the perfect portable radio

[justjon]

I bought a nifty marine AM/FM/CD radio on sale at West Marine but now I'm thinking of returning it due to space limitations and battery concerns let alone cutting holes in the cockpit for outside speakers. Any recomendations for a boombox thingie that can take a boat environment. I looked at some "construction site" radios but they are huge and UGLY (Sony makes a red one that is OK but to large. The Sangean PR-D5p appears pretty good. I also looked at the Tivoli isongbook but it's really expensive. Anyone have one of these? Your Thoughts.

 

[RichBone]

You should be able to find a small boom box, even one that's made for the beach or such. They're not that expensive anyhow.

Rich

 

[Joe]

You don't need to cut any holes. They make weather resistant box speakers. I have had a pair of inexpensive Radio Shack, bookshelf 12 volt speakers in my cabin that came with the boat when I got it 12 years ago... still work fine. I purchased a Jensen "marine quality" radio/cd 10 years ago... it's the size of a car radio and fits just about anywhere.

 

[Bill Murray]

If you want to play music, use an IPOD with small powered speakers. Both the IPOD and the speakers can be powered off your 12v, and when you decide to upgrade to a permanent set up, get one that has an adapter for the IPOD. I love using the IPOD on the boat. It has eliminated carrying all my CDs which are now ALL loaded on the IPOD :--) Plus all the music is backed up to my lap top which is also available on board.

 

[kenn]

For our little boat, I can't really justify speaker holes on the cabin bulkhead, or permanently-mounted speakers inside, so for now we just carry an Eton crank AM/FM/weather portable, which will run off a crank, or AA cells, or boat power via an adaptor. Sound is a bit too tinny though.

A friend has one of the Tivoli radios, and he loves it - durable, efficient and great sound. They are pricey...

ipod or MP3 player is definitely the best way to bring your own music aboard.

To be real honest though... in 3 seasons of cruising, we don't run the radio/tunes that much. Mostly for weather in the morning. Once we're moored/anchored, it's still a treat to just sit there and enjoy a quiet anchorage.

 

[justjon]

Thanks everyone for your input. I think kenn may be right that i'm making much to much about this and I too enjoy the quiet. When the diesel is turned off and we are under sail, silence is a nice sound. I picked up a Tivoli isongbook (ipod dock) on ebay, store demo, for $66.11. I get weather on the VHF.