Stereo mount in a 1990 PS 190

[shepherd]

I bought my boat used and it has a cut-out in the dash just below the dash-mount rearview mirror for a stereo (I guess this was a mod made by the previous owner?). Anyway, I can't find a cover that will fit in that narrow area to protect the stereo. I've used a plastic bowl before to cover it to protect my radio from rain, but eventually some water manages to get in there and ruin the radio/stereo. :mad:

Anyone with a similar boat (it's a 1990 Prostar 190)? Where do you mount your stereo? If in the same place, what do you use to cover it?

[BriEOD]

I have an 87 PS 190 which is the same hull/lay out as a 90. I also mounted my stereo under the mirror. I purchased a water proof case and used a jig saw to enlarge the hole that was already present. Then I used two stainless bolts with lock washers and nuts to secure it. I also used clear silicone all the way around the outside to keep water out. It works very well and I've been pleased. Here's a photo...
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/10001/-1/10001/18474/10001/562/11156/3

[BriEOD]

One more...

[The Governor]

Very clean dash! I wish my '91 PS 190 was that clean.

[MarkP]

I bought my boat used and it has a cut-out in the dash just below the dash-mount rearview mirror for a stereo (I guess this was a mod made by the previous owner?). Anyway, I can't find a cover that will fit in that narrow area to protect the stereo. I've used a plastic bowl before to cover it to protect my radio from rain, but eventually some water manages to get in there and ruin the radio/stereo. :mad:

Anyone with a similar boat (it's a 1990 Prostar 190)? Where do you mount your stereo? If in the same place, what do you use to cover it?
Shep,

Do you have a photo of your modification??

[shepherd]

Bri, I bought one of those waterproof cases from West Marine once and it seemed a little too large (too tall) for the narrow width of that space so I took it back. I can't tell from the photo but does yours overlap a little at the top? Anyways, your installation looks good (I like your amp installation too) so maybe I'll try again.

BTW, that IS a very clean looking dash. Ditto Governor. I'd be embarrassed to show a picture of mine, but I'll do it anyway. I'll take a picture later when I pull the cover off to install my new flush fitting -- another helpful recommendation from you TTers.

Thanks.

[shepherd]

OK, here's a picture.

Bri, the height of this dash piece is only 2-3/4". Yours too, I assume???

BTW, anybody have any dash restoration tips :o

[shepherd]

Here's another look...

[Footin]

Sheperd,

I know exactly what you are talking about with the height.
I had a 91 and I think over the course of a year I looked at every marina in the state for a cover that would fit and not overlap on top and never found one.

I ended up puting a piece of plastic on it when it looked like rain. I know this is not what you wanted to hear, but if you really want a radio cover, you will have to use one that is a little big.

[MarkP]

Hey footin,

Thought you had someplace to go?? Are you half way??

[Footin]

Leaving tonight.

[MarkP]

Hey,

Did I hijack a thread?? That’s unlike me!! Oh well, Have fun, be careful and all…

[shepherd]

Sheperd,

I ended up puting a piece of plastic on it when it looked like rain. I know this is not what you wanted to hear, but if you really want a radio cover, you will have to use one that is a little big.

I've been using a rectangular plastic tupperware dish to cover it but water always eventually finds its way in (all it takes is forgetting to replace the cover when you put the boat away for the night -- dang that beer...). I've had 2 stereos crap out on me due to water ingestion. I refuse to buy a new one until I find a way to protect it, from the rain and from myself.

[PeteS]

I know it's not the most accessible place to mount the unit, but I chose underneath the observers seat in a gimble housing for my location.

It's out of the way, protected from the elements, accessible from the drivers seat, and even better, from the wireless remote control. I didn't have to further modify the dash, and can be easly removed if I ever sell the boat. Best of luck on your project.

[BriEOD]

Yes, mine does overlap a hair. I used to have a clarion "marine" stereo mounted just like yours. I pooped out (it was a POS). So, I elected to go with a regular car stereo and put it in the case. I had to use a jig saw and do some beating to get it in there but I've been very pleased.

[BrianM]

Mine is mounted same as yours with no cover. I almost always have my bimini up so if we get a little rain it doesn't get wet. Got stuck in a major thunderstorm last week and just tossed a dry towel over it for extra protection. No I'll efects.

[BrianM]

As for the dash. First thing I would try is a little Meguires Color Restorer (comes in a blue bottle). Mine had some oxidation above the steering wheel when I first bought it and it looked really bad. The color restor did a nice job without much work. If that doesn't work you can try a heavier compound or if worse comes to worse you may need to wet sand.

[shepherd]

Thanks. I think I'll try BriEOD's method again and see if I can't force one of those boxes to fit in my dash. If not, I'll continue the "BrianM method"... But this time I'll buy a cheaper unit and try to be more careful with it.

Thanks for the Mequiars on the dash suggestion Brian. I'll try it.

[shepherd]

Yes, mine does overlap a hair. I used to have a clarion "marine" stereo mounted just like yours. I pooped out (it was a POS). So, I elected to go with a regular car stereo and put it in the case. I had to use a jig saw and do some beating to get it in there but I've been very pleased.

Yeah, I originally had a car stereo, it got wet, crapped out. So, I thought I'd try a marine stereo... it should be able to handle a little moisture right??? Nope. :mad: Next one will be a cheap car stereo/CD player.n (BTW, does that "EOD" in your name relate to some previous Navy duty? If so, I bet you've been down here before.)

[BriEOD]

Yes, EOD relates to military duty and I've been down to PC a few times.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal