Quote:
Originally Posted by doaclnr
What flavor GPS you go with? There are a cornucopia of options...
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The 302 has many challenges that the Fusion (marine) MS-IP700 series can handle (with ease). It is the only one of it's kind that has 4 zones, which you can control the volume and tone to each, either from the head unit or remotely (from shore if you like) via your very own onboard intranet.
The biggest feature is the internal docking of your favorite apple product. You can effectively purchase (if you dont already own one) a cheap ipod from say craiglists or ebay and download all of your favorites (effectively a portable hard drive) or you could install the BT100 or BT200 and the unit turns into a blue tooth receiver and you can stream from any BT product.
If you download their mobile app to your smart device, and install a router, your unit becomes wireless remotely controlled from as far away distance as your router will share. The software allows you to control the head unit just as if you were there pushing the buttons on the faceplate.
Marine Stereo for iPod (MS-IP700) | FUSION Electronics
I have zones 1 & 2 (which are linked) in the main cabin, zone 3 is the bow and zone 4 is the stern (swim step). I still have a completely separate (HD Radio/DVD/CD/USB) system in the mid cabin, but you could setup the head unit down below and make it one of the zones if you like.
You could also just install the MS-AV700 (DVD), a flat screen monitor, blue tooth, router and do it all from one unit.
Speakers: Probably the best all around speaker for the money is the Polk Audio Db series (i.e. db 651). You can find them cheap on ebay from a number of retailers. They have tweeters that are on pivots so you can "tune" them some. They are part of the their marine series.
DB651S Slim 6 5" Coaxial Car Marine Slim Speakers Polk Audio Pair 047192112777 | eBay
If you have a tower, the krypt line of loud speakers are the ticket.
wakeboard tower speakers - wakeboard tower speaker
Amplifiers:
I like the JL marine line. They are value priced and built well, but if you run a lot of watts, they arent very efficient use of 12v's. They do make a 6 channel, which will allow you to run every speaker in the boat (including a newly installed pair on the swim step with just two of these) Youll only need a sub amp.
jl audio marine amplifier | eBay
The best (foot print space, use of power and output power rated) is by far the Krypt line of marine amps. They are a class g/h (meaning they are very efficient on power consumption), small in size, but dont let that fool ya....they can deliver a HUGE punch.
Marine Audio Systems | Boat, Equipment, marine Amplifiers, marine Equalizers, Electronics, boat volume control
You install a couple of these, with their sub amp and tell your friends its a "Lil 1000 watt system" and watch their eyes light up when you crank it up.
Here are some pics of my install:
Polk speakers
Amplified antenna
Old sub install (12" kickers). I use automotive model subs. In most cases people hide these and are not typically subjected to sun light or water so they dont deteriorate.
Current sub install
Swim step speakers:
With regards to your GPS issue. Id start with first measuring the space where you want to install it. Then determine the type of antenna you have and the connection plug it comes with. This might limit your options if you plan to use what you have an where it was originally located.
Lowrance is what my 302 came with. It died several years ago and the mfg offers a "trade in" program that they will sell you factory re-furb'd units very cheap, or new units way back of retail. Here is the model I bought to replace ours
Lowrance LMS 520C Color Fishfinder GPS | eBay
Stereo and speakers
So, what is the difference from the depth gauge and sounder? I'm ignorant on that stuff...
