Even though I put in a bulkhead to totally isolate my fairly large lazarette from the rest of the boat I reckon external speakers are a potential hazard especially if there were ever to be a roll over or something.

As the plastic protective gratings on mine are now falling apart after decades in the sun and having been accidentally kicked a few times I think I will replace them with round inspection hatches.

Anyone else think these things are a bit of a lapse in seaworthiness?

Yeah, especially since they are a bit of a problem in an anchorage and you can always just get a bluetooth speaker in the cockput for a little mood music anyway - block em up and feel safer offshore

Bluetooth waterproof.
Only way ta go!
www.rtings.com/speaker/reviews/best/by-type/waterproof-bluetooth

Blue tooth headphones are good on the boat

Agree with you Jules, Im not keen on holes in the boats structure. Maybe you can surface mount them out of the way. Mine are under solar panel arch on stern.