Marine Stereo

[borndownsouth]

I was wondering if a marine stereo just had to spots on the back of it to attach + and - wires or is there a plug and adapters and stuff like that. Also can you use a regular car stereo for a boat if it is an waterproof housing. Thanks.

 

[KenJr]

Re: Marine Stereo

I was wondering if a marine stereo just had to spots on the back of it to attach + and - wires or is there a plug and adapters and stuff like that. Also can you use a regular car stereo for a boat if it is an waterproof housing. Thanks.

I haven't seen one (definitely not a marine stereo) that doesn't have simple black and red wires for power. You'll usually have a yellow 'hot' wire that you use to connect directly to the battery to keep your programming/clock settings.

I can't recall seeing a car stereo either that didn't have bare wires.

You shouldn't have a problem with the stereo if it's in a waterproof housing. Just make sure you take careful measurements of both.

 

[borndownsouth]

Re: Marine Stereo

I was wondering if a marine stereo just had to spots on the back of it to attach + and - wires or is there a plug and adapters and stuff like that. Also can you use a regular car stereo for a boat if it is an waterproof housing. Thanks.

I haven't seen one (definitely not a marine stereo) that doesn't have simple black and red wires for power. You'll usually have a yellow 'hot' wire that you use to connect directly to the battery to keep your programming/clock settings.

I can't recall seeing a car stereo either that didn't have bare wires.

You shouldn't have a problem with the stereo if it's in a waterproof housing. Just make sure you take careful measurements of both.

Thanks KenJr,
Now can anyone tell me how to hook up a marine radio and a regular car radio to a 12v battery. Thanks for all the help. -Matt

 

[--GQ--]

Re: Marine Stereo

red to ignition
yellow to constant hot (battery)
black to ground

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Marine Stereo

My last boat was nine years old and used a standard card radio. My new boat is equipped the same way. Just keep it dry.

 

[Speedwagon]

Re: Marine Stereo

The advantage(first hand knowledge here) to a marine stereo vs a car stereo, is that a marine radio can take a garden hose full blast, and continue to work! I'm rather positive I don't want to try that with a car stereo.

 

[buckeye_sean]

Re: Marine Stereo

My last boat was nine years old and used a standard card radio. My new boat is equipped the same way. Just keep it dry.

I was wondering about that. My brother and I just purchased a Baja that needs a new stereo. We have been going back and forth about whether to invest in a "marine" radio, or just use one of the ones we already have.

 

[--GQ--]

Re: Marine Stereo

Electronic gadgets don't like moisture. Water have a tendency to allow electricity to flow in infinite path other than the intended path. The fact that boats sit on water, this can be problematic. That is why on newer boats, the radio location is well deep inside the console making virtually impossible for water to penetrate.

If your boat is as described above, feel free to use car radio. Anyhow they are cheaper than their marine counterpart. 8)

 

[Gone]

Re: Marine Stereo

If you're rabid about using a specific car audio head unit or amp and are careful, you can waterproof the unit to some degree. you can purchase a "Conformal Coating" spray and DIY. Partially disassemble the unit to expose both sides of the PCB. Take care to cover exposed connector plugs. Watch that over spray does not go on to mechanically moving parts. It's not for the novice, but can be done with the proper care taken.


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