How to Install a Bluetooth-capable Stereo System on Your Boat?

Camilo Jaime • July 19, 2022

If you're a sailor who's tired of listening to the sound of waves crashing on the shore, it might be time to invest in a Bluetooth-capable stereo system for your boat. By having this, you can have a great time on your boat. A Bluetooth stereo system will allow you to listen to music wirelessly from any device with Bluetooth capabilities.

 

We will show you how to install a Bluetooth-capable stereo system on your boat in this article. There are many brands available in the market for different types of systems. You can choose a boat stereo system with subwoofer or AM FM Bluetooth speaker, depending on your boat type and requirements.

 

We will be installing Clarion CMS4, so follow this step-by-step guide, and in no time, you'll be rocking out at the helm of your own boat!

Step #1: Install separate Blue seas system

The old electric panels can’t be used to install Bluetooth marine speakers as they are not compatible with modern stereo systems. So, you should install an individual blue seas system 6-circuit fuse block. It is crucial to supply the power from the boat battery to the amplifier and black box.

Step #2: Double insulation of wires

Most of the cable runs were mostly Anchor double-insulated 14-2 marine grade wire that is not covered properly. For that purpose, you can use the fish tape to pull cable for double insulation. You can further use terminals and waterproof connectors to provide it a finishing look.

Step #3: Use electrical tape for complex cables

In order to facilitate the complex wires, you can use electrical tape to fasten the screw-on nozzle temporarily. You can use from silicone tube to the end of fish tape. This amazing technique will help you pull the long and multiple cables in the small holes or surfaces.

Step #4: Cut speaker openings

You can use hole saws in order to cut down the speaker openings if they are big enough to install a Bluetooth boat stereo system. For better results, you can use Rotozip, a tool that offers the saw and drilling functions in one. In this way, you can control the cut depth as the big hole saws are avoided. Here is a complete guide to Boat Subwoofer installation 2021

Step #5: Mount Bluetooth stereo system for boat

You can use the Clarion Bluetooth marine sound system and mount them in the wooden box. To install it, you can use wooden boat building techniques. The best thing is that Clarion products come with manuals and templates, so you can easily use them.

 

In case you are using CMS4, it is compatible with smartphones only. However, its head is impervious to UV rays, vibration, and seawater. You can dim the knobs and backlit buttons. Just add the rear-facing camera to check and hear the movements while facing down via LCD.

Play music with Bluetooth speaker with AM FM radio

To play music on Bluetooth with AM FM radio, follow these steps:

 

1- Download the app, TuneLink auto here. (available for both Android and iOS)

2- Pair your smartphone with a Tunelink Device. When the light glows, it means it is ON and working.

3- Now pair the TuneLink with your smartphone Bluetooth.

4- Turn on and scan to find the Tunelink device.

5- Now, select the station to transmit audio and play music on your boat.

6- Open the app as it will find the best FM channels using GPS.

7- Select the station you want from the list and the same corresponding station.

8- Now you are all set to play music and enjoy it straight on your marine stereo system.

FAQ

  • Q: How to add Bluetooth to the stereo system?

    Connect the Bluetooth receiver to your marine Bluetooth stereo speakers. Turn on the Bluetooth receiver and set it up with a device from afar using an application like "Bose Connect" or "Nokia Music." Play around with settings to find out what works best for you!

     

    You can also use an AUX cable. This will provide the most seamless experience since you can match your stereo with a Marine Audio Wire. A Bluetooth module requires additional setup time and doesn't always work well for smaller boats due to interference from waves. A Bluetooth module has a range of about 10-20 feet, so it won't work in a moving boat unless it's directly linked to where one person is sitting or standing at all times (i.e., controlling music on the phone from their seat).

  • Q: Are Bluetooth speakers mono or stereo?

    The answer is that it depends on the number of speakers in each unit. It might be mono, stereo or even surround sound. For the most part, where high quality is desired, you would likely find either 2 speakers with shared volume control (stereo) or 5 dual-facing speakers surround sound for richer detail in music and more realistic soundscape while watching movies. If size and portability are key, then 1 speaker with wireless connectivity could suffice, possibly mono or stereo outputs, depending on the manufacturer's decision process for desktop vs. portable use cases.

  • Q: How do I connect Bluetooth speakers to my stereo receiver?

    Plug the cable from the Bluetooth adapter into one of the "analog" inputs on your receiver. Of course, there may be other connections needed than just these. Get a Google Image Search for your specific model of the receiver to figure out what needs to be connected in addition to Bluetooth adapter (or if it has an AMP and requires power)

     

    The wire should connect right up to your RCA cables if you have a stereo receiver. If it doesn't fit, try attaching two male-to-male audio cables around 3 feet in length.

  • Q: How to make old stereo speakers Bluetooth?

    To make old stereo speakers Bluetooth, you'll need a Bluetooth transmitter. Plug in the transmitter and start playing music through your phone or any other sound-producing device (computer, mp3 player). Hold down the button on your speaker for 10 seconds and release.

     

    The speakers will start emitting an audible beep to indicate that they've started pairing. Just press the pairing button once more to stop it from beeping and take your phone off of Bluetooth mode (or turn it off) to make them regular speakers again.

  • Q: What are some of the best boat stereo systems?

    Some of the best boat stereo brands are:

     

    1- JBL

    2- JL

    3- Sony

    4- Clarion

    5- Fusion

Final Words!

Installing a Bluetooth-capable system is not as simple as it sounds. However, you can try installing a Bluetooth boat stereo system by following the steps mentioned above. Start with understanding your boat and the system you are installing. You can also hire the Marine tech Miami installation services to install a blue-tooth stereo in your marine boat.

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