Your Boston Whaler is meant to be enjoyed to its full potential: maximum comfort, maximum safety and maximum usability. It’s about time for “maximum audio performance” to join this list. Just like your boat, JL Audio® products are American-made and built to weather any storm—not to mention they are the best performing marine speakers on the market. That’s why nearly every Boston Whaler from model year 2013 forward is available with a stellar JL Audio sound system, either standard or as a factory-installed option.

But what if you purchased your Whaler before 2013? Not to worry! You don’t have to put it through invasive “reconstructive surgery” just to add more musical enjoyment to your boating experience. To prove it, the experts at JL Audio borrowed a 2012 Boston Whaler 230 Dauntless from our friend Matt Jackson at Mercury Marine. This gorgeous boat had everything a boater like Matt could ever ask for—except for a premium audio system.

The upgrade took place in three stages, from a simple DIY upgrade to an elaborate audio enhancement. The results won’t just be a sonic improvement, but also a step up in quality and reliability: Every JL Audio marine product undergoes 2,000 hours of salt, fog and UV testing exposure (four times the industry standard of 500 hours). Many boaters will be content with the first stage, and other boaters will want to push their boat’s system all the way to Stage 3.

Stage 1: Noninvasive Install: The easiest way to enhance your Whaler’s audio system is to replace your existing 6.5-inch speakers with JL Audio MX650 6.5-inch coaxial speakers. No modifications were made to the boat in this step, but what an improvement! The boat’s existing head unit can power the JL Audio MX650s. This installation could easily be your next Sunday afternoon project, or it could easily and affordably be done by a professional.

Stage 2: Minimally Invasive Install: This stage pushes the boat’s audio system to the next level, with larger speakers and more power. Our pros began by replacing Matt’s existing speakers with two pairs of JL Audio M770 7.7-inch speakers. These highly efficient speakers are capable of playing loud and clear, even at powerboat speeds, and can produce an amazing amount of bass for their size.

This stage required slightly enlarging the existing holes in Matt’s boat. A JL Audio M400/4 400-watt 4-channel marine amplifier was also added to the setup, feeding 100 watts of power to each speaker. You wouldn’t believe the level of depth and clarity this setup added to Matt’s system!

Stage 3: Somewhat Invasive, but TOTALLY WORTH IT: The final stage involved adding a third pair of speakers in the front of the boat, between the rod holders. This step required the installer to remove the rod holders in order to cut a hole behind them. (After the holes are cut, the rod holders remain fully functional and in the same location.) Placing the JL Audio M650 coaxial speakers in the front of the boat allows the sound to reflect off of the back and sides of the boat’s interior, allowing for even dispersion and providing a clean, full sound to everyone onboard.

Matt’s Reaction: The Real Payoff: When the installation was all said and done, the true test of its success was Matt’s reaction. “I completely love this system!” Matt reports. “Just a few simple improvements made a world of difference. It sounds like there are 20 speakers when there are really only six! My family and I have been bragging about it to everyone.”

Visit jlaudio.com/marine-audio for more information and to find an authorized JL Audio dealer near you.

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This is for general information purposes only. Your use or reliance on any of the information in this Blog is solely at your own risk. Under no circumstance will we have any liability for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of any of the information provided.

Options and features mentioned subject to change. Please confirm availability of all accessories and equipment with an authorized Boston Whaler Dealer.