If you have a RIB or sportsboat and are considering upgrading or fitting a marine stereo system, but have limited space, then here some recommendations that have a small footprint and are relatively straightforward to fit...

Why not just buy a car stereo?

 

• Marine stereos are designed for the harsh marine environment 
• Waterproof  to at least IPX5 – Can resist a sustained, low-pressure water jet spray
• UV stable – the materials used in construction will not deteriorate when exposed to the sun
• Shockproof – designed to be continually jarred and banged
• Coated PCBs – a waterproof coating is added to the internal circuit boards to prevent any moisture damage

Which Stereo To Choose?

 

Choosing a stereo can be a tricky business, there's plenty of choice and some of it depends on your boat. We've picked our three best selling models below and compared them so you can see what the key differences are.

Why this stereo?

Compact, affordable Marine Stereo with built in DAB Tuner

Sources: AM/FM Radio, Auxiliary & Bluetooth Streaming, DAB+

Speakers: Can connect to two pairs of speakers (zones) with independent zone control

Available as a bundle with a pair of 6.5” speakers

Why this stereo? 

Standard (DIN) car radio size, Bonded screen so no fogging up, ANT wireless connection for use with wireless remote (pic of 200494) DAB+ Ready – Compatible with Fusions DAB module & Antenna (pic of 200368)

Sources: AM/FM Radio, Auxiliary, Bluetooth Streaming, USB interface, DAB+ ready

RA70N version has NMEA2000 so can be connected to a NMEA200 compatible chart plotter (via NMEA 2000 backbone) for control

Speakers: Can connect to two pairs of speakers (zones) with independent zone control

Both models are available as a bundle with a pair of speakers

Why this stereo?

Superior sound quality with Digital signal processing technology, Bonded Colour screen so no fogging up, ANT wireless connection for use with wireless remote (pic of 200494) DAB+ Ready – Compatible with Fusions DAB module & Antenna (pic of 200368). NMEA2000 so can be connected to a NMEA200 compatible chart plotter (via NMEA 2000 backbone) for control

Sources: AM/FM Radio, Auxiliary, Bluetooth Streaming, USB interface, DAB+ ready

Speakers: Can connect to two pairs of speakers (zones) with independent zone control

What’s the difference between car speakers and marine speakers?

Waterproof cones – most car speakers have a paper cone and this will absorb moisture over a period of time- resulting in poor sound quality. Fusion speakers have cones that are made from materials that offer a high resistance to moisture absorption

UV stable materials – The plastics used are designed for exposure to direct sunlight with no discolouration or deteriation.

 

See below for our guide to our 3 best selling ranges of speakers...

Why these speakers? 

Shallow mount with a depth of only 43mm so perfect for areas with limited back space, Waterproof Polypropylene cones, LED backlit version with adjustable colours (optional remote control required for adjusting colour) (side view pic showing shallow depth)

Peak power 150w

Available in Black or White classic models or Grey with adjustable LED backlighting

Why these speakers

The XS range of speakers offer quality audio reproduction and enhanced marine aesthetics at a mid-range price point. The speakers have been designed for use in the marine environment and to produce consistently high quality audio at all volume levels, season after season.

XS Classic Speakers available in 4, 6.5 and 7.7” models. All models are supplied with both black and white grilles.
Peak power 120w 4”, 200w 6.5”, 240w 7.7”

XS Sport RGB LED Speakers available in 6.5 and 7.7” models. All models are supplied with both Sports grey and Sports white grilles.
Peak power 200w 6.5”, 240w 7.7”

Why these speakers? 

German 'CURV' Cone Technology and a silk tweeter dome for a better frequency response and range giving the best sound quality, Waterproof composite cones, Sports models have RGB LED backlighting that can be set to blue or white, 

Peak power 230w 6.5”, 280w 7.7”, 330 8.8”

Available in 6.5, 7.7 and 8.8” models in Classic White or Sport White, Sports Chrome with RGB LED backlighting

What tools will you need to fit a stereo and speakers

• Electric drill & drill bits 
• Hole saw 9
• Hand saw 
• Phillips screwdriver
• Gelcoat filler
• Masking tape
• Dust mask 
• Cable access kit

Tips for Head Unit Installation

• Remember to use the drill templates that are supplied with the documentation pack
• ​Keep away from the magnetic compass at least 15cm
• Use a silicone sealant instead of the gasket supplied if the unit is to be mounted outside
• Seal off the cut fiberglass by painting on a polyester resin ( pic of 450135) this will protect against delamination and moisture ingress.
• Wear a dust mask when cutting fiberglass

Tips for Speaker installation

• As with the head unit - Remember to use the drill templates that are supplied with the documentation pack
• If you can’t get a hole saw that is the correct size then drill small holes around the cut out and then cut with a handy saw ( pic of DR83135)
• Keep away from the magnetic compass at least 5ft+ (depending upon size of speaker)
• Use a silicone sealant instead of the gasket supplied if the unit is to be mounted outside 
• Seal off the cut fiberglass by painting on a polyester resin this will protect against delamination and moisture ingress.
• For better bass performance, you should select mounting locations that provide the appropriate space behind the speaker (details can be found in the speaker user manual). Too small an area restricts bass, and too large an area compromises bass performance. 
• Wear a dust mask when cutting fiberglass