Radio replacement 2003 260da Sundancer - Guide? Advice?

I'd like to replace the radio in my '03 260da. It has the stock Clarion, and I'd like to replace it with something that's compatible with bluetooth.

Are there any guides to replacing the radio? Wiring schematics? Is this something a somewhat handy person can do on his own, or is it more involved? Is it difficult to replace the "puck" mounted in the dash?

Thanks in advance!

If all you want is Bluetooth, Fusion makes a Bluetooth adaptor that will plug into the aux in ports on the back of the radio. Easily the cheapest and easiest way to accomplish this. Mine works well.

https://www.fusionentertainment.com/marine/products/accessories/ms-bt100

My experience - the easiest way to manage replacing a head unit and remote is to get a unit that supports a wireless remote

But as mentioned above you can add bluetooth to just about any head unit these days. It can be pretty non-invasive...

KnivesAndShallots said:

I'd like to replace the radio in my '03 260da. It has the stock Clarion, and I'd like to replace it with something that's compatible with bluetooth.

Are there any guides to replacing the radio? Wiring schematics? Is this something a somewhat handy person can do on his own, or is it more involved? Is it difficult to replace the "puck" mounted in the dash?

Thanks in advance!

Click to expand...

More than likely the BT-100 will not work on your Clarion. The Clarion unit I had on my 2003 260DA did not have AUX inputs. To get around that I used a Bluetooth to RF interface called Tranzit Blu like this one from Amazon.

It was a quick fix to the problem. It plugs inline to the antenna and when the BT connects it cuts out the antenna. All you need to do is set a FM station on your presets that matches what you set the Tranzit Blu for (using their app) and change to it when you want to listen.

It was all installed behind the DC panel and power off the stereo breaker switch. It's not perfect but it worked well for the 260DA since the range was fine on the boat and I did not want to replace the entire stereo - I just wanted BT. Just try to get the unit mounted high for better antenna range.

There was also a "hack" out on the internet related to hi-jacking the AUX input from the CD changer. You had to make a special plug or cut into the existing to grab the audio. Then you could switch to CD to use AUX connections. I just choose the path of the Tranzit Blue.

-Kevin

A new head unit is a pretty good upgrade, and easy to do. For the most part, if going right back were it came from, its just a matter of getting a good crimper and some good butt connectors, then splicing it into the existing wiring. Maybe an hour job. If you go the Crutchfield, they have marine head units from $70-$700, so pretty easy to get something in your budget, the the customer service and tech support is the best. Most people have gone to Fusion marine, and they will have a drop in replacement. They also have little puck remotes for $50 and likely will cover the clarion hole.

Not sure about your system, but my stock amplifiers were failing causing noise in the system, so an amp might be required now of in the near future. These too are pretty much plug and play.

I just installed the Fusion RA70-NSX in my 330DA. Just had to use some butt connectors and it fired right up. I also installed some Fusion wireless remotes and set them to cabin and cockpit zones.

Huge improvement and easy install. Also has NMEA2K capability if I want to add that later.

If you’re still looking to upgrade I am selling a Clarion CMD8 head unit, amp and Infinity 612M speakers. Bought these components and sold the boat. They’re listed in the forum. PM me if interested.