260 stereo and remote replacement 2000

[Rick1503]

Hi, I'm trying to install a new stereo in my 260 and I cannot figure out how to disassemble the cabinet that holds the stereo and the power panel. The stereo I purchased requires a slightly larger hole and the remote cable is different so I need to run the new cable to the helm. If anybody has removed this panel and cabinet I would appreciate any help you could provide. Pictures or video would be great. Sea Ray does a great job making their interior look clean but it sure is a pain to try and figure out how to disassemble it.
Thanks, Rick

 

[iamarookie]

Rick,

I just completed installing a new stereo and remote on my 260. The panel has four screws in the corners that you remove then the panel will pull out. You can then remove the old stereo bracket and cut the hole bigger with a small grinder. To run the cable I pulled out the storage/cup holder next to the helm. This gives you access to the side wall.

Mike

 

[Rick1503]

Mike, It sounds like you removed the power panel and made all your connections through that access hole, without removing the wooden panel that the radio is mounted to? I will try that this evening. Did you just wire tie the new remote cable to the old remote cable then pull the cable through at the helm?
Thanks, Rick

 

[iamarookie]

Rick,

I could not do that because the original is zip tied where I could not reach it. I went through the mid berth and ran the wire above the headliner. It was tough getting the wire under it but with a liitle force and a small pry bar I was able to stuff it in.

Mike

 

[Nehalennia]

Rick if you can take some pictures and post your project, I'll be watching. I have a 2000 260DA(FYI DA is for Sundance and SD is for Sundeck) as well and will be replacing the deck soon. I have completely taken the mid cabin apart (except the port side panel) when I installed hydronic heat. I'm curious where the existing cable runs from the deck to the helm.

What unit are you installing? Do you have the CD changer as well?

 

[iamarookie]

Todd,

I just installed the Clarion M309 with MW 1 remote. No cd changer for me as this model has the USB plug that is ipod ready. So I just let the USB plug hang in the closet.

How did you remove the walls in the mid cabin? Are they just held on with clips?

Mike

 

[Rick1503]

I bought the M309 and wired remote also. I was able to get the old stereo out but thats as far as i have gotten. The weather has been so nice I had to just let the stereo go for the weekend and get out on the water and enjoy it. I will jump back on it Monday evening.

 

[Rick1503]

Ok, the stereo is in and working except for the helm remote. I removed the four screws from the power panel and slid it out as far as the wires would allow, from that access hole I was able to remove the old stereo and install the new one. The new radio was slightly larger than the old one. I used a wood file to open it up just a little. I did get lucky with the existing wiring harness from my clarion M5675; it’s the same connector as the Clarion M309. Unplugged the connector from the old radio and plugged it into the new one, done. The remote is still a problem, I don’t feel comfortable removing the panels to access the wiring harness from the radio to the helm so I talked to a few people and I was referred to a guy who works specifically on Sea Ray interior. We are going to install the remote in a couple of weeks. I will take pictures and keep you posted.

 

[iamarookie]

Rick,

I installed a TV this past weekend and ran a cable line from the transom storage to the cabin. While completing this I re-ran the remote cable behind the mirror wall in the mid cabin into the engine compartment, through a hole were the waterlines are run, across the compartment then up the other side. I removed the cup holder and storage bin next to the helm and pulled it up from there. Then I removed the two screws on the hinged panel below the wheel and was able to reach down and pull the cable up. The cable on the remote hangs just low enough to make the connection without removing any other panels.

It was a pain but only took about one hour.

 

[Rick1503]

Thanks, I will give that a try.

 

[Nehalennia]

The panels are easy to remove. Keep a little bowl or jar handy to contain the fasteners. They are S.S. wood screws that have beige base caps that cover the screw heads.
Granted this is on the opposite side as where you need, but the port side I plan to remove when I am ready to replace the radio.

 

[camarodin]

Rick,

I installed a TV this past weekend and ran a cable line from the transom storage to the cabin. While completing this I re-ran the remote cable behind the mirror wall in the mid cabin into the engine compartment, through a hole were the waterlines are run, across the compartment then up the other side. I removed the cup holder and storage bin next to the helm and pulled it up from there. Then I removed the two screws on the hinged panel below the wheel and was able to reach down and pull the cable up. The cable on the remote hangs just low enough to make the connection without removing any other panels.

It was a pain but only took about one hour.

I am looking to install a TV in my 260 as well. Where and how did you mount the TV? I am looking for the best place and some ideas and how to do it. Thanks

 

[iamarookie]

I ran the cables behind the galley and plugged into the microwave outlet. Here are some pics.

 

[Nehalennia]

That looks pretty good for that tight space. What about installing an outlet next to the bracket and vent and then run the cable in the cabinet?

We have the same exact interior colors

 

[iamarookie]

That is my next project. I just needed to get it in for the three year old or I think the wife would have made me sell the boat.

 

[Nehalennia]

That is my next project. I just needed to get it in for the three year old or I think the wife would have made me sell the boat.

Yeah I have twin 8 year olds. We have survived without a larger TV. We've had a 7" portable DVD player and my laptop, but the twins typically are into their DSs now.