Marine Gear
1. With all the features you'd expect from a car product (MP3/WMA playback and the ability to add on sat rad, HD Radio and an iPod), the KTS-MP400MR ($300) from Kenwood also stands up to tough marine environments. Add on the optional KCA-RC100MR hard-wired remote control ($100) for more functionality.www.kenwoodusa.com
2. Don't ignore those passengers you're dragging a few yards behind the ship. Kicker's KMT6 long-range tower system ($350) brings the music to everyone through dual 6.5" midrange drivers flanking an exponential-horn-loaded, titanium-dome tweeter.www.kicker.com
3. Coated to resist mold, mildew and moisture damage, the circuit boards in Clarion's M475 ($250) will last this year's season and then some. The single-DIN receiver features MP3 and WMA playback, CD mechanisms that minimize mistracking and the ability to upgrade with sat rad, iPod, etc.www.clarion.com
4. Outfitting a popular speaker for wet conditions, Alpine gave the SPS-M600 ($120) Centrex 813 coated grilles, ABS frames and Santoprene surrounds. Topped off with a PEI dome tweeter, this coaxial combines crisp highs with marine resistance.www.alpine-usa.com
5. For use with JL Audio marine speakers, these billet aluminum covers from Xtreme Audio (starting at $100 per pair) provide a custom look. With their unique mounting system, you don't have to drill additional holes. If the T6-6061 aluminum doesn't suit your look, they can also powdercoat and anodize them in various colors.www.xaudiocovers.com
6. With a polypropylene cone and rubber-edged surround, Arc Audio's AMC 6.5 coaxial ($149) stands up to sun, sand and surf. A 2" PEI soft-dome tweeter provides the higher frequency on this speaker with a RMS power of 40 watts.www.arcaudio.com
7. You'll appreciate MTX's TM6502WB-B 6.5" wakeboard tower speaker ($380) because of its gold-plated terminals, stainless steel hardware and sealed PVC basket. It keeps the boat rocking, and that's a good thing.www.mtx.com