SOUND BARS FOR BOATERS

The Sony Walkman killed boomboxes, and the iPod killed the Walkman. Then smartphones killed the iPod, and now streamable MP3 music has just about made the CD slot optional on most new marine stereos. This has created fertile waters for a new evolution of

Terrestrial Bluetooth sound bars once hanging from the roll bars of Polaris RZRs and Kawasaki Mules grew their fins to become a new offering in high-quality audio for boaters, and are easily mounted to a radar arch, wakeboard tower or T-top pipework.

It’s a natural option for boaters desiring not to cut holes in the coamings, and requires only one power line. Here are key features of today’s marine sound bars.

MUSIC CHAINS

Some of today’s Bluetooth sound bars can connect to other nearby Bluetooth-equipped audio systems, allowing you to sync your music with your friends’ audio systems at the marina or while anchored at the local sandbar.

LED LIGHTING

If you choose a sound bar with LED lighting, you have the equivalent of a disco ball hanging from the ceiling. We don’t see many marine stereos today without LED systems.

DSP

Digital signal processing enhances sound while protecting

the equipment by analyzing audio signals, balancing all tones for optimal sound, and limiting extremes that cause distortion and could even damage your system.

WATER RESISTANCE

Because of their exposure to spray, most sound bars are IP66-rated and can receive 15 minutes of blasted water from a virtual fire hose in any direction without ingesting water. One of our test units is IP67-rated, and can be submerged to 3.28 feet for 15 minutes without taking on water.