Need AM/FM Radio Info and Recommendations

[Redfish]

I really have a two-part question:

First, I know some of you guys have installed a "music box" in your boat, so I need some recommendations. What I want is something that will listen to basic FM (for the ball-games) and will let me plug in my I-pod. I don't really need a C-D player or any other bells and whistles. Any suggestions on brand, etc. would be appreciated.

Second, as for the installation, I would like to do an flush mount in my console next to my VHS. Any suggestions as to the feasibility of this approach? Are there any special kits I would need, or do these units typically come with sufficient hardware to mount them without a special "box" or mounting kit.

Thanks

[workinprogress]

Hey Redfish,
I was looking for basically the same thing and this is what I wound up getting.
http://www.rocktheboataudio.com/html/37943.html
I like the "black box" concept. To mount the controller you drill a hole (1" or so) at center and then mount a thin plate to the dash. The controller snaps into the plate and the cord feeds through the hole--supposedly the controller is 100% weatherproof. The black box you mount under the console where it is protected from the elements. Here's a pic of the controller mounted.
http://www.carolinaskiffowner.com/album.php?albumid=97&pictureid=1045
The pics a little fuzzy, but the controller is on the bottom right.

If you decided you just wanted ipod capability without am/fm, you might look at something like this.
http://www.rocktheboataudio.com/html/35953.html

Good luck!

BTW, to connect an ipod you drill a 3/4" holein the dash, drop a receptacle in, and attach 2 RCA plugs to the black box.

[Ed&Brenda]

Since yours has the am/fm tuner Work, do you have a seperate antenna?

Also with the first link you posted, the one you got. You need to order speakers too correct?

Sorry, didn't mean to hi-jack

[workinprogress]

Yes, I have a separate antenna. It is actually doing double duty as the vhf and am/fm antenna through a splitter. There have been some negative experiences doing this, but I am space limited on my j16, plus I don't figure I will use either the stereo or the vhf a lot, and rarely the 2 at the same time. On your larger setup, you might consider dual antennas to keep am/fm and vhf both on their own dedicated antennas. You should see what other people think about that, because I have no experience with it.

And no, the system I got did not come with speakers. I purchased them separately.

[Fishalot]

I hate having to drill holes, making sure everything is nice and level. Running wires from here to there. Then praying all the connections withstand the salty environment.

My choice for music......

http://ojkeitel.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/boombox_sneakers.jpg

Just be careful when stepping in water!

http://media.ebaumsworld.com/picture/Disturbed01/kid-with-static-hair.jpg

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

I went with a regular(not marine) alpine am/fm/cd/mp3 and an i pod module which charges the ipod at the same time and you can control the ipod from the radio. You can pick up a set like that for less than 200 bucks.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg199/giorgosc/BOAT%20STUFF/DSC_1225.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg199/giorgosc/BOAT%20STUFF/DSC_1237.jpg

The pelican is the waterproof case for the ipod.

[Redfish]

NEM: when you installed the Alpine, did you have to get any sort of "in-dash" mounting kit? I note you used a "waterproof" cover for the receiver/CD unit.

Where are you guys mounting your speakers? I'm thinking on the sides of my console.

[workinprogress]

I did mine in the sides of the console.

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

NEM: when you installed the Alpine, did you have to get any sort of "in-dash" mounting kit? I note you used a "waterproof" cover for the receiver/CD unit.

Where are you guys mounting your speakers? I'm thinking on the sides of my console.

No, the radio came with the "box" to mount into the waterproof case.
I have my speaker on the side of the console by the front seat. Pioneer 6 1/2" two way, they rock the house.A lot of base too.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg199/giorgosc/BOAT%20STUFF/DSC_1088.jpg

[Vardar]

Nice setup but useless for smaller boats like 17-16 footers
We don't have the giant console you have :'(

I went with a regular(not marine) alpine am/fm/cd/mp3 and an i pod module which charges the ipod at the same time and you can control the ipod from the radio. You can pick up a set like that for less than 200 bucks.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg199/giorgosc/BOAT%20STUFF/DSC_1225.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg199/giorgosc/BOAT%20STUFF/DSC_1237.jpg

The pelican is the waterproof case for the ipod.