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I hate tower speakers but I need to get some speakers directed toward the sun deck and area directly behind the boat. I'm having a enclosure built to house two speakers facing the water from the center console (pic below). I'm getting 6.5" JL audio M3's in the interior of the boat (6 speakers). I'm wondering if the 6.5's will be enough for that rear compartment or should I go with the 8.8". Big price jump on those speakers but willing to spend it if it's worth it. Thoughts?

Bigger always better...

What are the difference in the specs? Do you have enough power for bigger?
Most people never regret buying the best.

If the speakers are for people on the rear swim deck of the boat, the 6.5" are fine. If it's for people in the water farther away, I'd find a way to go with the 8".

What size amp do you have for the speakers?

6.5" only needs about 75W

8.8" needs at least 150W

How much room do you have for speaker install?

6.5" aren't very deep. Maybe 5-6"

8.8" are pretty deep. Maybe 8"


Weight:

6.5" are pretty light. Maybe 2 lbs.

8.8" are pretty heavy. Maybe 8 lbs


I agree, if close range the 6.5" will be fine. If farther out, like on the beach, you might want the larger speakers.


Also, they make water proof blue tooth speakers as well. You can fasten it to a float, or bungee it to your swim platform. Just another option

amp is more important brother.

no idea what your running for power so it's literally impressible to answer this question.

This isn't quite accurate - the JL Audio M3 at 6.5" are 89.5dB at 1W-1m, and the 7.7" are 90.5dB at 1W/1m. You'll therefore get (slightly) more output just by swapping the 7.7" in for the 6.5", with no change in amplification. The 7.7" are also rated for 70W continuous power max, so I wouldn't feel compelled to power them with something more than 100W/channel, maybe something like JL's M600/6 or M400/4.