I want to install a CD player/stereo system in my '89 C-30 this year. Any recommendations as to a good model choice? Any problems to watch out for? Also, if I want sound in the cockpit and in the cabin, do I want two sets of speakers? Or do I just put one set in the cabin & blast them when underway?
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Trevor - SailboatOwners.com
Tunes afloat
Hi Dave - Definitely a worthwhile upgrade to your boat! Regarding the deck, you might consider buying a single CD/MP3 playback deck instead of just a single or CD changer. I just installed a Pioneer CD/MP3 deck on my boat and like the ability to record 6 or more entire albums on one disc! Relatively cheap compared to a CD changer and simple to install. Personally, the sound quality is on par for my use as a regular CD. Something to think about. On the speakers, I drilled big holes in my aft settee behind the wheel on my Catalina 36, evenly spaced. I really like having cockpit speakers for not only better sound quality, but because you don't have to get blasted out down below every time you need to run down there for something. Just make sure you use the fader and keep the tunes below when at anchor! Best of luck! Trevor
Hi Dave - Definitely a worthwhile upgrade to your boat! Regarding the deck, you might consider buying a single CD/MP3 playback deck instead of just a single or CD changer. I just installed a Pioneer CD/MP3 deck on my boat and like the ability to record 6 or more entire albums on one disc! Relatively cheap compared to a CD changer and simple to install. Personally, the sound quality is on par for my use as a regular CD. Something to think about. On the speakers, I drilled big holes in my aft settee behind the wheel on my Catalina 36, evenly spaced. I really like having cockpit speakers for not only better sound quality, but because you don't have to get blasted out down below every time you need to run down there for something. Just make sure you use the fader and keep the tunes below when at anchor! Best of luck! Trevor
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Jim Hamilton
I went with a Kenwood
I upgraded to a Kenwood CD/MP3 player. It has a wireless remote, so I mounted the unit in the bulkhead on the hanging-locker across from the head. That way, from the helm, the stereo can 'see' the remote and I can control the volume, switch stations/songs etc. without leaving the cockpit. I can send a pic if you'd like. The boat already had two speaker in the cabin, so I also mounted two Bose outdoor speakers under my dodger. I ran the wiring through the stainless and the speakers (while outdoor units anyway) are protected from all but the worst spray conditions. I use the fader when at the marina to keep the outdoor speakers off. Sound REALLY travels over water, so you have to be careful not to annoy those around you. I haven't used the MP3 ability much yet....although this summer I plan on having many CD's filled with MP3's aboard. Enjoy!! Jim S/V Jimmy Dreams
I upgraded to a Kenwood CD/MP3 player. It has a wireless remote, so I mounted the unit in the bulkhead on the hanging-locker across from the head. That way, from the helm, the stereo can 'see' the remote and I can control the volume, switch stations/songs etc. without leaving the cockpit. I can send a pic if you'd like. The boat already had two speaker in the cabin, so I also mounted two Bose outdoor speakers under my dodger. I ran the wiring through the stainless and the speakers (while outdoor units anyway) are protected from all but the worst spray conditions. I use the fader when at the marina to keep the outdoor speakers off. Sound REALLY travels over water, so you have to be careful not to annoy those around you. I haven't used the MP3 ability much yet....although this summer I plan on having many CD's filled with MP3's aboard. Enjoy!! Jim S/V Jimmy Dreams
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Ron
music afloat
No. 1, stay away from Jensen, it's crap & their customer service leaves a lot to wish for. I've had one go out in less than a year & a dock neighbor of mine had the same experience. Go with one of the major brands, Kenwood, JBL, Pioneer, etc. Don't worry about getting a "marine" reveiver. One designed for a car is fine. The invironment in an automobile isn't much different than a boats. I'd definitely go with a cd/mp3 player. You can record about 10 normal cd's on one disk using mp3's and then just leave them on the boat. Speakers are very subjective but here's what I did. Inside I installed a Cambridge Soundworks system. Think it's the Ensemble II. Has two satellite speakers and a passive sub woofer which I put in the cabinet below the nav station. Always get compliments on the sound. If you want tunes outside cockpit speakers are a must. I installed two Pioneer marine speakers just above the lazerette. As mentioned before, be sure to turn down the cockpit speakers when in the harbor. My receiver is mounted above the Nav Station but I like Jim's idea of mounting in in the hanging locker facing the cockpit. I have to get up to use the wireless remote. However you do it, it's a worthwhile project. 2cents worth from a music lover. Ron 86 C30 TRBS
No. 1, stay away from Jensen, it's crap & their customer service leaves a lot to wish for. I've had one go out in less than a year & a dock neighbor of mine had the same experience. Go with one of the major brands, Kenwood, JBL, Pioneer, etc. Don't worry about getting a "marine" reveiver. One designed for a car is fine. The invironment in an automobile isn't much different than a boats. I'd definitely go with a cd/mp3 player. You can record about 10 normal cd's on one disk using mp3's and then just leave them on the boat. Speakers are very subjective but here's what I did. Inside I installed a Cambridge Soundworks system. Think it's the Ensemble II. Has two satellite speakers and a passive sub woofer which I put in the cabinet below the nav station. Always get compliments on the sound. If you want tunes outside cockpit speakers are a must. I installed two Pioneer marine speakers just above the lazerette. As mentioned before, be sure to turn down the cockpit speakers when in the harbor. My receiver is mounted above the Nav Station but I like Jim's idea of mounting in in the hanging locker facing the cockpit. I have to get up to use the wireless remote. However you do it, it's a worthwhile project. 2cents worth from a music lover. Ron 86 C30 TRBS
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Doug
Cockpit Speakers
I have the speakers and sub down below. Last year I added cockpit speakers and installed them in both coaming cutouts in the side. Easy. However now I see Navpod has some enclosures that would fit under the stern perch seats. I considered navpod enclosures at the helm...but i am clean out of tube room for additional wiring. The speakers in the cockpit make the whole system sound so much better. Good Luck!
I have the speakers and sub down below. Last year I added cockpit speakers and installed them in both coaming cutouts in the side. Easy. However now I see Navpod has some enclosures that would fit under the stern perch seats. I considered navpod enclosures at the helm...but i am clean out of tube room for additional wiring. The speakers in the cockpit make the whole system sound so much better. Good Luck!
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Tim
Underseat Speakers
Doug - your link to Ocean Equipment for the underseat speakers is really an expensive way to go. The very same speakers and enclosures are available at the link below for $179 - way less than Ocean. I've ordered from Dave's (the link) before and have been quite satisfied. (and I have no employement or monetary interest in that business...) Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
Doug - your link to Ocean Equipment for the underseat speakers is really an expensive way to go. The very same speakers and enclosures are available at the link below for $179 - way less than Ocean. I've ordered from Dave's (the link) before and have been quite satisfied. (and I have no employement or monetary interest in that business...) Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
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Gaspare
An alternative.....
I have always just used a nice Sony boom box in the cabin. I liked the idea of being able to take it on or off the boat. I also like the choice of being able to run off batteries, shore power or DC converter. I installed cockpit speaker and softwired (phone plugs) them to the boom box so I can play any combination of speakers in the cabin, just outside, or both in & out. Works for me!
I have always just used a nice Sony boom box in the cabin. I liked the idea of being able to take it on or off the boat. I also like the choice of being able to run off batteries, shore power or DC converter. I installed cockpit speaker and softwired (phone plugs) them to the boom box so I can play any combination of speakers in the cabin, just outside, or both in & out. Works for me!
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Marshall
More on Underseat Speakers
I purchased these speakers from Dave's to install on my C28 this year. The speakers were at my house in 4 business days!!
I purchased these speakers from Dave's to install on my C28 this year. The speakers were at my house in 4 business days!!
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Rodd C.
Get A Deck With an AUX Input!!
I purchased an Eclipse CD/AM/FM deck from Tweeter Etc. that has an AUX input on the back side (1/8" or 3.5mm whatever you want to call it stereo plug). I ran a 25 foot 1/8 inch stereo cable (from cablestogo.com) from the back of the CD player to my helm where I use an Apple Ipod. I have over 2300 songs loaded plus a volume control right at my finger tips. When it gets rough I have a heavy duty Zip Lock bag I put over the Ipod and I can still run it through the bag. I loaded my entire CD collection onto my Ipod plus whenever people come over I also rip the cd's they have and share mine. We sailed for 17 days and still did not hear every song!! CD's are like dinosaurs so make sure you buy a unit with AUX because eventually you WILL use it! Why lug CD's along and go in and out of the cabin all day changing them? Buy an Ipod or any other Mp3 player.. Rodd C.
I purchased an Eclipse CD/AM/FM deck from Tweeter Etc. that has an AUX input on the back side (1/8" or 3.5mm whatever you want to call it stereo plug). I ran a 25 foot 1/8 inch stereo cable (from cablestogo.com) from the back of the CD player to my helm where I use an Apple Ipod. I have over 2300 songs loaded plus a volume control right at my finger tips. When it gets rough I have a heavy duty Zip Lock bag I put over the Ipod and I can still run it through the bag. I loaded my entire CD collection onto my Ipod plus whenever people come over I also rip the cd's they have and share mine. We sailed for 17 days and still did not hear every song!! CD's are like dinosaurs so make sure you buy a unit with AUX because eventually you WILL use it! Why lug CD's along and go in and out of the cabin all day changing them? Buy an Ipod or any other Mp3 player.. Rodd C.
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Dick
Installation decision
I am planning to install a stereo in my boat, too, but nearly all units for sale are bulkmount (no room in the C30 electrical panel for that). That leaves only a bracket mount unit or some interesting installation. How are you planning to install?
I am planning to install a stereo in my boat, too, but nearly all units for sale are bulkmount (no room in the C30 electrical panel for that). That leaves only a bracket mount unit or some interesting installation. How are you planning to install?
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Doug
My installation
My Standard cd under a Standard vhf. A power amp for the sub is under the nav table. This is a C-270.
My Standard cd under a Standard vhf. A power amp for the sub is under the nav table. This is a C-270.
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Alan Huffman
cockpit remote
I went with Kenwood with a wired remote in the cockpit, and could not be happier. I also installed a 6 disc cd changer which can be operated from the remote. On my C30, they are installed by cutting an opening in the wood trim over the hanging locker.
I went with Kenwood with a wired remote in the cockpit, and could not be happier. I also installed a 6 disc cd changer which can be operated from the remote. On my C30, they are installed by cutting an opening in the wood trim over the hanging locker.
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Tim
Wired Remote
Dave - that's a good point that seldom gets mentioned related to Marine Stereos. The advice given on forums like these is always "don't waste your money on a 'marine stereo' - an 'automobile stereo' will work just as good. The one key feature often seen on marine stereos which is not available on auto stereos is the hard wired remote. Makes a huge difference in the enjoyment of the unit when you can switch stations, change or shut off the volume, etc. from the cockpit without diving below or fumbling for a wireless remote and trying to get within line of site of the head unit. It's a lot like a RAM mike for the VHF - only in reverse. Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
Dave - that's a good point that seldom gets mentioned related to Marine Stereos. The advice given on forums like these is always "don't waste your money on a 'marine stereo' - an 'automobile stereo' will work just as good. The one key feature often seen on marine stereos which is not available on auto stereos is the hard wired remote. Makes a huge difference in the enjoyment of the unit when you can switch stations, change or shut off the volume, etc. from the cockpit without diving below or fumbling for a wireless remote and trying to get within line of site of the head unit. It's a lot like a RAM mike for the VHF - only in reverse. Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
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