Portable 12 V Radio

[Tony5898]

Any suggestions on a 12 v radio with CD changer for marine use - my budget is $75. I'm not sure if I prefer the 'dash' model - any other models that can hook up to a 12 v battery. Also - is a 'Marine' brand that much different than a regular 'Car' brand? Thanx all. Any recommendations for speakers will also be greatly appreciated.

 

[Rob]

Auto Radio here

Tony,I just bought a Kenwood Stereo for my Catalina 30. It cost $125: playes CDs, MP3s, AM/FM and comes with a wireless remote. I think an auto version is fine as long as its somewhat protected from any water and salt-air. I once had a AM/FM Cassette deck in my 19 foot power boat for 10yrs with no problems! It had a flip down shield over the front of it I bought at west Marine for about $10.Good luck - Rob

 

[Michael Mangione]

Mp3 is the only way to go

Good Day,I would recommend purchasing a radio with MP3 capabilities. If you have a computer and some time, you can convert your music collection to MP3. Each disk will hold 700 minutes (or so) of music. That is much more than you would expect from a 6 disc changer. I put a Sony Xplod in my boat. Cost 145.00 and it has remote control. Helpful when you want to turn the volume down to talk on the VHF.Michael Mangione

 

[Rob]

MP3's and Sailing

And let me add to the MP3 experience: you can also download your entire MP3 collection into a handheld unit (ie Dell DJ or Apple iPod). Once that is accomplished you can then plug the portable unit directly into your boat's stereo system (with the proper adapter plug). I currently have about 300 CDs on mine that are accessible on my boat! I wrote an article about it posted on my website titled "Tune Your Rig":http://cruisingguide.blogspot.com/Enjoy- Rob

 

[a poor old sailor]

a cheap boombox

"...my budget is $75..."Most boomboxes take eight D batteries, which is twelve volts. You can easily add a 12v plug to the leads that go to the batteries. Make sure that you get the polarity correct and remove the batteries before you plug it in.I've had one, the brand escapes me, on the boat for several years with no apparent problems. I'm sure that 'marine' grade might last longer, but it probably wouldn't fit yer budget.

 

[Jstplan]

I'm cheap (read poor)

I went to Wallyworld and bought a cheap car unit W/speakers ($60),added a rubber ducky antenae ($10) and a power plug ($5), then built a plywood box to house it all. I can take it anywhere I have 12V power. If I get a few years out of it, fine. It definitely is not heirloom quality.