Clarion Head Unit Replacement

Sea Ray Scott

New Member
Jun 7, 2018
5
Philadelphia
Boat Info
2005 260 Sundancer / 2017 Silverado 2500 / Triple Axle Magic Bunk Trailer
Engines
383 MAG Stroker with a Bravo III Outdrive
Hello Everyone!

I want to replace my stock Clarion head unit on my 2005 Sundancer 260. The new unit needs to have Bluetooth and I would like it to continue to work with the helm control. I am open to replacing the helm control if necessary but i obviously don't need the extra work. I welcome any tips, tricks, or suggestions.
 
I did an M606 but you'll have to replace the remotes, the plugs will be different. The good news is, the wiring harness from the old clarion will plug right in.
 
Several have plugged a Bluetooth receiver into the Aux jack and connect iphone or ipad via bluetooth all for $75 or less.

Bennett
 
I have had good luck with the Clarion M505 matched to the Clarion MW1 remote. You can also get a wireless remote for quite a bit cheaper. I believe the M505 been recently replaced with the M508 though they don't appear much different.

If/when I do it all over again I think I'm going to switch to Fusion for what it's worth. The cost is not substantially more than Clarion and the Fusion user interface is more my style (ie. simple, to the point).

My two cents only...
 
I have had good luck with the Clarion M505 matched to the Clarion MW1 remote. You can also get a wireless remote for quite a bit cheaper. I believe the M505 been recently replaced with the M508 though they don't appear much different.

If/when I do it all over again I think I'm going to switch to Fusion for what it's worth. The cost is not substantially more than Clarion and the Fusion user interface is more my style (ie. simple, to the point).

My two cents only...


Thanks for the info. I appreciate it. So if I have the original wired remote ... It's the MW1 remote?
 
I have had good luck with the Clarion M505 matched to the Clarion MW1 remote. You can also get a wireless remote for quite a bit cheaper. I believe the M505 been recently replaced with the M508 though they don't appear much different.

I did the same... I have 2 hardwired remotes, with the y adapter and the 6 pin to 8pin adapter everything still works. I really like streaming over BT with my phone as another remote.
 
I'm considering replacing my OEM (I assume) Clarion M5170 with wired remote with a Clarion M608 and MW1 remote. I'm mostly interested in Bluetooth and iPod connectivity. Anyone have experience with that upgrade path? I'll look at the Fusion option as well, I've always been intrigued by that system.

Also kind of wondering how the wire for the remote was routed, I can't quite picture in my mind the most direct or easiest path they would have taken it. Anyone here run new cable for that?
 
I've got the MW1 remote on my M606, it works very well. The remote floats and is waterproof. As far as how the wired remotes are ran, it would depend on what boat, but it should be fairly easy to trace out. Mine didn't have wired remotes, but I know they changed the input type in 09 so anything older will likely need a replacement.
 
I'm considering replacing my OEM (I assume) Clarion M5170 with wired remote with a Clarion M608 and MW1 remote. I'm mostly interested in Bluetooth and iPod connectivity. Anyone have experience with that upgrade path? I'll look at the Fusion option as well, I've always been intrigued by that system.

Also kind of wondering how the wire for the remote was routed, I can't quite picture in my mind the most direct or easiest path they would have taken it. Anyone here run new cable for that?

I ran a new cable for my Clarion install (along with new power/ground). I think access for wiring is going to vary a lot boat to boat. If you have a storage compartment to starboard of your helm this is a great place to start. Pull that sucker off and you might be able to see bow to stern....nearly. That was my experience. Very straight forward.
 

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mine are both round... the original one is white ('98) and the newer one 2008-9? is black without the LCD display.
 
This is all great information. Thank you everyone!
 

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