well there is an easy way to do this an led use 4.5 volts at 0.02 A amps of current so all you need to do is to put a resister in series with the positive (+) or neg. (-) side of the led that will brake down the 12 volts to 5 volts or less a 300 ohm resistor could do the trick if you get any problems i am on msn: use justhurtz@yahoo.com (it works on msn also)
If you can find the old "redline" brand LEDs (used to be sold at best buy) they are 12v already. They work nice, I've had mine in for rear floor illumination and center console "cubby" for almost 2 years now. Very bright Leds.
why would you back light your speakers on a boat? You'll be on there mostly during the day correct? Then why would you have it on there if you would barely have it on? Is there a hot import nights for boats now? :lol: