to 3.5kHz), the Pyle Hydra subwoofer can reproduce incredibly crisp and clear sound. Furthermore, its 40-ounce magnetic structure combines with a 1.5-inch coil to stabilize the performance. Lastly, the casing is made of waterproof plastic, while the smaller dimensions make installation very simple.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Excellent low-frequency bass reproduction
  • Fully resistant to splashes on the water
  • Model is available in 3 different sizes
  • Very affordable considering the quality
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Diameter: 8 inches (10 and 12 also available)
Peak Power: 400W
Magnet Weight: 40oz
Impedance: 4 ohms
Frequency Response: 35 Hz-3.5kHz

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4

Bazooka MBT1014

Bazooka MBT1014


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Summary

Bazooka MBT1014 subs for boats come with mounting straps that make securing them on your boat very easy. The ten-inch bass tube works great with any existing on-board speaker system and enriches the sound. While it’s not the loudest on the list (200W), it’s loud enough to hear perfectly well on the open water even with all the wind and splashing.

A detail we particularly like about this model is that it comes with stainless steel hardware that won’t corrode or get damaged from exposure to saltwater. The plastic casing is tough and certified for outdoor use, even in direct sunlight. And, if you feel the 10-inch model is too large, you can also get the MBT1014 woofer with an 8-inch diameter.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Unique bazooka shape makes setup more convenient
  • Stainless steel hardware for corrosion-resistance
  • Equipped with Velcro-reinforced mounting straps
  • Casing is protected against UV damage
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Diameter: 10 inches
Peak Power: 200W
RMS: 100W
Magnet Weight: 36oz
Impedance: 4 ohms
Frequency Response: 39-1000Hz

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5

Alpine SWR-M100 Type-R

Alpine SWR-M100 Type-R


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Summary

This is another product from Bazooka that is going to be able to pump out a high level of bass. It is available in sizes of either 8 or 10 inches and the ported marine quality bass tube is going to give you a high level of sound quality and a high level of durability.

It has 150 watts of power handling which should be good enough for most boat applications and that sound is going to be able to carry very far. The subwoofer is highly weather resistant, giving you confidence that it is not going to fail.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Great complimentary subwoofer for any sound system
  • High output bass (300 watts RMS) feels great on the water
  • Strong polypropylene cone ensures durability
  • High-Amplitude Multi-Roll (HAMR) surround sound
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Diameter: 10 inches
Peak Power: 900W
RMS: 300W
Impedance: 4 ohms
Frequency Response: 35-1000Hz

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6

Bazooka MBTA10250D

Bazooka MBTA10250D


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Summary

Due to its unusual design, Bazooka MBTA10250D marine grade subwoofer doesn’t require a classic installation. Instead, it comes with Velcro-reinforced mounting straps that allow you to hang it anywhere you want. The model comes in two sizes (8 and 10 inches), and you can get it with two different power ratings (100 and 250W) based on what you need on the boat.

Much like the other Bazooka model we talked about, MBTA10250D comes with stainless steel hardware that won’t corrode when exposed to saltwater. Lastly, the model is also UV certified, meaning that the plastic won’t fade or deteriorate if it stays in the sun.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Chrome-plated UMS brackets provide a stylish look
  • Model is available in two sizes (8 and 10 inches)
  • Velcro-reinforced straps for easy mounting
  • Certified resistant to fog, salt, and UV rays
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Diameter: 10 inches
Peak Power: 250W
Impedance: 4 ohms
Frequency Response: 35Hz-250Hz

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7

Kenwood P-WD250MRW Amplifier

Kenwood P-WD250MRW Amplifier


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Summary

The best thing about the Kenwood P-WD250MRW subwoofer is that it comes together with a Kac-210mr amplifier included. Because of this, one of the best marine subwoofers for clean and crisp bass. Depending on the settings, this waterproof marine subwoofer can deliver between 50 and 200W of RMS power.

One more interesting detail about this model is that it comes with two voice coils that help to improve reliability. All the elements of the casing are made of pearl mica polyethylene, providing resistance to UV rays as well as physical damage. As a bonus, this marine 10 inch subwoofer also has a synthetic rubber gasket that creates a seal and completely protects the elements inside from splashing.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Kac-210mr amplifier included in the package
  • Dual voice coils for improved performance
  • Durable pearl mica polypropylene cone
  • RCA speaker-level input on the woofer
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Diameter: 10 inches
Peak Power: 200W
RMS: 50-200W
Magnet Weight: 24.6oz
Impedance: 2 x 1.5 ohms (dual coils)
Frequency Response: 80Hz

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8

Clarion CMG2512W

Clarion CMG2512W


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Summary

Clarion CMG2512W subwoofer manages to find a balance between price and quality, resulting in high popularity among boaters. For a very reasonable price, you’ll get a subwoofer for boat that can produce up to 350 watts peak power (150 watts RMS). It comes with a single voice coil and has an impedance rating of 4 ohms.

The material quality of the Clarion CMG2512W subwoofer is really good and the mica-injected polypropylene cone can last for a long time. Additionally, all the gaps are sealed, meaning that water can’t damage it. The unit is fairly easy to install on your own but, if you are not sure how, the manufacturer also offers professional installation.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Santoprene rubber surround improves the bass quality
  • High-quality woofer cone (mica-injected polypropylene)
  • Can be used with or without a woofer box
  • Great-fitting replacement for most old subwoofers
MODEL & ACCESSORY SPECS

Diameter: 10 inches
Peak Power: 350W
RMS: 150W
Impedance: 4 ohms
Frequency Response: 60Hz

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How To Choose A Marine Subwoofer – Buying Guide

How_To_Choose__Marine_Subwoofer

Power Rating

The power rating of a subwoofer shows you how loud it can be. Two numbers come into play here – peak (max) power and RMS power. Since the subwoofer will be on an open deck, it needs to have more power compared to a model you would install in a car.

Peak Power Rating: Measured in watts, this number represents the maximum power output that a subwoofer can achieve. This is the number you’ll usually see advertised when looking at different subwoofer models.

However, the problem here is that the subwoofer can maintain this output only for short periods, with a potential risk of getting damaged in the process. Because of this, the RMS rating is much more relevant when considering what a speaker can really do.

RMS power rating: This number represents the actual power level that you can listen to for a longer time without overburdening or damaging the subwoofer. The abbreviation RMS stands for Root Mean Square and calculates the optimal power that the woofer can handle.

While high output is important, you shouldn’t make this the only factor when choosing a subwoofer. It’s not all about how loud it can get, but also about the quality of the bass. For this reason, make sure to also pay attention to other aspects like impedance and material quality.

Impedance

Even though it’s less significant than RMS output, impedance still has an impact on the overall performance. It represents electrical resistance, and it’s measured in ohms. In simple terms, this number shows you the amount of power that your speaker can safely receive from the amplifier.

Most subwoofers on the market have an impedance somewhere between 2 and 8 ohms. Generally speaking, a unit with an impedance of 2 ohms will get more power from the amplifier compared to an 8-ohm unit. This is directly proportionate to loudness (a 2-ohm woofer is louder) but the sound quality might be greatly reduced compared to higher-impedance models.

One more thing to keep in mind here is that the impedance should match the power output of the amplifier. If it’s too low, the amplifier can overheat and get damaged. On the other hand, if it’s too high, the output tube or the transmitter can suffer. Because of this, make sure to properly match the equipment.

You might also like: Top Marine Amplifiers 

Ease Of Installation

Before ordering a subwoofer, it’s good to plan where you’re going to put it and how you’re going to install it. Of course, it’s ideal if it can be installed with the existing fixtures and fittings, but this is not always the case. For this reason, we advise that you do some careful measuring so you don’t regret it later.

As you’ve had the chance to see, subwoofers come in many different shapes and sizes. A standard-sized unit measures 10 inches in diameter and has a depth anywhere between 3 and 5 inches. While most models come in this size, you’ll also be able to find a 6 inch marine subwoofer if you need to save space, as well as 12-inch models if you need some extra power.

Mounting the unit should be done properly because it can significantly impact the performance. Some subwoofers require a dedicated box to produce high-quality bass, while others work just fine without one (free air models). On top of this, some models (like the Bazooka subwoofers) don’t really require any installation.

Marine-Grade Material Quality

Since they will be used on a boat, marine subwoofers are going to be exposed to various outdoor conditions. Marine-grade material quality means that a unit is durable enough to withstand these circumstances. The best marine subwoofers are waterproof, shock-resistant, and can withstand prolonged sun exposure.

For best results, the casing should be made of polypropylene of ABS plastic, with synthetic rubber gaskets on the openings to prevent any leaks inside. Also, the hardware should be made of stainless steel so it doesn’t corrode from saltwater.

FAQs

Why_Do_I_Need_Marine_Subwoofer

Q: Which Is Better 2 Ohm Or 4 Ohm Subwoofer?

A: 

This depends on what type of sound you want to achieve. In general, a 2-ohm subwoofer will usually be louder, while a 4-ohm model will deliver better sound quality.

An ohm is a unit of resistance and, in this case, it’s the resistance to the audio signal coming from the amplifier. Two ohms offer very little resistance so a lot of power goes through, resulting in a loud sound. On the other hand, 4 ohms are more difficult to bypass, making the sound weaker but much more concentrated (higher quality).

Q: Which Subwoofer Is Best For Bass?

A: 

This is difficult to say, as it depends on many different factors. However, you should always look for a model that uses high-quality components to deliver the sound. Like we’ve said, RMS output is more important than the advertised max output, and the subwoofer should work well with lowest-frequency sounds.

Q: How Can I Make My Subwoofer Sound Better?

A: 

One of the best things you can do is carefully choose a spot that will maximize the bass output, and then properly install the subwoofer. As you probably know, some models require a box when installing while others don’t, which can also impact the bass quality. Also, an appropriate amplifier will provide the right amount of power to get the most out of your woofer.

Globo Surf Overview

The best marine subwoofer will make the sound of your speakers fuller and really change the way you experience music on the water. We hope that our reviews have pointed in you in the right direction, so you can get a chest-pounding bass that will put a smile on your face.

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