Aftermarket stereo with helm remote

boatman37

Well-Known Member
Jun 6, 2015
4,211
pittsburgh
Boat Info
2006 Crownline 250CR. 5.7 Merc BIII
Previous: 1986 Sea Ray 250 Sundancer. 260 Merc Alpha 1 Gen 1
Engines
5.7 Merc BIII
So I know it isn't a Sea ray but should be the same or similar. Our new Crownline (2006) has an aftermarket stereo (Kenwood) and has the helm remote (CPS Products). The remote does not work with the aftermarket stereo. Can this be set up to work? Do I need a certain stereo? This one was installed a few years ago by the previous owner. Not sure if they just didn't connect those wires or if it couldn't be done with aftermarket?

The stereo is a Kenwood KDC-355U
 
I think it would be quite unlikely that you'll be able to integrate a different brand remote with your head unit. I'd suggest you replace both. Clarion makes a few nice, and not super expensive, marine head units with optional marine helm remotes. I had one on my prior boat. Never had any problems. A solid brand.
 
I just snagged a brand new refurbed JVC KD-R85MBS marine headunit for my 180 BR, really nice simple unit that has BT/Aux/USB/CD. Only cost me $60, you can get the matching JVC helm remote for another $50 and get a nice little package for $100ish.
 
I just snagged a brand new refurbed JVC KD-R85MBS marine headunit for my 180 BR, really nice simple unit that has BT/Aux/USB/CD. Only cost me $60, you can get the matching JVC helm remote for another $50 and get a nice little package for $100ish.
Nice. Have enough to do on the list for now so maybe add it to the bottom. Top projects for next spring are 1) bellows 2) canvas 3) windlass

3 pretty big projects that need done before I worry about the stereo. Just figured if it was a matter of hooking up wires I would go ahead and do it but money needs to be spent elsewhere before this...lol.

Thanks!
 
If the kenwood has a 3.5mm jack labeled "steering wheel control" or remote, that CPS remote should work.

You could swap it to one of the supported kenwood remotes or swap the head to one of the sony marine units that support remotes.
 
Found the remote for about $60 but not sure I want to get into running wiring for it at this time with all the other things that need done. Not that big of a deal just figured if it was an easy job to do then I would go ahead with it. Maybe I'll just wait until the following year and replace the whole system with a better one.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,950
Messages
1,422,861
Members
60,932
Latest member
juliediane
Back
Top