Transom stereo controls

comsnark

New Member
Apr 10, 2007
4,106
NJ Shore
Boat Info
SeaRay SunSport
Engines
5.7LX
My stereo died. :smt089

Time to upgrade! :smt038

I am thinking of installing a DIN JBL head unit in the Dash (direct replacement) and replacing the CD changer in the coat locker. The boat is a 1997 280SS.

The concept of remote transom mount controls sounds appealing. Only adds $70. How many of you people (a) have these controls, and (b) use these controls. Would you rather put it somewhere else?

Also. . .it sounds like I will be installing a remote iPod jack. I am thinking of putting the jack back by the throttles, which is really close to the Driver side cup holder (good place to mount the ipod in a temporary holder?). Putting the connector on the dash would obstruct forward view unnecessarily. Hmmm. Wonder if I could get it to the starboard side cup holders? That would be neat.

Anyone have other thoughts for cool upgrades?
 
I have the controls and find them nice to use to turn off the stereo if I forgot to turn it off before getting into the water.

Seriously, on mine they get very little use. I really don't want to hear background noise while in the water and if I have to turn it up loud enough to really hear it, I am probably making someone else mad by having to listen to my choice of music.
 
I added a transom remote to my SeaRay Sport 195 a few months ago.... We do alot of wakeboarding and the remote gets used a ton with people in and out of the water and being on the swim platform! Great investment in my book!
 
I use our transom remote all the time. Nice to be able to change the channel or volume while still in the water :thumbsup: Don't do the ipod thing so can't help you there.
 
Well. . . .truth be told I really don't use the stereo on the water much. When I am running, we prefer the sound of the engines -> and we like being able to talk to each other. At night, the radio is a distraction.

But . . .we occassionally use it. In the 70 engine hours I have put on the boat, we maybe had it on for 2 hours.

I see nice JBL CD changer for $150. A stereo remote for $70. SeaRay (in a new 290SS) lists the changer for $462 and the remote for $300. Wow. A 4x multiplier over retail!

Considering how much these features cost on a new boat, and how much I have pored into maintenance and fuel. . .I almost can't resist getting all the bells and whistles!
 
Ok, maybe I missed somthing. If you don't use it why are you upgrading since you're old on died :huh:

comsnark Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007 7:16 pm Post subject: Transom stereo controls

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My stereo died.

Time to upgrade!
 
chuck1 said:
Ok, maybe I missed somthing. If you don't use it why are you upgrading since you're old on died :huh:

You know. . . .the admiral just askied me that EXACT question. :grin:

I have to admit it: I am upgrading because I want to be cool. Somehow, I think not even having the OPTION to turn on the radio seems uncool. It says I can't maintain my boat. I think a powerboat SHOULD have a kick butt stereo. Or at least one that WORKS.

If the stereo upgrade was $2,000; I wouldn't do it. But $300-$400 doesn't seem that bad.
 
To look cool? Puh-leeze. But hey, squander your money at your leisure.

I only bother using the remote at the helm because the head unit it mounted down in the cabin. Were the head unit at the helm I'd probably never bother. I have one on the transom and the only time it gets used is to change the channel away from something on Sirius. Most of the time we just pick a given channel and leave it there for the duration. I don't even bother using our iPods all that much since it's easier to just let the satellite radio folks do the playlisting.
 
I agree with you; your radio must at least work. Pleease. Otherwise, you'll own the boat with a radio that doesn't work, then when you go to sell it you'll have to install a new radio that -does- work. Why not at least enjoy it for those two hours now, rather than leave all the enjoyment for someene else? :cool:
 
Yup. It has to get fixed sooner or later!

Bought a JBL head unit and CD changer from BOE this week. Should be sitting at my front door right now (according to DHL).

I almost hate to say it. . but BOE is very competitive with pricing.

Total cost was in the low three's, including the changer. Also got a remote plug for the iPod. Now just figure out where I am putting that plug -> Don't want to drill a hole in fiberglass. I am thinking to run it up to the bottom of a cup holder. The new unit also has a second set of preamp outs (which the Clarion lacks) in case I *really* decide to upgrade next year.

I did look at several units where the "brain" was remote (and in a safe, dry, spot) where you basically can hook one or two remotes to control it. I like that idea. Not really more expensive, but it makes it fundamentally more weather proof. I ultimately opted against it because it would require more wiring work, and I am *lazy*.
 
*** UPDATE ***

Totally ticked off the admiral and the crew today by taking two hours to install the new JBL head unit. I should have known better.

I should also have known better than to second guess the wiring color code. Turns out the Clarion and JBL units have the same color codes. Fortunately, my boat has a waterproof DIN mounting thingy, into which the new head unit slipped right into. Made the physical installation quite easy. Overall, the job was VERY straight forward. Will tackle the CD changer tomorrow.

I also learned (didn't realize until I started testing my stereo controls) that my cabin speakers are driven by the head unit, and the cockpit speakers (4 in total) are driven by a flimsey 30W clarion preamp. Hmmm. I also get an intermittent humm in the cockpit speakers at low volume. Hmmm. That sounds like a ground issue in the preamp. Hmmm. Chasing down a speaker vibration (that I had heard before), I see that one of the Clarion speaker cones is a distorted mess. That puppy is done -> but sound issues forth!

I suspect next weekend I may be upgrading an amp and speakers.

Today, we had the boat out for about four hours. The iPod connection is killer. Tunes were cranking today. We enjoyed it! I suspect we will be using the stereo much more now. Not sure if I should even bother with the CD changer. . . .but . . . .it IS sitting on my desk just ASKING to be installed.
 

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