Radio/CD Player in boat

Hello –

I got a radio/Cd player installed in my boat in 2005. In early summer of 2006 in stopped working. No big deal as it was under warranty. However, last summer it stopped working again. Now I went to get it replaced and I had to buy a new radio as the receiver was no good. The place that put it in is a little mom and dad shop in a small town and have been in business a long time so you think they would have a good reputation. The guy told me today that you really only get 2-3 years out of a radio on a boat because of the conditions they are exposed too. It is a nice pioneer radio and the installation looks great. Plastic tubing covering the wires that run to the speakers and everything. The radio does have a flip cover so that is also protected. He said he has even tried marine radios and they are not any better. I know my in laws have a old pontoon and the radio is VERY old and they have no problems with it. What do people recommend doing??? Should I take it to a Marine dealer that maybe knows more? Does anyone recommend and certain radio? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!!!!!! Thanks.

Chad

I’ve had a couple radios in my boat, mine have lasted about 6 years, normal radios, not marine. I have mine installed under the console, no protection. Usually the media drive fails, i.e. tape deck, cd player from moisture or shock. They might last longer in a pontoon without the shock treatment my bass boat gives them. I usually just buy a cheap deck from a decent manufactirer like Sony, Kenwood, Pioneer and just replace when necessary. Now, with the I-Pod connections, I expect the radio to be useful a little longer since I won’t be using cds.

I don’t recall the brand, but it’s a white marine am/fm/cd player bought from JollyAnn Marine.

Third year and going strong.

A take out from a 2003 Dakota, Radio/CD…. Going on 6 years, no protection from elements and still going strong Prior I had a “Marine” radio….with the fancy “cover”… worked when it wanted to until it finally quit.

big G

Radio in the boat? That would drain from my 4 batteries I have and affect fishing time. I vote for the $15 FleetFarm special that runs on C batteries. Takes a bit of tuning work and the AM gets interference from the trolling motor. CD’s and Ipod’s? You guys are too fancy for me.

Too fancy – it’s not that fancy. Plus, it doesn’t drain the battery that much and when you run the motor it recharges the battery also. If it is fancy??? Please only fancy people reply – HA HA!

What kind of trouble are you having with the radio? Maybe its just a wiring problem?

Everything turns on and looks like it works but no sound – Which makes me think the receiver is shot.

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Radio in the boat? That would drain from my 4 batteries I have and affect fishing time. I vote for the $15 FleetFarm special that runs on C batteries. Takes a bit of tuning work and the AM gets interference from the trolling motor. CD’s and Ipod’s? You guys are too fancy for me.

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Pretty much the same for me…… But I’m a old fart

I’ve been pondering this same question, what kind of radio to put in the boat… I have a newer pioneer that came out of a vehicle but I question how long it will last with the abuse it will take hitting large waves. I’m looking at just finding an older used radio w/o a CD player or anything. I just want to hear local stations that would include the weather.

a marine radio will definately last longer as the internal electronics are all coated with a waterproof coating. a regular car radio will typically last 3-5 years. but a marine radio will typically be mush longer.. I put in a sony deck and jbl speakers. this is a VERY good sounding setup.. a lot of the marine stuff sounds like garbage. tried 3 decks and about 5 different sets of speakers before I found good ones.. on the decks the BOSS stuff sucks and the speekers all suck accept the JBL make sure you get the ones with the seperat tweeter though as they are a VAST improvment over the cheaper ones..

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_158CDXM30/Sony-CDX-M30.html?tp=1721

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=7984&familyName=JBL+MS6200+6.5+Two-Way+Marine+Speakers

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-pKh3ibRTpYJ/popups/accessory.asp?i=158RMX11M

I promise you will be impressed.
you can even get the deck with Ipod support now. I wired the wired remote over to the drivers station so I can control while I am driving.. I have put this setup in about 4 boats now and all have been over joyed..

It is probably way to fancy but nothing beats satellite radio in the boat.

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It is probably way to fancy but nothing beats satellite radio in the boat.

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Agreed!

As Gatorguide suggested, a unit with a remote is the way to go. Install the radio in a dry storage compartment and you are good to go!

-J.

I have a marine CD/Radio in my boat, second unit I’ve tried. It will not play a CD. Also when the volume is turned up on the radio it starts to “Porpise”, intermittent power on & off. I’ve checked with a Best Buy installer and was told that the unit is not getting enough power. Right now I’ve got it wired direct to one of my batteries with heavy wire and a volt meter shows 12.3 at the unit. Anyone have a suggestion on what to check next?

In an unrelated note tell your Uncle good job on the nice Gobbler…….Thanks

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It is probably way to fancy but nothing beats satellite radio in the boat.

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Very true…along with a small sub woofer.

I’ve got a good storage spot for it under the console, and it really improves the sound from my cheap speakers.

cliffy

I hate to say this…but take your radio out…and connect it to your battery. Man handle it a bit by jarring it. If it does the same thing (cuts out) it’s in the radio or possible the connection to the radio.