Portable Bluetooth Boat Speaker FAQs for Marine Life

If you’re looking for Bluetooth speakers or portable audio system solutions for your boat, then there are a few things you may want to know.

There are many options and people have come up with many ideas over time.

boat speaker faqs

Here is a list of Bluetooth boat speaker FAQs that are often asked when people are looking for portable speakers for their boats.

What are Bluetooth Portable Speakers for Boats?

These are speakers normally encased in some kind of box or unit. They come in various sizes with loads of different functionalities from each brand.

Any portable speaker can be used on a boat, which in return can earn them the name of Bluetooth boat speaker. The bonus with portable speakers is that they don’t have to stay on the vessel. They can come back home with you and can be used for many other occasions.

What are the Differences Between Bluetooth Speakers and Speakers with a Bluetooth Receiver?

Ok, let’s talk about the Bluetooth receiver first. This is generally the connection point between devices and stereo systems and marine stereos on boats. Most often, if you have a hard-wired system on your boat, you will have a Bluetooth receiver installed as well.

Now, let’s look at Bluetooth speakers and their differences. This is pretty simple really, a Bluetooth speaker has its receiver built-in, which means no install or wires. Turn your portable speaker on and pair it. That’s all that is required.

Should I make sure my Bluetooth Speakers are Waterproof for my Boat?

We’re an Affiliate

We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Thank you, if you use our links, we really appreciate it!

If you want to be one hundred percent safe, we would say go for a waterproof Bluetooth speaker, if you can. Speakers with an IPX7 or IPX8 rating are going to give you peace of mind where water is involved.

Given the number of portable speakers that are available, it’s not even a cost factor anymore when it comes to speakers being waterproof. There are plenty of portable speakers out there that are waterproof and cost less than ones that aren’t.

In saying that, you need to assess where and how you are going to use your portable speaker on your boat or pontoon boat. If it’s going to be somewhere out of the way or inside the cabin where there is no water or chance of sea spray, then one that has a lower rating could be used.

In such cases, a water-resistant speaker with an IPX4 or IPX5 rating will most likely serve you well, too.

Are Water Resistant Bluetooth Speakers Enough or Should they be Waterproof?

Like our answer to the previous question, it’s best to assess where you are going to put and use your Bluetooth Speaker. If there is a high chance of getting the speaker wet, e.g. you are using it on a wakeboard tower, kayak, or jet ski, then, of course, you should have a waterproof Bluetooth speaker.

However, if you use your portable speaker somewhere that is less likely to be exposed to water, then a water-resistant speaker may do.

Do I Need to do Anything to Protect my Portable Boat Speakers?

Common sense may prevail here. You can always try and protect your portable speakers by making sure they are in a position on the boat that sea spray and splashes of water won’t hit them.

Or, if you’re not sure that the speakers will be safe, make sure you buy a waterproof model. A water-protected Bluetooth speaker is an awesome choice as everything is protected inside a housing that repels water. And by everything, we mean the Bluetooth receiver, the speakers, woofers, and the amplifier, if it has one.

It’s always a good idea to house your Bluetooth speakers out of harm’s way, if possible and there are plenty of mounts that can help you to do this.

Can I have Multiple Bluetooth Speakers on my Boat as Opposed to Hard Wired Speakers?

You can have multiple wireless speakers on your marine craft and connect them all together to give you an outstanding surround sound experience. There are many ways to get this done.

Some manufacturers allow up to one hundred or more of their speakers to be connected at one time, thus giving you the option to have fantastic surround audio sound on the water.

Others allow the pairing of 2 units, which still give you a surround stereo audio effect.

So, yes, it is possible to create a multi-speaker audio environment, which you can connect your Bluetooth device to and stream your favorite music.

Comiso X26L Waterproof Speaker
  • Waterproof
  • Linkable
  • Aux-in
  • Hands-free
  • 36 hour playtime

Are Portable Wireless Speakers for Boats easy to Install?

Being portable your wireless speakers won’t be too hard to install. There are so many differently shaped speakers that the options for installation are virtually endless.

If you need a guide to help you come up with ideas, then there are plenty of ideas right here. If you have cup holders and want to keep it basic, then look at cylinder-shaped Bluetooth speakers. The JBL Flip 6 and the Comiso wireless speakers are both small enough and shaped in such a way that they would fit a cup holder easily.

If you want more boom, then the JBL Boombox 2 and ECOXGEARS Ecotrek are both quality products that would deliver the boom you are after.

JBL Flip 6
  • IP67 waterproof rating
  • Bluetooth 5.1
  • Battery life 12 hours
  • Equalizer 
  • App available

These kinds of speakers will take a little more, though, when installing, but can always be secured in on the floor of your vessel, if needed.

Another option could be purchasing speakers that can be attached to mounts much the same way mounts work with GoPros and other cameras.

How can I Attach Bluetooth Speakers to a Boat?

There are many ways you can attach wireless speakers to your boat. If it was us, we would most likely use an option, which would allow for easy removal of the speakers after use. That way the speakers can be used for other occasions either indoors or outdoors.

Just remember to check they are charged and ready to entertain you the next time you want to take your watercraft out.

There are different brackets and mounts that can be used for attaching speakers. Just check where you want to put them first then you can decide, which kind of mounting system will work best for you.

Different ways of Mounting Bluetooth Speakers on a Boat or Marine Craft

For those times that you want to keep your speakers removable, there are suction cup mounts that will hold on in just about any circumstance and quite often are the best option. They are easy to remove and don’t damage the vessel in any way.

Other options include velcro mounts that will also attach speakers to bars. Or, check out speakers that are Bluetooth and have their own built-in clamps that attach to bars, as well.

Bar Mount for Bluetooth Speakers
  • Easy to install
  • 360 degree
  • Secure speakers
  • Aluminum alloy
  • Can attach to bars

Are Boat Bluetooth Speakers Good?

Boat speakers, which have Bluetooth, are both convenient and a modern and easy way to have a stereo with surround audio sound to enjoy while you’re out on the water baking in the sun.

How much easier could it be? Choose your speakers with Bluetooth, of course. Then install your mounts. Attach the speakers. Power them up and pair your device. Sit back, relax and enjoy the audio, these speakers produce.

Best Portable Speakers for Audio on a Boat

What’s best, comes down to your personal preference and what you’re looking for for your watercraft or vessel.

Suction Cup Mount
  • Screws into speaker
  • Industrial strength
  • Multi directional
  • Easy to use
  • Strong suction

For us, to make one choice based on information we don’t have, would be crazy.

What we can say, though, is that if you assess your own individual needs before purchasing, then you’ll have a better chance of having some wireless speakers that will sound great and will keep you entertained anywhere you go not just out on the water.

The Best Portable Speakers to go on a Pontoon Boat

If you have a pontoon then you have a massive amount of options. If it has an indoor area you can virtually use any kind of wireless speakers that you want. We have put together 5 of the best Bluetooth speakers that, we think, will be awesome on any pontoon.

The Best Portable Speakers for Other Watercrafts

If you own a jet ski or any other kind of watercraft then it might be worth checking out all our information on jet ski speakers and mounts with Bluetooth. It’s always a challenge choosing and installing a speaker with these kinds of personal watercraft, but we have all the answers in one easy place for you.

Less Time on Installs and More Time on the Water

Get out there and enjoy the summer, don’t waste time on long and unneeded installs. The best way is speakers you can remove and take with you when you’re not using your vessel.

If you’re going somewhere and want to lay on the beach, simply unclip your speaker and take it with you.

Just pair your Bluetooth device and you’ve got audio on the beach while you’re relaxing.

Hopefully, we have given you some new ideas on how to attach your speakers and our FAQs have answered all your questions.