Stereo Replacement/location
 

UPDATE! tHE NEW STEREO IS IN...SOUNDS GREAT! READ COMMENT AT END OF THIS THREAD.

I have a full season under my belt with my 1992 2000Z and sadly, the entire summer was spent without a working stereo.

I messed with the wires under the dash and managed to get sound for about five minutes and that was it.

But anyway, I am looking to replace the original AM/FM/Cassette for one with a CD player.....
however the location of the stereo in the center of my dash seems like a dumb place to have put a stereo in the first place.

I'm quite positive that it was exposure/water that did the stereo in, so I would like to replace the unit with one that is either waterproof or one that I can fit inside on of those enclosures that keeps the water out.

Anyone else done this? How did it work?
Or, did you remove the old unit and install a new one in a different location? If so, what did you do with the big hole in the center of the dash? (you can see in the pic the location of the stereo just above the center of the steering wheel)

Another question....looking at the speakers, they are mounted into the plastic sidewalls of the boat and seem to be held in place by magic, as there are no screws visible around the openings.

Not sure how to replace the speakers without ripping them out and figuring it out as I go.

I want to do the whole stereo system in one shot and am seeking some guidance before I end up with five holes in my boat and no tunes to show for it!!!

Thanks! [ATTACH]

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

You're right, that doesn't look like the most ideal location for the stereo. However, the "marine rated" stereos are very robust - they have a potting material over the electrical components and use materials that won't corrode (at least not nearly as fast as standard car stereos). I think you'll be perfectly fine with a marine rated stereo in that location. Not sure where else you'd mount the new one, or what you'd do with the hole left in the dash from the old one.

I'm guessing your speakers have a grill that snaps over the speaker. Try to carefully pry it off. They're most likely top/surface mounted and therefor must have mounting screws accessible. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

Thanks. I have a friend who is a pro at installing stereos and speakers, so I am hoping that he will be able to look at the setup and offer me some help in completing the job.

I have no idea where else I would mount the stereo either, just thought maybe someone might have figured out a better solution!

I will keep checking for advice and will be sure to document the replacement task in as great a detail as possible.

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

I am just beginning to start my search for a replacement stereo system, but I will keep that in mind.

Hoping my friend and I can come up with a plan to complete the project first before I start buying stereo and speakers and the necessary wiring.

He mentioned having an MP3 capable CD player that he might sell me.....but no matter what I buy, I want to make sure it can be installed and protected from the elements!

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

There are plenty of options. As previously stated, most newer marine head units are pretty stout (especially when compared to the early 90's era one it will be replacing). You could also add a little more protection by using one of the many stereo covers available: http://shopmarineelectronics.com/enc...es/mrh211w.jpg

That would allow you to keep the head unit in the stock location and not have to do much with the wiring. Another option is to use a blank off plate to cover the stock hole and mount the head unit in an enclosure under the dash. Like so: http://shopmarineelectronics.com/enc...es/wc_400w.jpg

That option would probably require re-routing and/or lengthening the stock wiring to the new mounting location, but would be about the most protected. I replaced my head unit and all speakers this summer and only spent about $300 for the whole deal plus a couple of hours installing everything. I got a Sony CDX-M50IP ($100ish on closeout as it is an older model, but has a direct iPod connection, which was something I wanted) and three pairs of Polk Audio bd651s ($200ish, one pair in the cabin and two pairs in the interior). I did have to do a little work to get everything to fit since the interior speakers were originally 5.25s, but ended up not cutting any new holes.

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

I am familiar with those protective covers and am thinking that might be the best way to go. Hopefully this weekend my friend and I will begin to tackle the issue and see what solutions we come up with.
Thanks for the info.

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

Looking to do the same thing and was wondering are there any special dimensions for the Mariah sterio or will most standard radios work?

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

It's a standard size. However, if your boat is old it might be setup for a stereo with knobs and most newer ones don't have knobs... unless that's the specific style you're after anyway. So some modification is required to make a newer stereo fit and mount securely.

Here you can see the 'knob holes' that I had to cut out of mine.

http://jwcustomcreations.com/mariahc...%20plastic.JPG

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

thanks dredd.
one last one do I need a marine specific radio, it just looks like the selection is a lot smaller if I stick with marine?

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

I'm sure you could ask that 5 times and get 5 different opinions.

I'm not using a marine one because I got a really good deal on a head unit that had all the features on it that I wanted (MP3, iPod, USB, Aux). If it doesn't last long I'm not out much money and replacing it isn't that difficult, in my boat. Also, mine has a cover over it like the ones posted above.

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

Hi Depman,

I'm just replacing mine at the moment, our's wasn't on the dash but on a separate switch panel just near the throttle. Have rebuilt that panel without the stereo hole, poss going to flush mount the VHF there instead.

For the head unit I went for the new Clarion CMS1 -> link

Plan to mount the main box behind the dash and have the separate display and controls sitting up on top. Also adding a wired remote on the transom for when we're chilling out while anchored.

Sounds like your best option is to replace the current one, but if you do want to change the location the CMS1 might be worth a look.

Good luck.

Steve.

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

Thanks for the option Steve.
I have found a decent stereo and speaker combo that comes with the waterproof cover like the one mentioned earlier in this thread.

I think I can do the whole project with minor issues. But, since the boat is tucked away for winter, i will have to wait for spring.

I will keep everyone posted on the project when its done and try to get photos of the process for anyone else who might try it.

Patrick

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

Steve,

I am looking at the CMS1 for replacing the radio in my 1990 2000XL. Any problems with the install? Also, were and how did you install the head unit?

Thanks

Vance

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

Hi Vance,

No problems on the install, just had to extend the wiring harness a bit as chose to mount the black box a bit further back towards the cuddy rather than where the old stereo was next to the throttle.

I've gone for the optional Gimbal Mount BKU001 (by the way no one mentions that this is optional, from all the pictures it looks like it's included until it arrives!!!) have mounted it on the very top of the dashboard just below the windshield. I have my Garmin 276C up there to and the mounts are very similar so thought it was a good match looks wise and also easy to see/use when moving (always had to look down into the boat with the old stereo which isn't the safest thing!).

I'll take some pictures next time i'm down on the boat. Good option for me as I wanted to be able to control the iPod directly and have a display where I could see it, I could have just gone for a traditional unit with a wired remote on the dash but the ones with LCD screens are pretty small and hard to read when underway.

Hope that helps, Good Luck!

Steve.

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

Just a quick update....
I've chosen to go with the following stereo package....

Overton's® > Pyle Hydra Series Marine CD Receiver Package - Electronics > Marine Stereos > Stereo Package Deals : Marine Stereos, Boat Stereo Speakers, Packages, Accessories, Antennas

Seems to have all the components and is a reasonable price!

Re: Speaker Replacement/location
 

I have a 1993 Barchetta. Iit is not a "Z" model. I heard that all Maria boats are pre-wired as if it were a "Z". I replaced the stereo recently (successfully). However, the boat only has 2 speakers. I would like to install 2 more speakers. Does any one know where the holes should be? Is it really pre-wired for more than 2 speakers? I need some adult supervision before I start carving holes in my boat. I am open to any help.

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

On my 1995 there were extra wires already wired in the rear of the boat and also the bow area. All I had to do is add speakers.

Also, the side panels were designed to be lifted and removed which exposed the screws to remove the fiberglass interior.

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

Thanks for the tip Paul.
Hopefully the project will be taking place sometime in the next month as I hope to have the boat ready for the water by May 1st.

I will keep everyone posted on the install and hopefully get some helpful pics!

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

Now that I think about it, all I had to do was lift off the side panels and the speaker wire was tied to the other wiring.

Very easy to get to!

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

Ok, I appreciate the info. But, I still have a few questions. 1. Does anybody know where exactly the rear speakers should be mounted? 2. How much clearance for speakers do you have (Barchetta model)? 3. How do you remove the side panels? I can only find the screws on the upper part. 4. If I can not remove the panels, what is the easiest way to cut the holes without making a horrible mess. Fiberglass dust sucks.
If anybody has any words of wisdom, I sure would appreciate it. I don't mean to be an ignoramus, I just do not want to mess up my boat. Please help!

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

I have the reach bench seat. I removed the panels on each side of the bench (very easy to do) and took them to a stereo shop and had them cut the hole and mount the speakers.

I didn't want to take a chance of screwing up.....

All I had to do is reinstall the panels and hook up the speakers to the wiring already in place.

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

Dredd - What did you use to cut the metal bracket out where the knobs went through?

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

It was actually all plastic and I used a 4" hand grinder :| then cleaned up the edges on a bench grinder. It was a little nerve racking but it came out good. Ideally I would have used a Dremel like WW suggested.

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

Thanks dredd and wetwilly.. Good info. i have an old knob stereo that I'm so tired of and want out.. This spring I'm changing it all head unit and speakers. If you guys come across a good deal please post or email me..

Re: Stereo Replacement/location
 

Just an update....the stereo I bought was installed very easily. Sadly I wasn't able to get installation pics, but my buddy had it done in about an hour.

He had to enlarge the opening i the dash to fit the new head unit and surrounding weather protector thing in, but other than that, it was quick, painless and SOUNDS GREAT!!!!