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Posted: **Wed May 21, 2008 6:26 am**

Hey guys I bought my first boat this year its a 2008 16.5ft Smokercraft I really want to install a Stereo in it because I like to listen to some music when I am out there. Any how I was wondering if you guys know of any where in or around ottawa that sells audio equipment for boats?

Posted: **Wed May 21, 2008 7:17 am**

Most Audio/video places do sell Marine radios. Just make sure you purchase a product that is for a marine environment. Radios and electronics are subjected to moisture, extreame cold and heat and a normal car radio system will not last very long. If you are planning to purchase the deck and speakers seperately make sure you get marine speakers. Regular paper cones will not last very long. Try to get Pyrex cones. they are more durable and still have the sound of paper.
We use Boss marine radios because they have a great sound, easy to install and have a great warranty. They retail for about $350 with deck and speakers or for $250 for just the deck and are available at most audio places.

When installing the radio try to make sure that the deck covered under the console or in the glove box to keep it out of direct contact with water or rain.

Most radios do not come with an antena in the kit so if you are planning to listen to the radio and not just cd's then pick up an antena. they range from $10-$40 and just plug into the back of the deck.

Hope this helps

JP

Posted: **Wed May 21, 2008 7:39 am**

That does help thanks where would you suggest buying a unit?

Posted: **Wed May 21, 2008 1:20 pm**

I recently installed a stereo and speakers in my princecraft. I took a route which would not be advised by all (looked at the cost of a marine radios and speakers, and decided to get a standard car deck and with the extra savings bought a watertight compartment). For keeping the unit dry and got regular car audio speakers which have a rubber cone and plastic tweeter( its almost impossible to buy new speakers that are paper cone these days, I picked out a set of Pioneer speakers that were 50 bucks and I sealed them in an airtight enclosure for better sound.
I know that Car audio products are not meant to handle rain/moisture but I spend 85 for deck and another 55 for 2 speakers & and a 4 year futureshop warranty included in that $.
I plan to remove the deck for winter and extended periods of storage but for less then half the price of a true 'marine' deck I think this will do me just fine.
I had to make some adjustments to the installation to accomodate my hardware limitations, deck was mounting under console in water tight case out of direct sun and rain, speakers also under console, tucked way up out of the way and installed kill switch.

All said and done, I know a thing or two about wiring, cd players etc so if problems occur I will address as they happen but so far I think this can be a good compromise if installed correctly.

If you want it to work problem free for years and years, and don't have a nack for fixing things like this, best bet is to go with the proper hardware for the envirorment as JP said .

Posted: **Fri May 23, 2008 7:01 am**

I bought a set at walmart 4 years ago for 59.00 deck and speakers

I put the speakers in boxes and installed them under my consoles and put the deck in the glovebox works fine

keep it dry

Posted: **Fri May 23, 2008 5:16 pm**

I did the same thing as Rider for about the same price!!

Works great, even the CD player!!

Like he said, Just Keep It Dry!!!!!

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