Suggestions for new radio head unit

[SCSTWG]

I want to start looking around for a deal on a radio head unit and remote to replace the factory setup in my 2011 AR240. It's not broken, so I am not in a hurry, but we all understand the factory unit is garbage. I don't have a ton of requirements other than it has an easy to use/read interface, it swaps out directly from a size perspective and the wiring harness attaches to the factory wiring. I also will need a unit that has a remote and hopefully will be able to use the existing cable to power the new remote on the swimdeck (which never gets used). I do plan to add an amp and an additional (2) speakers in the cockpit at some point. Unfortunately, my wife doesn't like the music loud. I don't see any reason to go with a premium unit at a high price point, but I am also not looking for garbage. Suggestions?

 

[Bruce]

Anything from Fusion Marine. If budget is a key factor get an IP600. They are down to around $250. We have an IP600G on the boat and love it. We also have a smaller Fusion head unit on the kids outdoor playground. They are 100% reliable and so much better built than any other stereo that I have seen.

 

[SCSTWG]

Anything from Fusion Marine. If budget is a key factor get an IP600. They are down to around $250. We have an IP600G on the boat and love it. We also have a smaller Fusion head unit on the kids outdoor playground. They are 100% reliable and so much better built than any other stereo that I have seen.

Thanks for the suggestion Bruce. Does the unit simply slide-in (same size) or are there faceplates and/or adapters required? What about connecting to the stock wiring harness?

 

[Bruce]

Thanks for the suggestion Bruce. Does the unit simply slide-in (same size) or are there faceplates and/or adapters required? What about connecting to the stock wiring harness?

Someone with 240 experience will have to comment on how it fits. The Fusion body is a standard DIN sized unit but the face is oversized. The hole in my SX230 was oversized because Yamaha used a mount with a cover for the factory head unit. JetBoatPilot machined a mount plate for me that they have added to their catalog.

The factory stereo on my boat had a connector perhaps 18" from the head unit that plugged into the factory harness. I removed the factory head unit to my work bench, cut the wiring and connector off of it around the half way point then soldered and shrink tubed the factory connector to the Fusion head units wiring. An adapter may be available. But with the head unit out of the boat it was a quick and easy job. I left enough wiring on the factory head unit that someone could reuse it if they wanted.

 

[SCSTWG]

Great. Hopefully, @JetBoatPilot or someone who has been this road with a 240 can comment. Thanks.

 

[bronze_10]

@Bruce .. we have practically the same boat... will the fusion ip600 fit in the radio slot in our model boat? Also.. my boat is in storage... the stock speakers on our boat... are they 6.5 inch speakers?

 

[Bruce]

@txav8r, you have a Fusion head unit in your SX240. Please tell us how you installed it.

 

[Bruce]

@Bruce .. we have practically the same boat... will the fusion ip600 fit in the radio slot in our model boat? Also.. my boat is in storage... the stock speakers on our boat... are they 6.5 inch speakers?

You will need this $24 adapter or something similar to mount it https://jetboatpilot.com/index.php?id_product=82&controller=product

The stock speakers are 6.5" I replaced them with 6x9s for much better sound. All of my factory speakers were cracked but still worked without distortion. Upgrading the speakers made a huge difference in sound before I upgraded the head unit.

You can see the mount adapter in this picture



The full story is in this thread https://jetboaters.net/threads/the-2007-stereo-head-unit-opening-is-not-din-sized-it-is-too-large.40

 

[mark_m]

@SCSTWG i had difficulty tracking down the IP600 on the net; had one ordered with a remote thru west marine. At first order went thru as back order status for the head unit then they cancelled. Upon calling they shared they were no longer available.

I decided to roll into a package deal from @Earmark Marine, he may be able to set you up with a HU.

 

[Bruce]

i had difficulty tracking down the IP600 on the net;

Amazon has some in stock http://www.amazon.com/Fusion-MS-IP6...?ie=UTF8&qid=1453998384&sr=8-1&keywords=ip600

 

[bronze_10]

You will need this $24 adapter or something similar to mount it https://jetboatpilot.com/index.php?id_product=82&controller=product

The stock speakers are 6.5" I replaced them with 6x9s for much better sound. All of my factory speakers were cracked but still worked without distortion. Upgrading the speakers made a huge difference in sound before I upgraded the head unit.

You can see the mount adapter in this picture

View attachment 32569

The full story is in this thread https://jetboaters.net/threads/the-2007-stereo-head-unit-opening-is-not-din-sized-it-is-too-large.40

I assume you had to cut fiberglass to fit the 6x9 correct?

 

[Bruce]

I assume you had to cut fiberglass to fit the 6x9 correct?

Yes I had to elongate the holes. It was a messy process but so worth it!

 

[bobbie]

I think I'm going with the exile preamp and this below. It's a digital media center. I think head units are a little obsolete when all we do is stream music anymore.

 

[Bill D]

The stock radio on my 2011 242 is a standard size DIN. You shouldn't have any issue.

 

[JetBoatPilot]

I think the 700 replaced the 600.

 

[SCSTWG]

Amazon has some in stock http://www.amazon.com/Fusion-MS-IP6...?ie=UTF8&qid=1453998384&sr=8-1&keywords=ip600

There are also a couple of good deals on eBay that include the wired remote. Strongly considering it. As Will mentioned, the product has been discontinued, but a handful of suppliers still have some inventory. I probably wouldn't make use of the iPod dock, but otherwise it seems like it would do the trick.

 

[DJMattyT]

That fusion 700 series is unbelievable!!

 

[msavold]

Replaced the POS that was in our boat when we got it with a Fusion IP700i and the fit was absolutely no problem (previous owner swore he did not change opening or screw holes). [Consider getting the HU first and then see if you need the adapter for your specific boat/circumstance?]

Here's a thread on what I did to connect it to the (2012?) wiring harness: https://jetboaters.net/threads/connecting-fusion-hu-to-boat-wiring.7204/

As for the new HU, absolutely love it! Especially ability to control zone volumes depending on who's sitting where. Never used the iPod dock (reports are that it runs hot). For now, running 4 Polk MM651UM speakers but planning to add a couple more and an amp...

 

[msavold]

PS: on the 700 you have to add a bluetooth dongle if you want to use BT but I believe the 650/750 has it built in. (Not sure about 600). Also, if memory serves me right difference between 650 and 750 is three zones vs 4 zones...

 

[SCSTWG]

700 series is very nice, but I think it is overkill for my application. I like the 600 and since it is in close-out right now you can buy them for $215. I like the price point, but concerned about it being obsolete/older technology. Most everyone on this forum and others agrees that Fusion makes a great product. Still trying to focus in on what unit is best for my application.