New stereo - Automotive vs. marine?

[tmh]

Time to replace the 20 yr. old radio in my boat. I know anything that is "marine" costs more so I'm just wondering if a marine stereo is really better/different than one sold for automotive use?

I am looking at cheaper units (around $100-145) and want one with an input for an mp3 player or SD card. I see some automotive ones that have this in my price range, but few "marine" stereos that have these for that price. Most PLAY mp3 but only off a CD as they have no mp3 input.

Thanks in advance.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: New stereo - Automotive vs. marine?

i have always used Junk yard radios. never had a problem.

 

[mrmushroomman]

Re: New stereo - Automotive vs. marine?

Automotive radios are fine. I've always replaced my old boat radios with non marine radios. If it sits outside i would get one that the face comes off. You don't want moisture getting in the radio.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: New stereo - Automotive vs. marine?

tmh, I just bought a low end marine stereo package a month or so ago. It was AM/FM/CD and MP3 via phono plug. I think the whole package (W/ Speakers) was <$150 at BoatUS or WestMarine.

 

[ddennis]

Re: New stereo - Automotive vs. marine?

I got a used alpine from a buddy for about 25 bucks, put in some walmart 6x9's in some walmart 6x9 boxes...most expensive thing I bought was the powercable! I have about $125 bucks in the whole rig...and it is WAY louder than I will ever need!

 

[tmh]

Re: New stereo - Automotive vs. marine?

OK, thanks for the info.

 

[JMRuth72]

Re: New stereo - Automotive vs. marine?

Dealing with electronics for a living I would have to say that it doesn't matter as long as you keep the electronics dry. Get a compartment with a o-ring type lid that are for radios and install it and your radio and it won't matter. Speakers I would think a little more about about as they are impossible to seal and get sound. Those I would either get outdoor type or marine type. Also a lot of car stereo speakers that I have seen are basically rubberized cardboard cones. I would want plastic cones for a marine enviroment. Don't forget to make all connections as waterproof as possible. If you can't completely seal them use a dieelectric grease on every connection every so often. You can get it at any auto parts store.