Details: SubWoofer Considerations for a Pontoon install - a deep dive

[LaurencetheAdventurer]

Updated 9.6.25 - Terminology Correction: Passive Subwoofer (no built in amp) to Passive Radiator (passive speaker (2nd) in sealed enclosure).

So I am sure this is far from perfect, but well over 6 plus hours of intensive research supported by AI, generated some interesting details I have not seen addressed. I used 4 popular brands that had more information available, but the conclusions should work for any similarly designed subwoofer. The attached is a highly summarized data points of youtube demos, feedback on installations I could find for a pontoon, various sources for technical details, all processed through dozens of questions processed through Gemini AI - the data made sense from a technical view, and seemed to align with experience. IMO. The conclusion I reached:

A down firing subwoofer is the best option for a pontoon when installed inside a space opened to a wood boat deck (helm or swingback), noting the vinyl flooring has little effect. A preconfigured, sealed or passive radiator, will provide better performance as compared to the same sized traditional IB (infinite baffle) or open air system, without losing large amounts of storage space. Of course a highly customized, multi-sub system installed through the seat base wall / bulkhead is best, when money and the storage in those spaces is not a factor. The sealed system provides better quality bass, the passive radiator provides louder bass.

From here - you have to read through the 9 page, attached. I could spend days summarizing better....but I think I have the data I need to move forward. Down fire, forward fire, sealed vs radiator, noisey vs quiet environments, are all important variables, and it seems placing a sub INSIDE the roto-mold seat base is the least optimal (YET the new Bennington RF subwoofer is designed for exactly that install!?!?).

I am confident a down fire design is best, and my next Benny visit will determine if I can fit the Kicker 51MWLE passive radiator system, or the sealed system from either JL or WS.

Updated 9.6.25 - Terminology Correction: Passive Subwoofer (built in amp) to Passive Radiator (2nd passive speaker in sealed enclosure).

 

[Michiman]

Thanks for sharing!!

 

[LaurencetheAdventurer]

As I continue my dive into the "perfect" sub for my use - I compiled this and have been searching high and low for personal experience with these in a down fire position. A few very good reviews of the JL when installed on the deck (helm or swingback). Lot's of people love the kicker tube, but forward facing install. Lots of general comments that the Kicker MWLE is best, but they don't specify the install direction or location. One user installed 2 JL's but put them inside one of the seat rotomold seat boxes - he was not thrilled with the performance - I would have to imagine that kills the sound transfer!