How is marine audio gear different?
Unlike car audio components — which live in the watertight interior of your vehicle — marine equipment has to be able to stand up to the elements. The water, salt, and sun that make cruising around the waves so much fun can also wreak havoc on your electrical components. If your gear isn’t designed to withstand this sort of abuse, it won’t last a season. • Water resistance — this means the components can handle splashes and light rain, but are not built to handle submersion. Levels of resistance vary by manufacturer. Waterproof products are able to be fully submerged, though the specifics do vary. • UV resistance — designed to withstand sun damage. Found on receiver faceplates, speaker cones and remotes. • Anti-corrosion protection — specifically designed to resist rust and the corrosive effects of salt water. Examples of anti-corrosive features include coated circuit boards, plated connections, and a rust-resistant chassis.
