So its not Auto Related but its still a general Audio question.

Currently my pontoon has 8 x 6.5" speakers and had a JL Sub with a MB Quartz 5ch amp. Everything in the boat rotted, cones were trash sub was wrecked etc etc. I want to replace everything but my questions are:

1) Upgrading from 6.5" to 8" is it worth it? I dont want to put a sub back in so hoping the extra cone surface area will make up for the lack of a sub? Also trying to justify RECUTTING 8 exsisting holes BIGGER! Not fun.

2) Running a pair of speakers in parallel creating a 2ohm load will there be any issues as long as the amp is 2ohm stable. Mind you most Marine speakers are 4ohm vc's.

Speakers would be free-air using the seat bases as "boxes" so to speak.

I am thinking about going with Skar marine gear particularly their 8's and their 1000.4 amp. For a head unit ill just run something like a Wet Sounds WS-MC-2 or a Kicker KMC-5.. Not going to run a traditional head-unit as its location just sucks and trying to see the screen is a pain in the ass.. So just going to put a single din cubby in that hole and mount a media center up on the dash so its easier to control.

As far as charging and batteries. I currently run 2 group 31 AGM Marine Deep Cycles 125AH if i recall for the Audio and a Single for the motor and an A/B Switch between those just in case. Amp is ran directly to the audio pair and head unit will get its always on from the main batt and keyed source will be via a switch. Amp will also be ran off the keyed switch for remote trigger.

Am i too far out of line thinking that 8 8" speakers and a 1k watt amp will sound shitty without a sub or will it suffice. For reference ive been using a JBL BoomBox for the last couple summers because the current system was inop! Im just tired of remembering to bring the damn boombox to the lake lol.