s boat prices climb, so do consumer expectations for marine audio. While boaters want what they’ ve always wanted – great sound – the standard for what qualifies as“ great” continues to evolve. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing high-quality audio, whether they are buying new boats or upgrading existing systems. Much like the automotive industry years ago, when audio became a key feature as vehicles grew more tech-focused, boaters expect immersive sound without distortion.

Durability and performance

“ As boats get more integrated systems, boaters are expecting better sound to come with it,” said Jeremy Bale, national brand manager of Kicker. That means audio brands must deliver clear audio in a demanding environment at price points OEMs can also support.

Salt, spray, vibration, and sunlight push marine audio systems harder than most consumer electronics. Lee Teeples, vice president of new product development for Wet Sounds, emphasized the extensive product testing conducted to ensure products remain durable year after year.

“ Salt spray is a huge test for us,” he said,“ which is an accelerated test that represents how even the air on coastal regions can penetrate materials and destroy them. It’ s pretty easy to say,‘ oh yeah, that stuff will destroy anything.’ But that’ s not a good enough answer for the customers. We want them to be happy years on end.”

Teeples also pointed out that products must be able to handle prolonged highvolume use due to wind, water, and motor noise pollution. Because ultimately, the expectation is the same on the water as it is in the home.“ You bought a boat; you expect it to hold up. The audio and electronics need to hold up as well,” he said.

OPENING PHOTOS Left: Wet Sounds audio systems are offered on ES Custom Boats ' Revolution 25 model.

Top right: It ' s not just boaters who want to play music loud and proud on the water. Personal Watercraft riders add Wet Sounds speakers to their crafts too.

Bottom right: Music quality on the water proves to be important to boaters across all segments, from wake boats to pontoons.

22 September / october 2025 www. boatingindustry. com