I salvaged the radio/CD player from my daughter's car and would like to install it in my Hunter 26. I would get the waterproof speakers for the cockpit, regular ones for the cabin. Has anyone done this type of installation? Hints and warnings appreciated.
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Stereo Thoughts
Harvey, I don't have any particulars as to the 26 specifically, but here are my thoughts: 1. Spray the stereo externally with a good anti-corrosion spray. Generally even the automobile units are corrosion resistant, but a coating helps. 2. Get a cleaning cassette and use it from time to time. The pick-up heads will need cleaning for proper performance. (Use good quality tapes too.) 3. For the cockpit speakers, use a heavy-guage wire run since the distance is long and you will lose output with standard size speaker wire. 4. Coat the crimp connectors so they don't corrode. 5. If the power run is long, scale up the wiring size. Don't forget a fuse. 6. Use marine speakers externally. You want a poly cone. Don't spend a ton since the audio outside is challenged anyway. House brand WM or Boat US work fine. I'm sure others have better advice, but this reflects my past mistakes. Rick D.
Harvey, I don't have any particulars as to the 26 specifically, but here are my thoughts: 1. Spray the stereo externally with a good anti-corrosion spray. Generally even the automobile units are corrosion resistant, but a coating helps. 2. Get a cleaning cassette and use it from time to time. The pick-up heads will need cleaning for proper performance. (Use good quality tapes too.) 3. For the cockpit speakers, use a heavy-guage wire run since the distance is long and you will lose output with standard size speaker wire. 4. Coat the crimp connectors so they don't corrode. 5. If the power run is long, scale up the wiring size. Don't forget a fuse. 6. Use marine speakers externally. You want a poly cone. Don't spend a ton since the audio outside is challenged anyway. House brand WM or Boat US work fine. I'm sure others have better advice, but this reflects my past mistakes. Rick D.
dry
Rick's comments are good. Thanks Rick. The big item is to keep the inside dry. If you are having condensation problems and/or leaks into the inside, you need to correct that before installing that radio. The other concern can you get the plate the radio sits in out? Crazy Dave Condon
Rick's comments are good. Thanks Rick. The big item is to keep the inside dry. If you are having condensation problems and/or leaks into the inside, you need to correct that before installing that radio. The other concern can you get the plate the radio sits in out? Crazy Dave Condon
Rubbermaid
I had one get fried from condensation. When I replaced it I put it in a plastic container about the size of a cereal box with hole cut out of the bottom for the wires to exit no problem so far this time. Mine is in the forward bulkhead in the v berth with 4" speakers installed in the bulkhead as well the rear speakers are mounted under the stern rail seats there is a picture of it in the photo forum somewhere.
I had one get fried from condensation. When I replaced it I put it in a plastic container about the size of a cereal box with hole cut out of the bottom for the wires to exit no problem so far this time. Mine is in the forward bulkhead in the v berth with 4" speakers installed in the bulkhead as well the rear speakers are mounted under the stern rail seats there is a picture of it in the photo forum somewhere.
Had both.
Harvey: I have had both types of radios in the boat. Pioneer, Kenwood and a couple of marine types. All of them except my West Marine unit has given up the ghost about the time the warranty was up. I cannot remember how long I have had the West Marine unit but it has worked fine for at least 7 or 8 years. I would think a CD unit is going to fair better than a tape cassette unit too. I would not worry about it. When it dies, you just junk it and get another.
Harvey: I have had both types of radios in the boat. Pioneer, Kenwood and a couple of marine types. All of them except my West Marine unit has given up the ghost about the time the warranty was up. I cannot remember how long I have had the West Marine unit but it has worked fine for at least 7 or 8 years. I would think a CD unit is going to fair better than a tape cassette unit too. I would not worry about it. When it dies, you just junk it and get another.
Pioneer Marine Speakers
One of the first things I did was change out the cockpit speakers with Pioneer's "Nautica Maxxial Marine Speakers" for West Marine. I paid $160 5 years ago and now they are $150. Here's the info; Weatherproof housing. Gold-Plated Leadwire and Connection Terminals. Magnet Circuitry Totally Protected from moisture. Water-Resistant IMPP Composite Cone Woofer, 6.5". Overall: 7 5/8"Dia. x 2 1/2"D. Cutout: 6.0". 3/4" PPS Reflex Horn Tweeter. 120 Watts Max. Sensitivity: 90dB (1W/1m). 4 Ohm rated impedance. Elements: 2. We have 'filled' the cockpit several times from pooping seas and lots of wave splash and wash downs. 5 years and no problems PLUS they sound great. Lots of positive comments from all who have heard them - Bass is really super and they sound better than Bose on the side by side test at the stores. Even with the wind, Enya sounds so good at the helm you would think they were right there with you. We love to listen to music while underway.
One of the first things I did was change out the cockpit speakers with Pioneer's "Nautica Maxxial Marine Speakers" for West Marine. I paid $160 5 years ago and now they are $150. Here's the info; Weatherproof housing. Gold-Plated Leadwire and Connection Terminals. Magnet Circuitry Totally Protected from moisture. Water-Resistant IMPP Composite Cone Woofer, 6.5". Overall: 7 5/8"Dia. x 2 1/2"D. Cutout: 6.0". 3/4" PPS Reflex Horn Tweeter. 120 Watts Max. Sensitivity: 90dB (1W/1m). 4 Ohm rated impedance. Elements: 2. We have 'filled' the cockpit several times from pooping seas and lots of wave splash and wash downs. 5 years and no problems PLUS they sound great. Lots of positive comments from all who have heard them - Bass is really super and they sound better than Bose on the side by side test at the stores. Even with the wind, Enya sounds so good at the helm you would think they were right there with you. We love to listen to music while underway.
Another choice
I use a Sony boom box ($60 @ Walmart) that comes with a remote. I put it on the table in the cabin and run a twist tie around the mast support (which hasn't been needed as yet,seems to stay put well). Runs on 8 D cells plus elec. (I have shore power at my slip). It's convienent, cheap, and I can put it where I'm at without spending a bunch of bucks on speakers, or time on running wires. John S/V Icymoon
I use a Sony boom box ($60 @ Walmart) that comes with a remote. I put it on the table in the cabin and run a twist tie around the mast support (which hasn't been needed as yet,seems to stay put well). Runs on 8 D cells plus elec. (I have shore power at my slip). It's convienent, cheap, and I can put it where I'm at without spending a bunch of bucks on speakers, or time on running wires. John S/V Icymoon
Boom Box Skipped
I had tried the boom box on the table trick. It was OK at the dock, but the CD's always skipped underway. It seems only the personal and car stereos have the anti-skip features.
I had tried the boom box on the table trick. It was OK at the dock, but the CD's always skipped underway. It seems only the personal and car stereos have the anti-skip features.
Check Compass Before Installing Speakers
If you're going to install cockpit speakers, before drilling holes I'd suggest checking them against the compass. The OEM compass is not the fanciest so if that's the best one you'll ever have and the movement is within your tolerace then okay. With a Venus it'll pick up the movement of a small magnet (talk-back mike) at 5 feet, even when the mike isn't energized. Some stereo speakers come with pretty good sized magnets and when energized can generate a good field. It's worth checking and it only takes a minute. Depending on the test results, another option is to run some speaker wires to the cockpit and connect speakers out there only when you need them, or conversely, remove them when using the compass.
If you're going to install cockpit speakers, before drilling holes I'd suggest checking them against the compass. The OEM compass is not the fanciest so if that's the best one you'll ever have and the movement is within your tolerace then okay. With a Venus it'll pick up the movement of a small magnet (talk-back mike) at 5 feet, even when the mike isn't energized. Some stereo speakers come with pretty good sized magnets and when energized can generate a good field. It's worth checking and it only takes a minute. Depending on the test results, another option is to run some speaker wires to the cockpit and connect speakers out there only when you need them, or conversely, remove them when using the compass.
Does it have an internal amp?
If the head unit has an internal amp, it might place a strain on your batteries. I tried using a car stereo that had a built in amp, and found that it draind my batteries a little to quick for my taste. I went to an older basic pionner car stereo, digital tuner, that pulled very fewer watts and was much happier. If it does have amp, use some jumper wires and see how much current it pulls, and watch you battery levels.
If the head unit has an internal amp, it might place a strain on your batteries. I tried using a car stereo that had a built in amp, and found that it draind my batteries a little to quick for my taste. I went to an older basic pionner car stereo, digital tuner, that pulled very fewer watts and was much happier. If it does have amp, use some jumper wires and see how much current it pulls, and watch you battery levels.
Removable Unit
Harvey, Why not install a removable car stereo unit. In addition to the anti-theft characteristics you could remove the stereo when not in use and at least eliminate the moisture problems that may occur during storage. If you bought an extra harness you could upgrade the stereo in your daughter's car at the same time! She would have to let you take the stereo out to go sailing, but hey... if your paying. Crutchfield is a good source of wiring harnesses and mounting hardware. - Ed
Harvey, Why not install a removable car stereo unit. In addition to the anti-theft characteristics you could remove the stereo when not in use and at least eliminate the moisture problems that may occur during storage. If you bought an extra harness you could upgrade the stereo in your daughter's car at the same time! She would have to let you take the stereo out to go sailing, but hey... if your paying. Crutchfield is a good source of wiring harnesses and mounting hardware. - Ed
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