Choosing tower speakers is mostly about three things: how far behind the boat you need sound to reach, how your tower mounts, and how much amplifier power you have. Here's how we size the Kicker KMFC line at Ocean Rock Audio, South Florida's Kicker marine boat speaker specialist.
Step 1: Decide how far you need to project sound
- Wakeboarding and tubing, about 60–75 ft of rope: sound has to cover distance, but cruising volume is moderate. A 6.5" or 8" coaxial tower works well.
- Surfing, close to the boat but over loud engine and wave noise: you need high output and clarity. Horn-loaded 9" or 11" towers shine here.
Step 2: Check your tower mounting
- KMFC65 6.5" and KMFC8 8": flat-mount designs with adjustable 0°/5°/10° inserts. They're flexible across many towers and bimini frames.
- KMFC9 9" and KMFC11 11" HLCD: factory-mount designs for flat hardpoints with 2.5" bolt spacing and hidden wiring.
Measure your mounting surface and bolt spacing before ordering. Send us photos if you're unsure.
Step 3: Match your amplifier
| Tower | Kicker recommended power (per speaker) |
|---|---|
| KMFC65 6.5" | 65W RMS |
| KMFC9 9" HLCD | 150–300W RMS |
For a 6.5" pair plus cockpit speakers, a KMA360.4 is a common choice. Larger HLCD towers need more headroom, so plan bridged channels or a dedicated amp, and see our Kicker KMA vs KPX amp guide. Wire it with the KMPK4 kit.
Step 4: Think about lighting and looks
Every KMFC includes 7-color LED grilles. White versions such as the KMFC8W and KMFC9W match white towers. Add a Kicker LED controller like the KMLC to sync towers with LED cockpit speakers.
Our quick recommendations
- First tower upgrade or ski boat: KMFC65
- Mid-size wake boat: KMFC8
- Dedicated surf boat: KMFC9
- Maximum output, full-size surf boat: KMFC11
Browse 6.5" towers, 8" towers or 9"+ towers, or read our Kicker wake tower speakers page.
FAQ
Can I run towers off my head unit? Not effectively. Tower speakers need an amplifier to be heard behind the boat.
Should I get 9" or 11"? Both are horn-loaded. The 11" adds more woofer output for the loudest setups.
Do I need a sub too? A sub fills in the low end in the cockpit. The KMF12 free-air sub pairs well with towers.
Ocean Rock Audio is an authorized Kicker dealer listed on kicker.com, so your gear carries Kicker's full manufacturer warranty.