2011 242 Limited S Head Unit replacement - help needed!

[cbus]

My head unit volume goes in and out constantly - It is the original Aquatics AV. I had another thread trying to figure out what the issue was. Lots of opinions on it and I took the advice of all. Checked the wiring for ground issues and there doesn't seem to be any so the next best guess is to replace the head unit.

I have a friend that was able to get me a really good deal on this unit:

Sony MEX-M100BT
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_158M100BT/Sony-MEX-M100BT.html?tp=61742#

This is the one I am going to try to use so if someone could help that would be great.

I have reviewed most of the threads here and on the other site to try to come up with the best install. I am not savvy on wiring but am willing to learn. It appears there are 2 zones on the stock HU and the tweeters are connected to the front and the rear and swim platform are connected to the other.

My question is, can I simply replace the head unit and things work alright? Because this unit has an amp in it already, I don't want to blow any speakers so I thought I would ask here first.

As always, any help is very much appreciated!

 

[cbus]

@David Analog - I noticed you had some experience in this field so maybe you have some advice?

 

[Julian]

All HU have a front to rear fader, so as long as you hook up the speakers the same way, it should be pretty easy. I found the easiest approach when I replace my HU in my old boat was to label each wire on the wiring harness behind the existing HU (Yamaha had actually already done this), and I cut off their harness and wired my HU to it, so all I had to do on the boat was plug it in and wire the power wires.

Not sure if you have radio remotes on your boat....that will add some complexity, but since you didn't mention them, I assume not?

 

[2nazt]

Agreed with @Julian cut off as much wire close to HU and solder or crimp in the nice AC and then just plug and play at the boat. You can directly swap and not hurt speakers. Best of luck and ask any other questions.

 

[cbus]

Thanks! Does anyone know the gauge of the wiring on the current setup? The new HU is suggesting under 15 I think but if someone knows that would help.

 

[cbus]

I do have remotes but they arent working so I am going to bypass them. Any concerns with doing that?

 

[2nazt]

Power and main lines may be 14ga on my older boat and speakers and stuff along 18ga I think but should be close. If you direct swap you will not need new wire anywhere.

 

[cbus]

Thanks for the replies! Do I take out the current harness and solder the wires to the new harness? Cant imagine they are the same but I have no idea since I haven't received the new unit yet

 

[2nazt]

Thanks for the replies! Do I take out the current harness and solder the wires to the new harness? Cant imagine they are the same but I have no idea since I haven't received the new unit yet

Yes that's what I did. Solder the new HU wires to factory plug. Should be same wires regardless. Only one I didn't use was the blue remote line for an amp.

 

[drector]

The old aquatic av has those crossover filters at each speaker. Did you just leave those as is?