Stereo Radio System (Center Console)

Looking for some thoughts and input for a stereo/radio system for a saltwater fishing boat. Specifically experience with systems and speaker palcement. This radio/speakers will be exposed to the elements.<br />Thanks,<br />Ken

Re: Stereo Radio System (Center Console)

Hi,<br />The radio/CD player can be any car stereo. <br />But You should mount it in a waterproof case. There are water resistant speakers.<br />For example:<br /><br /> http://www.xplodsony.com/products/?CATEGORY=Marine <br /><br />I use a GDM-616 case<br /> http://www.xplodsony.com/products/?CATEGORY=Marine&MD=GMD-616 <br /><br />and XS-MP61 speakers (one pair)<br /> http://www.xplodsony.com/products/?CATEGORY=Marine&MD=XS-MP61 <br /><br />If You want slightly better speakers You have the XS-MP62<br /> http://www.xplodsony.com/products/?CATEGORY=Marine&MD=XS-MP62 <br /> <br />I use a Sony car stereo also, CDX-MP40 (not sold anymore, it is 2 years old) in my boat that included a hand held remote control also.<br /><br />I use a T shaped antenna that is mounted inside the boat (in a storage compartment).<br /><br />I have used my stereo system in two years without any problem. But during the winter storage of my boat I take the stereo out of my boat. I use my boat in freshwater only - in a saltwater environment You may want to choose the CD/stereo unit more careful perhaps. On the other side If You buy a not so expensive CD/stereo unit You could perhaps afford to buy a new after 2-3 years if the saltwater environment will corode it etc.<br /><br />A picture of my installation:<br /><br />

Re: Stereo Radio System (Center Console)

Try to protect the radio itself from the elements. I have mine mounted in the back wall of the glovebox. It is pretty well protected. Also, I think cassette tape players will stand the salt environment much better than CD players. Although I have not tried them, CDs with salt on them should play havoc with the "innerds" of the player.

Re: Stereo Radio System (Center Console)

I bought the poly planar cd unit. Works fine, has a good warranty, but most important in a center console boat is the remote that can be used with the stereo. Mounted the radio in the T-top and I use the dash mounted hardwired remote. Most good marine stereos now offer a good remote control that can be mounted near the driver. I tried 3 cheaper "car" stereos before, but all failed due to salt/corrosion, and 2 were even mounted in the cabin. As far as speakers, just removed a set of $100 JBL's and installed 4 pioneers with 1000 watt amp. Check out the new stereo that can play DVD's by interfacing video signal with new color "fish finders". That's a little too much for a "fishin' boat".