Someone on Yahoo Group's World-Cruising mailing-list asked whether it is really necessary to have a 'marine grade' car stereo. Here are some of the replies to that question.
S/V Aquarius says: "we have a 40 footer that we cruise 24/7. Bought a Pioneer car stereo (XM ready) from Crutchfield with no external or added amp (draws too much power). Have ADS bookshelf speakers (great sound) that have been on board 15 years and still going strong...five years on another boat before that."
David B adds to that: "the real problem is with speakers. It's worth getting some marinized speakers (if you're putting speakers in the cockpit)....and to install them so you can screw in a deckplate or cover when the spray starts to fly, not to mention getting pooped or something. Speaker holes are very big and can let in a lot of water!"
And, again, Mike from S/V Aquarius sums it up: "in my estimation, marine stereos for cruisers are either overkill or a marketing triumph over technology!"
Oh, and Bryan Genez makes a comment that I have seen many times before: "FWIW, I installed a new stereo last year because I wanted satellite radio capability. I've since subscribed to Sirius, and am delighted. Almost completely eliminates the need for CDs."
Although intended for use in the shower, I'm sure you'll have fun with it while sailing as well...
"These portable speakers by JVC are safe to take with you in the shower. So load it up with your favorite karaoke tunes (on MiniDisk) and sing away as you soap. It comes in three pastel colors and will be available in Japan on June 1st. Also comes with a pocket-sized remote controller."
May be not as submersive as the two MP3 players I wrote about last week, but since many of you surely will have an iPod, this is the way to make sure you can use it while on (or accidentally in) the water.
"Despite the separation anxiety it might cause, you really DON'T have to take your iPod with you everywhere. Though if the pain is really too much to face, there's a new waterproof hard shell case called the Lilipod that'll supposedly keep your iPod safe no matter where you go or what you do, and even float if you drop it into the water while you're parasailing or whatever it is people do these days."
Engadget reports on the not particularly cheap, but very convenient MP3 player for listening to music on boats. Never mind the weather, or the water for that matter, since the device is submersive as well.
"The Oceanic DV-64 can be submerged to depth of 200 meters, but getting your MP3 while undersea will cost you, this baby retails for $399, or as much as a 20GB iPod."
Engadget's Peter Rojas found an even better submersive MP3 player, both in terms of cost and memory...
"That MP3 player for scuba divers we mentioned yesterday isn�t your only option for getting your MP3 on while underwater. There�s also the SWIMMAN, a waterproof player that has twice as much memory as the Oceanic DV-64 (i.e. 128MB vs 64MB) and costs $150 less."
An LCD display with built-in PC, without being able to see it. Great for space restricted environments like a saloon or cabin. Guess it won't be long before we see a rugged version of this one.
"TrustedReviews gets a glimpse of Elonex's prototype 32-inch LCD Media Center PC at the Ideal Home Show in London. The Elonex Media Center, which has the depth of a typical flat-screen TV, features a full-sized motherboard, 3.5-inch hard drive, integrated Wi-Fi and Ethernet, and two built-in side speakers. The device can also be wall mounted for optimal Feng Shui living space and placement."
I was reading an old article in Boating Magazine which had a quote that I could relate to... "It's the end of an idyllic day. Your engine is burbling through the no-wake zone, water's chuckling against the hull. The sunset is molten gold. It's perfection, and yet.... you can't place it, but something is missing. A something to make this moment last forever. You know, like a scene from a movie. I'll tell you what's missing, a soundtrack." At the same time I received a press release on a new pair of marine speakers from JBL, JBL MS920, so I thought I'd better post about it.
"The MS920 can handle up to 300 watts and has a frequency response of 50Hz to 21kHz, which allows loud, clear sound to be produced across a broad range of frequencies. The alignment of the 1-3/8" balanced-dome tweeter directly over the polypropylene woofer adds to the exceptional sound quality. The water- and UV-resistant speaker has a cutout diameter of 6" x 8- 13/16" with a mounting depth of 3-1/8". It is available in white, and the included stainless steel mounting hardware allows for personal or dealer installation."
Nowadays wireless LCD TVs still have a few disadvantages, but on a boat they could provide more flexibility when it comes to entertainment. Plug all your video sources (DVD, STB, aerial) in the base station, and use your wireless display everywhere. Its range of 50ft should be perfect for on board viewing, wether on deck or in a cabin. Let's just hope battery live will improve rapidly.
"When the signal is solid, the picture is terrific, with a wide viewing angle, high contrast and defined images characteristic of Sharp's outstanding approach to LCD (viewing on the sun deck at high noon isn't recommended, though). The issue is whether cable-free living and potentially dicey performance is worth twice the price of a wired 15-inch LCD TV."
Arriva's Wrap-Radio looks a bit weird, but I guess it's a better, and more waterproof, solution than the CapRadio I wrote about before.
"No exposed wires increase durability. Flexibility allows for abusive use and storage without adverse damage. Best of all, the weave design fits any size head comfortably and securely. The "WRAP-RADIO" will NOT fall off. The design accommodates different "ear buds" and color specifications per your requirements. The headset can even be waterproof and is designed for use with a Cassette, CD or MP3 player when used with the stereo cord."
If real offshore sailing is not your thing, than satellite radio should be a consideration for on-board entertainment. Prospec has introduced a new Sirius-ready radio.
"Extending the range of its receivers, Prospec Electronics will be offering Sirius-ready JBL radios to OEMs for the 2005 model year. Boaters won't believe their ears as crystal clear, commercial-free streaming satellite radio pours out of the speakers wherever the tide takes them. Sirius, headquartered in New York, offers over 100 streams of digital quality radio transmitted across the continental US from three high-tech satellites. Along with offering a full spectrum of music genres, users can also listen to popular news, entertainment and sports channels."
Definitely not the most inspiring gadget I have ever seen, but at a price of $20 I'm sure there are people that will see this 'very mobile radio' device and conclude that this is exactly what they were looking for....
"Smaller than the size of your palm, the CapRadio fits on the back of your cap, on your shoulder or on the collar of your shirt. The reception is about the same as any Walkman - obviously don't take it for lengthy offshore trips - but at the dock or floating around the bay you should be fine. When you walk, it doesn't jostle, and the tight-fit clip keeps it nice and snug up against your hat."
Someone on Yahoo Group's World-Cruising mailing-list asked whether it is really necessary to have a 'marine grade' car stereo. Here are some of the replies to that question. 
David B adds to that: "the real problem is with speakers. It's worth getting some marinized speakers (if you're putting speakers in the cockpit)....and to install them so you can screw in a deckplate or cover when the spray starts to fly, not to mention getting pooped or something. Speaker holes are very big and can let in a lot of water!"
Although 
An LCD display with built-in PC, without being able to see it. Great for space restricted environments like a saloon or cabin. Guess it won't be long before we see a rugged version of 
I was reading an old 
Arriva's Wrap-Radio looks a bit weird, but I guess it's a better, and more waterproof, 
If real offshore sailing is not your thing, than satellite radio should be a 
Definitely not the most inspiring gadget I have ever seen, but at a price of $20 I'm sure there are people that will see this 'very mobile radio' device and