Darren, porting a sub box will typically give you a 3 db gain in volume. A properly tuned and ported box can give you great sound for all types of music. So with a ported box you can achieve more volume (3 db gain in volume is equivelant to doubling your amplifier power), the ability to tune, or adjust the 3db down point of the box. Disadvantages are a ported box will typically be larger in size than a comparable sealed box. If you are using it in a boat you might run into problem with loading, or directing the vent/speaker into a corner or somewhere it can load and alow the sound to expand. Other disadvantages are port noise, their are inherent mechanical and air speed over vent noises created by opening up the box. In most applications you won't hear those noises due to speaker placement being far enough away or other things like the seat or walls that cut down on the noises, but if you were to put a vented box right by your feet in a boat you might hear this. Sealed boxes are typically smaller, harder to screw up, but they still must be sealed! and tend to do a good job. Check with the speaker manufactures and a reputable audio shop in your area and see what their experiences are. I would probably do a sealed box in most boats and a vented box in most cars. Just my .02cents worth.
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