Updated the flybridge stereo

The flybridge had an ‘ok’ stereo. Little old, cd unit but no Bluetooth and not a lot of bass out of the speakers.

I got some new JL audio Speakers. I wanted to stay in the existing 5″ holes so was a little restricted but they seemed decent enough.

Swapped them out. Easy install perfect fit.

They already sounded better than the originals, you can feel the bass but the head unit was struggling, in fact at high volume it would cut out. I was worried it was a poor power supply but decided to try a new head unit anyway. I didn’t want anything too special. I did want Bluetooth. Went for an Alpine unit. CDE143-BT. Not expensive. Only $130 from car toys. I would love to run an amp and sub but I can’t be doing with the hassle of running a decent power line for the amp. So just head unit and speakers will do for now

I got the unit wired up easily but a screwed up as I tried to use the original cradle and when i dropped the unit in it would not come back out

and would fall into the hole. Had to remove the vhf next to it. Reach inside, pull it all the way through and then remove the cradle.

Used the new cradle and job done. Note to self. Don’t be lazy.

It sounds way better. Tons of bass. My only problem now is the speakers are in the radar arch and kick out so much bass the arch vibrates. I am thinking I need to put some kind of cushioning inside the arch where the access panels are to stop the rattling.

And then I am only running 2 speakers so i need to add 2 more but trying to figure out where to put them for easy access and install. I think I need some box speakers so I can put them facing back ahead of the helm. But struggling to find good units.

Simple upgrade. One nights work. Happy so far !