Stereo

[TD_Maker]

I am going through stereos about every 5 months or so. I have been purchasing the automotive type from Wally World...I do have a water-proof cover on the front of course. I even keep a water proof cover on top of my center console, but I seem to be losing the sound card every 5 or six month max. What brand of stereo are you guys using that will take the humid conditions that every boat encounters?

 

[Scott Danforth]

I have a Sony Marine stereo. Humidity is usually 97% or higher. Stereo will be replaced soon because its an iPod control and the cable is busted.

 

[Scott Danforth]

forgot to mention, my stereo head is below, and on my dash in the elements is the 4" round remote. my last boat had a clarion marine head unit with a remote as well.

 

[alldodge]

Have a Clarion marine in both boats, been there for years and no problems so far

 

[gm280]

I suspect, but have verified it, that marine grade stereos are coated with a PC board coating to help keep humidity and moisture out from the circuits. I use to repair circuit boards for aircraft in my early years and there was basically two types of circuit board coating. One was called Humiseal and the other was called Conforma Coating. The Humiseal was similar to a lacquer base clear coat while the Comforma Coating was more of a rubbery clear coat. Obviously those were brand names and I'm sure there were other manufactures. But that is what we used. So marine stereos probably have something similar to those board coatings to protect them... JMHO

 

[TD_Maker]

Thanks everyone. I am just going to replace with a marine grade unit. I never really believed there was a difference. Lesson Learned.

 

[James D. Evans]

How many speakers do you have wired per channel? if more than one and the stereo is seeing less than a 4ohm load it will fry the internal amp in no time.

 

[gm280]

How many speakers do you have wired per channel? if more than one and the stereo is seeing less than a 4ohm load it will fry the internal amp in no time.

Unless they are in series or the amp is designed for a short circuit protection as most all of them are these days...

 

[TD_Maker]

I have four speakers on my boat. 2 (6") and 2 (4") marine grade speakers. I have my center console covered under a water proof tarp....so I know its not getting wet. I think it may be a Dual Brand of Automotive stereos. Maybe I am wrong.... the humidity is wicked down here.