I assume many have replaced the original Clarion speakers in the Baja plastic side pods. I am replacing mine with JL M-series, but those weigh quite a bit more. Has anyone had any problems with the pods handling the additional weight?

Had my old speakers replaced with 6.5 JL's. No issues with handling the additional weight. Sound is good.

However, if you decide to have 10" subs installed under your bench seat... I had to cut some plywood to better brace the back of the plastic. Lined it with weather stripping to dampen the vibration. That rattled very bad. It all sounds very nice now.

Good luck!

I do plan to change the two 6.5s under the bench to 7.7s and add a 10" sub in the center. Looks like I will have to do some additional work back there?

Depends on how thick the plastic wall is under your bench seat. Can it take the rattle of the sub?

Mine was very thin. I think just one 10" sub would have made it rattle. So, glad I went with 2. I put weather stripping between the subs and mounting surface and again more strips between the plywood and mounting surface on the other side. I used through bolts with lock nuts and snugged them down.

It has a nice clean bass without much rattle.

I don't believe all boats have to do this. Hopefully yours is thick and can handle the vibration.

I have two JL Audio 10" under the rear seats of my 25 OL....no issues with rattling other than when it cranked up and everything rattles.