Tunes on board

Karyon

.
Jun 8, 2004
171
Hunter 23.5 Red deer, Alberta
I would like to install a stereo on our 23.5, I was just thinking of going to walmart and get a $50.00 car stereo. Where do you 23.5 owners have your stereo? and would you install marine speakers in the cockpit or in the cabin?

looking for suggestions and if you pictures where and how you in stalled it that would be great.

thanks.
 
May 24, 2004
7,202
CC 30 South Florida
Sounds like a good plan but make sure you get a radio with an "auxiliary input" as when away from shore it is nice to be able to plug in an MP3 player or smart phone without having to carry a stack of CDs. Most automobile radios accommodate speaker connections (4) for front and back with a fade function. You can install 2 waterproof speakers in the cockpit and perhaps get two higher quality shelf speakers for inside the cabin. When choosing speakers watch the power rating of the radio and the recommended impedance for the speakers. Do not be afraid to drill holes for speakers in the hull and being waterproof they will last for many years. I have to say I have enjoyed the cockpit speakers the most as that I what I listen to when sailing or just lounging. I'm on my second radio now but still on the first set of speakers. Sony, Kenwood, Pioneer all make good affordable automotive radios. I would avoid a set sold with speakers and would prefer to select my own. Eventually with the heat and humidity inside an enclosed boat cabin they will fail but should give you in excess of 5 years of service. When coastal cruising we listen to strong signal FM stations and when in the mood for particular type of music we connect a Tablet loaded with different albums. The sounds of the sea tend to drown out defined highs and lows as well as imperfections so there is no need to get extra high quality speakers for the cockpit. Just make sure they are waterproof and of good quality for durability. I don't know if they still sell $50 radios but most manufacturers have units starting at $79 which are quite adequate. Some have remotes which are very convenient to operate the radio without leaving the cockpit but I find these remotes and their batteries do not last long in boats so I would not give that any consideration.
 
Apr 1, 2010
398
Cal 33 and Sea Pearl 21 . Crystal River, FL
personally, I use a bose soundlink mini Bluetooth speaker. the sound is incredible and its where I want. no mounting required and no drain on the house batt.
 
Mar 27, 2010
84
Hunter 240 Branched Oak Lake, NE
About five years ago I got a pair of West Marine waterproof portable box speakers and mounted them in the space right under the cup holders in the cockpit of my 240 - they fit perfectly. I ran speaker wire into the cabin where I plug into an inexpensive radio/CD player with aux input that runs on D batteries (which I like so it's not a drain on my main battery - I get a whole season out of one set of D batteries).

I was thinking this summer, though, that if I were going to do it today I'd probably use wireless speakers with my iPad.
 
Oct 10, 2010
269
Hunter H260 Gull Lake
I use a portable speaker called UE Boom by Ultimate Ears. Fantastic sound, portable and I use a carbineer hook to mount it wherever (normally hang it from the boom). Battery lasts for 14 hours on about 3/4 volume and I simply recharge. It works on wifi so I use my phone or Ipod. I am mostly a day sailor so that works great for me. Comes in three color schemes. I got mine at Best Buy. They do come on sale. They now have an Ultimate Ears 2 which is larger and better sound and 20 hrs of battery life. Really good reviews on this product. I love mine. Oh yes, and it's waterproof!

http://origin.ultimateears.com/en-us/ueboom2
 
May 8, 2013
27
Hunter 240 Indianapolis
Here's a entertainment unit I created for a Hunter 240. As you know, the 23.5 and the 240 are very similar. I put speakers in the access plates in the cabin and use a bluetooth speaker for the cockpit area. The setup has worked well for me.

Best,
Bob
 

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pateco

.
Aug 12, 2014
2,207
Hunter 31 (1983) Pompano Beach FL
I use a portable speaker called UE Boom by Ultimate Ears. Fantastic sound, portable and I use a carbineer hook to mount it wherever (normally hang it from the boom). Battery lasts for 14 hours on about 3/4 volume and I simply recharge. It works on wifi so I use my phone or Ipod. I am mostly a day sailor so that works great for me. Comes in three color schemes. I got mine at Best Buy. They do come on sale. They now have an Ultimate Ears 2 which is larger and better sound and 20 hrs of battery life. Really good reviews on this product. I love mine. Oh yes, and it's waterproof!

http://origin.ultimateears.com/en-us/ueboom2
Currently using an original UE Mini Boom. Not very Loud, but great sound, and very flexible. I set it on the companionway cover. You can see it just to the left of the main sheet in this photo:



Bluetooth works great with Pandorah etc. I leave it charging on the boat when hooked to shore power, so that when we go out it is always ready to go for a day of sailing and music.
 
Jul 26, 2010
140
Hunter 23 South Haven, MI
Another vote for the UE Boom. I use it all the time on my Hunter 23. I often do exactly the same as Shanker and hang it from my boom with a carabiner, sometimes I just stick it in my lifeline drink holder, it's the same size as 20oz so it's pretty easy to just stick it or hang it somewhere. I put a cheap marine radio in it when I first got it five years ago and tossed some speakers in (but didn't mount them). It sounded ok, but honestly... the Bluetooth speaker works far better, I ended up pulling the radio out last year and just using the UE Boom. Plus I can take it on the dinghy when we anchor for beach parties. :)
 
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Apr 30, 2015
18
36 Sloop 36 Chesapeak Bay
The audio on our boat is dead and my son gave us a blutooth box. He also installed some music into my wife's phone. It lasts a good duration on battery and sounds good to. No installation was needed. Sorry don't know how much it cost.