Do I have to buy a marine stereo?

[bigmacfan]

I am interested in replacing the head unit in my runabout. It is located in the dash, behind the glove compartment cover and doesn't get wet. However, I wonder about it drawing moisture from being on the water/outside. I will keep the marine speakers, but wonder if having a marine head unit is imperative. That "marine" tag adds 50% price to everything it seems

 

[superpop]

Re: Do I have to buy a marine stereo?

I think the boards in a marine radio get sprayed with a sealer that keeps them from corroding to bad. If you are in Salt Water a lot I would do Marine grade, otherwise I would do a regular old radio.

 

[bigmacfan]

Re: Do I have to buy a marine stereo?

Thanks. I should have clarified on that one...I will only be in fresh water.

 

[Silver Heels]

Re: Do I have to buy a marine stereo?

I have a regular automotive cd player on my boat. Two years and no problems yet. Of course I keep it covered from rain, spray, etc. Most of the so-called "marine" units are not waterproof. They often have anti-corrosive parts, important if your boat is exposed to salt air. This is straight from a manufacturer when I called. If you boat in fresh water as I do, corrosion is not a concern. A few of the very expensive marine units are in fact water-proof. I prefer to save the dough and opt for a cover. Another option is to get one of the units with a water-proof controller and mount the stereo below or somewhere else protected. I guess the short answer is, if freshwater, go automotive with a cover. If saltwater, go marine grade with a cover or marine grade waterproof.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Do I have to buy a marine stereo?

The constant moisture kills them fairly quickly........ just learn to sing to yourself I would try a cheaper unit first and make sure it has a 90 day warranty to carry you through the Summer!!

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Do I have to buy a marine stereo?

I have a regular automotive cd player on my boat. Two years and no problems yet. Of course I keep it covered from rain, spray, etc. Most of the so-called "marine" units are not waterproof. They often have anti-corrosive parts, important if your boat is exposed to salt air. This is straight from a manufacturer when I called. If you boat in fresh water as I do, corrosion is not a concern. A few of the very expensive marine units are in fact water-proof. I prefer to save the dough and opt for a cover. Another option is to get one of the units with a water-proof controller and mount the stereo below or somewhere else protected. I guess the short answer is, if freshwater, go automotive with a cover. If saltwater, go marine grade with a cover or marine grade waterproof.

X 2, Also just so you know most of the marine stereos come with a plasic cover, That will cover the top side and some times the back side of the main unit it self to help keep water out of it.

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Do I have to buy a marine stereo?

I have a kenwood car cd player in mine...i just installed a splash guard this year, but i have gone all last year without a splash guard and it was fine. with a splash guard, i would say it should be fine for sure. You could probably buy about 3 car radios before you made 1 marine radio purchase pricewise i would guess. so if mine quits working in the next year or 2, i wont really be upset about it.

 

[jennis9]

Re: Do I have to buy a marine stereo?

if you do a search - you will need to use the term gimball mount. Believe it or not - you do have to test them for size to make sure they fit.

They range from $20 - $50.

Also the wire harness that you use on an auto setup will work for the marine setup - but you may want to switch the inline fuses out for waterproof ones.

Good luck!

 

[bigmacfan]

Re: Do I have to buy a marine stereo?

So, what is this splash guard you mention? I am sorry, but I can't picture what you are speaking of

 

[10 FOOT INVADER]

Re: Do I have to buy a marine stereo?

Dont know how to post link. Sonix electronix has a package deal for marine stereo for 149. Head unit 2 speakers and a gimble mount.

 

[jennis9]

Re: Do I have to buy a marine stereo?

probably any of these... gimball mount, splash guard, radio cover depending on how you plan to mount - in-dash or under.

 

[Phantom_II]

Re: Do I have to buy a marine stereo?

So, what is this splash guard you mention? I am sorry, but I can't picture what you are speaking of

Probably something like THIS.

(I couldn't find them on iboats so I had to link to a competitor)

Incidentally, I suspect an automotive stereo head would survive for a long time in a trailer boat. It may not fare so well in a moored boat.

 

[Big Keepers]

Re: Do I have to buy a marine stereo?

The radio in my buddy's boat is a regular car unit. While it is in the mid cabin, it is right in front of the cabin door and completely exposed to salt air, rain, stray spray. He's going on about season five or six and no issues whatsoever.

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Do I have to buy a marine stereo?

Dont know how to post link. Sonix electronix has a package deal for marine stereo for 149. Head unit 2 speakers and a gimble mount.

Please don't take this the wrong way, But would you like some help from some one to walk you thru on posting links, If you are not sure?

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Do I have to buy a marine stereo?

Probably something like THIS.

(I couldn't find them on iboats so I had to link to a competitor)

thats what i got, it comes with a foam seal to put in between the guard and the dash, so it is pretty much water tight from the outside to protect from splashing and stuff. And, I like the fact that the radio is somewhat hidden this way too.

 

[Action]

Re: Do I have to buy a marine stereo?

No, my new boat came with a marine clarion stereo, it is nice, you know it will stand the test of time. My old bowrider, I put a kenwood stereo cd deck in, been there 6 years, never take it out in the winter, runs perfect, no corrosion. it is in a location where there is a splash guard.

 

[bigmacfan]

Re: Do I have to buy a marine stereo?

Thanks so much for the link to the splash guard, that makes sense. I don't think I need one, though as the stereo unit is located in the dash and behind a storage compartment cover. That cover is rarely open, except to change volume or radio station and then it is closed again quickly. It is a trailered little 18ft Sea Ray runabout that only sees fresh water....I think I am going to just look at replacement car stereo units. It has a JVC stereo it in now and it works great....just doesn't have an ipod input

Thanks so much again for your help!

 

[jennis9]

Re: Do I have to buy a marine stereo?

....just doesn't have an ipod input

get an jport and you'll be connected.

 

[Blue Crabber]

Re: Do I have to buy a marine stereo?

Yeah, i would look at some other options. If the radio isn't that old there is probably an input adapter devide made to work with your radio to allow you to connect an ipod to it.

But you won't have a problem putting a car stero in that boat if that is the way you choose to go.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Do I have to buy a marine stereo?

I caught a nice Kenwood car unit on sale for 100 bucks..it was marked at almost 50% off..
I have the gimbal mount box or whatever its called with the tinted door over the face of the stereo.
The stereo has a remote so i never need to open the door unless i plug the mp-3 in or load the CD's..
It has worked well.

The marine stereos have boards that are coated in a clear epoxy type stuff so moisture won't affect them.
My old radio was a 300 buck JBL marine radio and was messed up after about 2 years..
As far as sound the higher model Kenwood blows the old JBL away..