Changing out boat stereo

[Huskie]

I need to replace the stereo/radio/cd in my 02 Crestliner. Are all of the units standard size with the exception of the speakers? Any recommendations would be appreciated.

[CaptainMusky]

I believe they are all a standard size but haven't done it myself. Maybe just yank out the one you have in there and take along when looking for replacement. There isn't much holding them in.

[JimBuck]

I just switched out a 13 yr. old clarion for a new sony deck and they were both the same size. I think their might be a few exceptions but for the most part I think they are all the same. The difference is going to be in face size from unit to unit.

[FM_Mike]

I too like the Sony Marine Stereos.

Check out the new CDX-H905IP.

I'm sure they have made a newer model since 2 years ago, but they are water proof (As much as that's possible) and don't require a cover. I have had no issues with mine at all.

I could go through all the features, but you can check them out by searching Sony Marine Radios. If you find one you like, you might want to consider buying one off that popular auction site as they offer great prices.

The installation for me was relatively easy, and yours should be even easier since you already have a radio installed and the cut-out is already there. You can use most of the spots that the old radio used for mounting.

PS: You might also take a look at the Sony Marine Speakers they real make the radio sound great.

Mike

[Kyhl]

I just replaced my stereo this week. It's easy if you have the keys to remove the old unit or if the new keys fit the old unit.

There should be a sleeve that connects the stereo to the dash. The sleeve connects to the dash by bending some tabs which you can access after the deck has been removed. The new deck should come with its own sleeve so don't worry about destroying the old one.

The sleeve connects to the deck with clips built into the deck, usually on the sides. The deck should have come with two keys, flat metal sticks, that you slide into the sides of the deck to release it from the sleeve. If you don't have those keys then it may be a problem. In this case, hopefully the new keys will work.

Most likely the wire harness will be different between units. Mark the wiring before removal so you know which wire goes where.

Then cut the wiring. I cut the wiring below the manufacturers tags which saved me from having to mark them.

Rewire the new harness then power everything up to make sure it works before assembling.

Reassemble in the reverse order. Insert the sleeve. Slide the deck into place. Plug in the wire harness. Done.

When picking out a new deck look at the RMS rated power. Completely ignore the peak power measurements. They are marketing hype. If the information on the deck does not show the RMS rating then skip it because they are probably hiding a weak unit.

Better yet, find the RMS rating with all channels driven. Ideally they would tell you RMS, all channels driven, into what load (8/6/4/2 ohms), and what voltage. But they won't. Most likely the rating will be one channel driven. Who listens to one speaker? See, it's marketing.

Another useful feature, which I recently added, is a unit with a USB port and Bluetooth for streaming music, or iHeart to any lake.