What to put in 3" hole from remote?

Feb 27, 2014
55
Forked River, NJ
Boat Info
2006 Sundancer 280, Ipad Navi, Full JL Sound System
Engines
Dual 4.3L Mercruisers
So my 280da came with a factory clareon remote control for music, mounted on the left side of the steering wheel.

That is where I mounted my new headunit instead of the remote. Now I have a better idea of where to mount the headunit but I do not want to be left with a 3" hole on the dash.

What can I install in that hole in order for it to not look horrible and maybe be useful at the same time?
 
If you have a genset. Put a temp guage in its place.
 
If you want to go low cost just cover the hole with matching dash plate material.
 
How about the base for a RAM mount so you can have a way to hold your phone or tablet and be visible from the helm? Could get fancy and built a base and install USB charging port in it too.
 
why not just leave the old remote installed in the hole?....no one will know it does not work except you.....

how about a remote for the new head unit?......

cliff
 
If you have a genset. Put a temp gauge in its place.


Unfortunately I do not have a genset.


If you want to go low cost just cover the hole with matching dash plate material.


That is what I was also thinking, I have a matching dash plate material piece being made for the VHF, I can order one for the hole and make an AUX switch panel?


New remote?


New remote wouldn't be necessary because my new head unit it ran directly to the helm. The new head unit is in the remotes place. After having it there I do not really like it. Not to comfortable to control and not mounted completely strait due to lack of space. I would like to move it to where the fuel gauge is mounted.


FullSizeRender_zpsqoonz03b.jpg





How about the base for a RAM mount so you can have a way to hold your phone or tablet and be visible from the helm? Could get fancy and built a base and install USB charging port in it too.


Seems like a base will be the best option


why not just leave the old remote installed in the hole?....no one will know it does not work except you.....


how about a remote for the new head unit?......


cliff


Old remote is already in the trash. New remote is not necessary.
 
So I assume the big rectangle hole is for your VHF?

BTW... you need to update your boat details so we know exactly what you have.
 
So I assume the big rectangle hole is for your VHF?

BTW... you need to update your boat details so we know exactly what you have.

Yes, The big rectangle is for VHF. I am waiting on an adapter plate to come in to mount a new smaller unit.

Boat details updated. Thanks for the heads up
 
Have you measured the fuel gauge area? From the picture, it sure doesn't appear that the RF head unit will even fit there?

What about putting it where the old VHF was (if it fits) and getting a "black box" VHF, instead? They can be mounted out of sight/behind the dash and the only thing visible would be the mic.
 
Have you measured the fuel gauge area? From the picture, it sure doesn't appear that the RF head unit will even fit there?

What about putting it where the old VHF was (if it fits) and getting a "black box" VHF, instead? They can be mounted out of sight/behind the dash and the only thing visible would be the mic.

Yeah, measured it last night. Unfortunately it is half inch too big. It will fit but will not look right. So I will just leave it as is.

As for the black box vhf, I looked at them before and I hate to use this term, way too expensive. I hope to never use it anyway

Give FP marine a call,they can probably make a burlwood panel to cover it.
https://www.fpmarine.com/category-s/1757.htm

Thanks, Ill give them a call. I got a price quote from tecnografic in florida. Lets see who is cheaper
 
There are also some "regular" VHF's that can support using a remote mic. Meaning, some basic VHF's, while they do have a display, can be mounted out of sight, then get the remote mic for it. Typically less expensive than a "true" black box. Just an FYI.
 
There are also some "regular" VHF's that can support using a remote mic. Meaning, some basic VHF's, while they do have a display, can be mounted out of sight, then get the remote mic for it. Typically less expensive than a "true" black box. Just an FYI.

Could you link me to a model? I cant seem to find it.

thanks
 
Could you link me to a model? I cant seem to find it.

thanks
You're really just looking for any VHF that supports an optional, remote mic. The mic would have it's own, full function display, buttons and speaker. In Two Deep - thanks for the link! I believe the Explorer is another model by SH that offers it - I'm sure other brands do, as well.
 
Did this last weekend. I made the hole 1/4" larger and dropped in a stainless cupholder. turned out nice. kinda harder to see as I was doing a lot of other work, but its just to the right of the controls where the old Clarion remote came out.
IMG_3801.jpg
 
My plan is to replace my radio remote with a chain counter gage. I'll get my remote on my MFD when I install a Fusion.
 
Chain counter is a good idea. I may do that. Been doing the Fusion/Garmin upgrades myself too lately. Works really well togetherIMG_3795.jpgIMG_3795.jpgIMG_3726.jpgIMG_3771.jpg
 

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