Best 12V Marine TVs for Boats: Complete Buyer’s Guide
Did you know that over 78% of boat owners consider entertainment systems essential for their vessels? As someone who’s spent countless hours testing marine electronics, I’ve learned that not all 12V TVs are created equal – especially when it comes to withstanding the harsh marine environment. Let’s dive into the Best 12v Marine TVs available!
Jensen JTV19DC 19-Inch LED Marine TV
The Jensen JTV19DC has been one of the gold standards for marine televisions, and I’ve seen firsthand why it’s a favorite among boaters. After seeing several of these on friend’s boat, its rugged construction and waterproof rating is perfect for harsh marine environments. The Jensen has been one of the Best 12 Marine TVs for Boaters as it has been tried and tested over the years. The only down fall is the lack of features like Smart Apps.
- Built specifically for marine use with an IPX5 waterproof rating
- Conformal-coated circuit boards for superior moisture protection
- 19-inch LED screen with 1366×768 resolution
- Wide viewing angle perfect for salon or cabin viewing
- Integrated HDTV tuner with HDMI and USB inputs
- Power draw: only 2.7 amps at 12V DC
- Price range: $299.99-$349.99
Having mounted this TV in both open cockpits and enclosed cabins, I can tell you it handles salt spray like a champ. The anti-glare coating actually works – you can watch even in bright sunlight!
Avtex L219DRS-PRO 21.5-Inch LED TV (UK ONLY)
This British-designed marine TV offers excellent value for money and some unique features perfect for boating and camping life.
- 21.5-inch full HD screen (1920×1080)
- Ultra-low power consumption
- Built-in DVD player
- Triple tuner (HD satellite, terrestrial, and cable)
- 12V and 24V compatible
- Power draw: 2.5 amps at 12V DC
- Price range: $549-$599
The built-in DVD player is a lifesaver when you’re anchored somewhere without reception. Trust me, your crew will thank you during those rainy days at sea!
SYLVOX 24″ Smart TV 12V Marine
The Sylvox 24″, although a bit pricey, is a feature packed 12v TV ready for your boating adventure. Its a smart TV with full app store. Also comes with a bult-in DVD player so you can play your favorite movies out on the open water if you do not have Wifi or Satellite access.
- 24-inch full HD screen (1920×1080)
- Ultra-low power consumption
- DVD Combo Unit
- Built in App Store
- Triple tuner (HD satellite, terrestrial, and cable)
- 12V with 110v Power Adatper
- Power draw: 2.5 amps at 12V DC
- Price range: $249-$349
Majestic 19″ 12V Smart Marine TV
The Majestic 19″ Smart TV has been one of the go to brands for Boaters looking for a 12v TV that can hold up in the harsh marine environment. Although a little pricey, It is feature packed with a full app store, low power consumption, Wifi Screen sharing and Bluetooth 5.0. Their TVs have been tried and tested to withstand the harsh marine environments such as humidity, moisture and vibration.
- 19-inch full HD screen (1920×1080)
- Ultra-low power consumption
- Smart TV and Built in App Store
- Triple tuner (HD satellite, terrestrial, and cable)
- 12V with 110v Power Adatper
- Power draw: 2.5 amps at 12V DC
- Price range: $349-$399
Buyer’s Guide: Key Features to Consider
When choosing a marine TV, consider these crucial factors:
Waterproof Rating
- Look for at least IPX5 for exposed areas
- Consider your mounting location and typical weather exposure
Power Consumption
- Check your boat’s electrical capacity
- Consider adding a dedicated circuit for larger TVs
Screen Size and Viewing Distance
- 19-inch is ideal for most cabin sizes
- Factor in your typical viewing distance (4-6 feet optimal for 19-inch)
Mounting Options
- Ensure compatibility with your boat’s structure
- Consider articulating mounts for flexibility
Installation Tips
From personal experience, here are some key installation considerations:
- Always use marine-grade cables and connections
- Install on a dedicated circuit with appropriate fusing
- Consider adding an inverter for backup AC power
- Mount in a location with minimal exposure to direct spray
- Use dielectric grease on all connections
Conclusion on the Best 12v Marine TVs
After extensive testing and real-world experience, the Jensen and Majestic emerge as my top recommendation for most boaters, offering the best balance of durability, features, and value. However, if budget isn’t a concern, brands like Furrion provide superior picture quality and weather resistance but at a cost almost 4-5x the competition.
Remember that proper installation is just as important as choosing the right TV. Take time to plan your mounting location, power requirements, and cable routing. Have you installed a marine TV on your boat? Share your experience in the comments below!
