Center console boat subwoofer

[Benflitv30]

Have a friend that currently has a 31’ center console boat. He installed a slot ported box with a JL W7 13.5 inside of the console with approximately 1400 watts powering it.
The box is built to factory suggested dimensions seen here along with the other driver specs:
https://www.jlaudio.com/products/13w7ae ... fers-92116

Space is a constraint, mainly due to the hatch opening. The sub hits hard and loud within such a small space, but a slot ported ‘non-marinized’ $1700 driver doesn’t last very long.
Replacing a much less expensive driver in a BFM horn is obviously ideal.

Auto Tuba is likely too large. Maybe a Tall AT or Truck AT. Will be doing some cardboard mockups to verify.
Would a Tuba 18 be worth it, compared to what he has now, performance wise?

The efficiency of these horns make much more sense on a boat, being battery powered systems. This could lead to something great. Hopefully finding ‘marine subs’ within plan specs to reduce change out frequency, for sake of convenience, won’t be a challenge. Most current marine subs are designed for infinite baffle arrangements.

[Benflitv30]

Looks like a Tall AutoTuba would work, even better with a decent output marine subwoofer that aligns within specs. I rather reduce likely corrosion issues. The driver is rather expensive in comparison to the favored MCM choice. Shown here:
https://www.jlaudio.com/products/m6-10w ... ures-93644

Do you think the efficiency and characteristics of the TaT would outweigh the current JL W7 in a ported box in this specific scenario as mentioned above, or am I spinning my wheels here? Hit me with it.


Thank you!

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

There's no benefit to that driver in a AT, even if it fit, which I doubt. I'd use the Dayton LS10-44.