I have a Kenwood single DIN CD stereo in the boat that crapped out (Ripped the wires out when it fell out in rough water when not secured from a previous removal). The boat came with 2 amps (2 pre-outs needed), a CD changer that has been removed, and a factory installed wired remote on the dash. I have given up trying to find a stereo that will work with the current wired remote. Does anyone have suggestions on what to put back in there.
Formula does a great job hiding all the wiring and I don't think it is worth wiring a new remote. (not worth the effort) but I'd like the option to add it if I change my mind. What stereos should I be considering? A front mini-jack for an IPOD input is a must.
Anyone a dealer I could order from?

Hey t500hps,

I installed a Clarion Cd player with Clarion remotes .. one one the stern and one by the shifters .... the deck has a ipod port on the front of it but I went one step further and installeda ipod jack in the cockpit so I change the music from there.
The speakers I used were JL audio ..... 4 x 6.5 and 1 x 10" sub with a JL Audio amp.
This is crystal clear and thumps pretty good for a fairly inexpensive system with all things being equall.

Jeff

Sony, Clairion,Pioneer,Kenwood, JBL, Aquatic pretty much your high-end head units that are certified marine stereo systems on the market. since you have a hard wired remote for the past Kenwood , easier to stay with it since it plug into a new Kenwood. Depending on which Formula you have, it is possible to pull a new wire for the next remote. As foar as ordering, check with Crutchfield. Some of the others are; [U]http://www.islandmarineelectronics.c...e-stereos.html . Audiofin is a member on here and I'm sure he will for you as well. Good luck

I'd go with one of the Sony Marine models. The remotes are very functional, and they have several levels/models. I've got a Sony car stereo in my boat with 3 pre-outs and I am pleased.

If your remote cable is now useless, just snip the end off, and see if you can slide it out. You ought to be able to put a fish in a new remote cable via a fish tape and some nylon pull string.

Clarion M475. On ebay for about $150. Has 3 sets of pre outs, plays mp3's and has an aux on the front for an ipod. Comes with a regular remote or you can get a wired one for about a $100. Its a good sized wired remote and should cover any existing hole.

I've been told the wired remote ( 5 year old boat) will not work with any current model Kenwood stereo.....I've also found Formula routed the wiring from the cockpit down under the floor to the other side of the boat and back up to the stereo.....I haven't been able to find a way to fish a new wire across the boat yet but will keep looking. (Formula owners will understand how they hide everything VERY well.)
The old wired remote is small and there is not much room for a bigger one in it's place.

I THINK you can get a wire across at the cabin door..... Not 100% sure as I have not done one in a while.

The new Clarion remotes for the cdm4, cdm5 and m475 are about 3.5 inches in diameter and need a 3" hole.

You don't NEED a marine radio unless it is exposed.
The popular Mfg's are Pioneer and Sony. Both have nice marine remotes (you will need that to be marine).

I prefer the Pioneers as I think the sound quality and build quality is better.
Pick out a model and I'll get you a smokin deal on it.

Your right, I don't need a marine stereo, but thought that was the only way to get one that would use a marine remote. If that is not the case then I'm not really picky. I don't prefer one over the other. I'll look around to see what's out there but don't know alot about them. If you can recommend a mid-grade unit this is all I need,

-2 pre-amp outputs
One amp may become sub only so would need sub controls. (Considering changing amp for interior speakers to power a pair of 10's)

-mini-jack input for Ipod input into stereo

-CD player

-obviously the ability to add a marine wired remote

The rest is just cosmetics...since it sits in the cabin, most look fine with me.

Russ C.
(8O4) 9I4-2628