Radio upgrade

[rogerwa]

I want to put a CD/AM/FM deck in my boat, but right now it has the old style radio with the two knobs. It is an 87 Sea Ray Seville.<br /><br />Has anyone done this and how did you do it. Just cut the hole larger? Any tips would be great..

 

[Guido]

Re: Radio upgrade

I am in the process of doing this very thing right now. I have a 2000 Starcraft 1710 I/O, and am switching my AM/FM Cassette for a CD player. <br /><br />I had to re-wire some things, like the CD player has to be connected to a switched power lead. I didn't like the idea of having to have the ignition in "on" position (with all the gauges on" just to listen to the stereo) so I wired it to a switch that I put in the glove compartment. Now I just have to remember to switch it off when I am done using it. <br /><br />You also have to have 12v power to the power and memory wires, otherwise the radio won't work (at least with mine: Sea Worthy AM/FM CD Player). I didn't realize this until after I hooked it up the first time, and it wouldn't work.<br /><br />I also had to switch the speaker wire pins in the wiring harness.<br /><br />I am just going to cut the opening bigger. I have one of those retractable covers, so I ordered an extra cover off of ebay in case I screw it up.<br /><br />Let me know if you have any other questions, I am not an expert but I'll help as much as possible.

 

[SystemF]

Re: Radio upgrade

I did this to my 72 VIP a week ago. I put the sleeve the radio goes in around the area where the old knob stereo was (to use as a template) and cut the glass with a jig saw. I simply used a $90 am/fm/cd stereo.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Radio upgrade

i installed an am/fm/cd (jensen) about 2 months ago. i used a gimball mount, which worked well. i've seen install kits that provide everything you need for a flush mount installation into fiberglass. i would go with that.<br /><br />as for wiring, my radio had a great diagram along with standard instructions. i just used the wiring diagram and powered everything straight to a hot lead (with fuse of course). runs fine regardless of switch or key position. i just need to remember to turn it off to save my battery. i went with new speakers, and they fit right into the wiring harness of the radio. all colors matched and made it easy. good luck-

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Radio upgrade

I think my current radio is just mounted to the plastic Dash bezel. I don't think I have any FGlass issues. The wiring I'm not worried about, I am just not sure about the different form factors.<br /><br />I plan on getting an automotive, cheap cd player and mount within one of the sealed door things. My boat spends 99% of its time waiting in the garage to go out. The auto deck should work just fine.. I'll probably just need to cut the plastic bezel to the correct opening and I'll be good to go..