need advice on stereos and speakers

[jetsetmodern]

Hello all,
I'd like some advice on what brand/model of cd stereo and speakers I should install on my boat. It currently has no tunes and apparently never has (can you believe it?). I bought it this way but want to add a stereo. Should I look for a marine grade stereo, since I'm installing it inside the cabin for security, or is a car stereo acceptable? I want to play CDs and CD-Rs, and maybe an Ipod or satellite radio.

Any advice on speakers? I want two speakers in the cabin and two in the deck area. I'm unsure where I should mount the stereo and where to put the speakers also. Also, is the wiring for power anything difficult? I hope someone out there has been through this. I know some people frown on cutting out space for such components, so if there are better ways to install, please let me know.
thanks, Joe

[JimG]

My stereo is installed on the rear bulkhead just above the upright seat cushion. I think this was a factory location, because I've seen others in the same spot. I used a car-grade stereo, not marine since it was inside. For speakers I use Poly-Planars. Good sound, and very waterproof. Two in the carpeted side panels of the cockpit, two in the flybridge (with a rheostat volume control), and two on the front of the flybridge (so folks on the bow can hear it.

I had sunpads built for my cabin roof, so my darling wife can be comfy while getting some sun, btw...

Jim

[Buckknekkid]

buy good speakers and LOTS OF them, you can put in a switch system easily to turn them on and off individually

[jetsetmodern]

Thanks for your input. Can you post some photos of where your stereo was factory installed, and what the speakers and switches look like? I also want to create some sun pads for the front deck so I'd like to see photos of those also. I appreciate your help and photos!

[rossjo]

a number of marine stereo mfgrs ( I boutght a Pyle for one of my boats) have remote controls for all functions, so you can mount the remote keypad on the back deck or bridge and have control outside while the stereo stays inside.

They dont't hmake Marine (or car perhaps) stereos that play MP# formatted CDs yet - so you'll have to wait a year or so if you want 12 hours of music on a CD! These are probbaly availabl ein Japan (eBay perhaps?) but there must be some licensing issue here in the states.

[Paul]

Hi Joe,

The system in my '78 f-26 hard top is a s follows; I have a Pioneer stereo with detachable face mounted in the helm just below the switch panel on the right. It plays CD's, WMA & MP3s. The front fader is attached to two 5 1/4" two way speakers mounted in the forward bulkhead (anchor locker) facing back into the cabin. These are powered by the stereo's power only. In the cockpit I mounted two 6"x 9" Pioneer three way speakers in the back bottom of the side panels. Insulation in the opening behind them was required. These are powered by a 200w Rockford Fosgate amp attached to the RCA outputs on the stereo. The amp is mounted next to the AC electrical panel.

With this system I can play music in the cockpit only, cabin only or any combination of the two.

Hope this helps
Paul
Cruise Control

[jetsetmodern]

Thanks for the info. I'm leaning towards a 200 watt (4 x 50 watts) Kenwood car stereo with detachable face and wireless remote control, which plays CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, iPod-ready, Sirius satellite ready, etc. A salesman told me that all car stereos now are 4 ohm but I haven't seen that in the specs list. Since it is remote, I'll probably install it inside the cabin.

For speakers, inside the cabin I'm considering two 6.5" round Sony 4 ohm marine two-way speakers mounted in the wall to the left and right of the anchor locker up front like in the photo posted above. The salesman I was talking to suggested the same model of two more 6.5" round two way 4 ohm speakers on the back deck space, while another salesman recommended two Klipsch 8 ohm indoor/outdoor speakers Model AW-400. The first salesman says the Klipsch 8 ohm speakers would not play to their full capacity and are too big because car stereos only output 4 ohms and these need 8 ohms to sound good.

Any suggestions? Do I need to install an extra amp to power bigger speakers on the back deck like the last poster did? or would four 6.5" round speakers be sufficient? I'm not a technogeek looking for perfect sound but I do want quality sound for parties etc. I do want to keep the outdoor deck speakers as small as possible while being big enough for good sound. Since I'm in a major city (Chicago) with many people around on the piers etc, I don't want to create a security risk by putting in great easily removed speakers. Mounted speakers in the walls would less likely be stolen.

Thanks for your input.

[RoyalFly]

Hope I'm not too late. I just bought an Alpine stereo from BoatTunes (same people who bring you CarTunes). This is their top of the line stereo that does all that the model you are leaning towards, plus the ability to connect an MP3 player that is NOT an I-pod. For both the I-pod and MP3 players you need to buy an extra attachment, but the option for either is there. I too have my stereo installed inside the saloon, so watertight or waterproof wasn't an issue. The main reason that I went with this model is that it has a Radio Frequency remote control that is wireless and portable. Works up to 100' range. Can by anywhere on boat or vicinity and change radio stations, CD Tracks, MP3 player tracks, adjust volume, switch bands (radio, CD, MP3). Plus it is waterproof and it floats!

Whatever you decide, Rock On!

[chumwithabottleofrum]

my opinion-go with a Satelite radio system. Endless, commercial free tunes of any type of music you like and no concerns about lenses (for CD player) getting banged around.

[JuiceClark]

I agree with our Rum Chum,
I have a cheap marine radio I bought new on Ebay up on the bridge...I think it was $20...and two marine speakers.

In the salon I just have a nice car stereo with surround sound speakers and an DVD player like the ones in a car also.(to watch movies) When at sea, we bring my wife's Sirius satellite radio and put it down below on our favorite station. Both stereos pick-up that signal because I put their antennas near the sat. receiver. Works great and I didn't have to spend much at all because of the Sirius. That's why I have cheapo receivers but pretty good speakers.

Tony in Ft Myers, FL
1982 F-36