MDF in a boat install?!?!?
 

Went to see a boat today and found out the whole aftermarket system was stolen from the boat. The speakers were installed in MDF baffles. Does that seem right on something that's going to get wet?

http://viphotobooth.smugmug.com/phot...-q9J94d9-L.jpg

If its in an area that will see a lot of water its not ideal but not uncommon to see.
I have seen lots of stuff like that on the interior of a boat cabin but most of the decent stuff in the cockpit is in a fiberglass enclosure.
Also see non-marine speakers/amps a lot......those never last long. Just a sign of a budget job IMO.

MDF should be alright as long as it's not sitting in water - damp air and the odd splash won't hurt it... or if it does, it'll take a long time to become an issue.

Marine grade plywood is usually recommended. Holds up alot better over time.

We have a very moist enviroment in Vancouver, so MDF does tend to absorb that moisture. Might last a few seasons before it needs to be re done.

Issue with most people is that they don't know the diff, and want a job done quick and/or cheap. Marine Plywood is alot more expensive than MDF.

Even exterior-grade plywood would be preferable over MDF for durability.

I'm surprised the preference in this situation is marine/exterior plywood rather than medex, which is exterior mdf.

there is a brand of MDF called Medex (Sierra Pine - Composite Solutions - Sierra Pine - Composite Solutions) that would probably be just fine in a marine environment so long as it is not being exposed to direct water for long periods of time. I have seen samples of medex submerged in water for 24 hours and, other than a water stain, they are just fine.

What about using something like HDPE (High density polyethylene).

What I don't understand about this boat is it's a 2011 LE (stripped down) model but the owner spends 10K on a Vinyl wrap and system. After spending all that money, the engine only has 5 hours on it.

We have access to an extremely high density poly-styrene which we use to build enclosures, baffles, amp racks and custom mounts. For some jobs we'll use plywood but that's pretty rare.

The absolute industry professionals use marine grade plywood, high density styrene, plastic, ABS or birch. MDF is an absolute no-no.

Because most people that own boats never actually use them?