2005 420da Salon TV

[Mike Lupo]

I was woundering if anyone had any experience in replacing the TV in the fold down cabnet on the 420DA. The TV is located in the salon. I have no idea how to open the cabnet to replace/remove the TV that is in place. Any help??

 

[gerryb]

Not so easy. I haven't fond a tv that is thin enough and has the mounting holes in the right spot ( and has the right audio/video-connections). Could be done with a transition piece of aluminum but I've decided to leave the existing tv there for now until Ifind just the right one to replace it. The removal is easy.. just take the black screws our from the wooden cover plate when the cabinet is in the up position.

 

[Mike Lupo]

Thanks
i took those screws out and the panel did not come down easy. Was afraid to force it. Was yours glued or held I with tape or did it just separate at the seam?

 

[jrirvine1]

The TV I mounted is a Vizio 26" (http://www.vizio.com/m260va.html) This was selected because it was exactly as wide as the drop down metal frame. Mounting it, like doing everything else on a boat was somewhat difficult. The existing mounting bracket will be useless for any other TV other that the one that came with the boat. I solved this problem by bolting a piece of 1/2" starboard to the existing metal bracket, using about 8 bolts. Then attached this to the new TV with the assistance of large washers for some additional purchase. Some additional wood framework was also added to assist in attaching the front trim, which will need to be cut to accommodate the new size TV.

 

[copb8tx]

The TV I mounted is a Vizio 26" (http://www.vizio.com/m260va.html) This was selected because it was exactly as wide as the drop down metal frame. Mounting it, like doing everything else on a boat was somewhat difficult. The existing mounting bracket will be useless for any other TV other that the one that came with the boat. I solved this problem by bolting a piece of 1/2" starboard to the existing metal bracket, using about 8 bolts. Then attached this to the new TV with the assistance of large washers for some additional purchase. Some additional wood framework was also added to assist in attaching the front trim, which will need to be cut to accommodate the new size TV.

Did you replace the cabling between the TV and the set-top boxes? If so, how difficult was it? Thanks.

 

[jrirvine1]

Yes, I ran new cables and it can be difficult, especially if you are running lines to all four TV locations. With the salon TV in the down position, you can remove the ceiling panel that gives you access to the space between the salon ceiling and the top deck. Also, removing the refrigerator and the floor panels provides access to where most of the electrical runs are. A good electricians fish tape is the tool of choice for fishing cables. The best way is to tape up the end of the fish tape so that it will not get snagged on all the other lines running in every direction. Attach a string line to the end and work your way from section to section.

 

[copb8tx]

Thanks Jim.

I'd only do the main salon TV and the cockpit TV. We NEVER use the master or aft-cabin TV's. Would you say this is less than a days work? Are HDMI the cables of choice?

 

[Mike Lupo]

Jim
Thanks for the reply. By the way, I love your floor.. Was that after market or ordered that way? Back to the TV. Did the cabnet come apart pretty easy. Did you just remove the 4 screws in the back and then seperate at the seam?

 

[mistercomputerman]

Thanks Jim.

I'd only do the main salon TV and the cockpit TV. We NEVER use the master or aft-cabin TV's. Would you say this is less than a days work? Are HDMI the cables of choice?

You might consider HDMI over CAT5 or CAT6.

http://www.kvmswitchtech.com/cat5-hdmi-extender-c11633.htm

Data cables are easier to pull and have no ends to break off or snag like an HDMI cable. I tried HDMI and gave up after breaking the ends on two HDMI cables. You'll have to install some keystones after you are done pulling the cables.

http://www.trianglecables.com/keyjacwalpla.html

 

[jrirvine1]

Jim
Thanks for the reply. By the way, I love your floor.. Was that after market or ordered that way? Back to the TV. Did the cabnet come apart pretty easy. Did you just remove the 4 screws in the back and then seperate at the seam?

I replaced the carpet with the teak flooring over a year ago. Here is the thread that explains the process.
http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/41397-Teaking-a-420-DA?highlight=teaking+420

The back of the TV cabinet will come off by removing all screws. As I remember, these screws go into wood blocks that are attached to the drop down metal fame.

 

[RanAmok]

Jim, I know this is an old thread but I plan to replace the salon TV in my 2007 44 DA with either the 24" or 26" Vizio in the next couple of weeks. I may be in need of your advise / tips.

Thanks

Don