2savage
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 24, 2021
- Messages
- 65
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-30 S
- Vessel Name
- SAVAGE II
On my boat it was located above the fridge just above the handle. Armed with prior knowledge of previous replacements on the numerous boats I have owned I though this would be a quick job, maybe two hours. Now I know better. Here are the issues;
1) The stereo was installed prior to the fridge. This allowed the the installer (Ranger Tugs I assume) to use the metal strap supplied with most stereos to secure the back of the radio to a solid surface above it to prevent up/down movement. All well and good, but now when you use the provided metal inserts to release the radio from its outer casing it will not slide out of the casing due to the strap. The only answer I found was to 'go medieval' on the old radio. After all, you won't need it again.
2) Given the ability to install the radio and THEN do the wiring, the installer left zero spare wire to cut off then splice in new wiring. This was the time consumer. Here's the solution.........
First you will need to purchase a deck plate and it's mounting ring. This is an inspection hatch that can be opened to see what is beneath. I got mine at West Marine. It has an outside diameter of about 6".
Next, mark a circle around the inside of the deck plate opening. This circle needs to be behind the helm seat, away from the teak fiddle and not too close to the corner. This position will give you access to the wires so you can splice in the new radio harness. Then add a second ring outside of this by 3/16". This is your cut line.
Drill a pilot hole that will allow the jig saw blade to start its work.
Using the jig saw, cut out the hole for the deck plate. Warning, it is THICK material; maybe almost 1" thick.
Now you can set about wiring in the stereo. Finally, slip in the outer casing, bend a few tabs to hold it in then slide in your new unit until it clicks. In the future you should be able to remove the stereo using the metal tools provided with the unit.
Finally you can secure the deck plate surround. Self tapping screws would do but I used stainless bolts.
Total time was almost five hours.
Now time for new speakers. Warning, the factory installed ones use a square fastener. I'm now going to buy one 🙁
1) The stereo was installed prior to the fridge. This allowed the the installer (Ranger Tugs I assume) to use the metal strap supplied with most stereos to secure the back of the radio to a solid surface above it to prevent up/down movement. All well and good, but now when you use the provided metal inserts to release the radio from its outer casing it will not slide out of the casing due to the strap. The only answer I found was to 'go medieval' on the old radio. After all, you won't need it again.
2) Given the ability to install the radio and THEN do the wiring, the installer left zero spare wire to cut off then splice in new wiring. This was the time consumer. Here's the solution.........
First you will need to purchase a deck plate and it's mounting ring. This is an inspection hatch that can be opened to see what is beneath. I got mine at West Marine. It has an outside diameter of about 6".
Next, mark a circle around the inside of the deck plate opening. This circle needs to be behind the helm seat, away from the teak fiddle and not too close to the corner. This position will give you access to the wires so you can splice in the new radio harness. Then add a second ring outside of this by 3/16". This is your cut line.
Drill a pilot hole that will allow the jig saw blade to start its work.
Using the jig saw, cut out the hole for the deck plate. Warning, it is THICK material; maybe almost 1" thick.
Now you can set about wiring in the stereo. Finally, slip in the outer casing, bend a few tabs to hold it in then slide in your new unit until it clicks. In the future you should be able to remove the stereo using the metal tools provided with the unit.
Finally you can secure the deck plate surround. Self tapping screws would do but I used stainless bolts.
Total time was almost five hours.
Now time for new speakers. Warning, the factory installed ones use a square fastener. I'm now going to buy one 🙁