8 replies to this topic

[Kev077]

Wanting to swap out my m255 receiver in my 06 speedster with an m455 so I can install a couple of remotes. I am putting on by the driver, and one by the swim platform. My question is, what is the best way to drill through the fiberglass. Didn't know whether to use a standard hole saw bit, or something else to keep the fiberglass from chipping. I saw in the gallery someone installed a clarion remote in front of the throttles, but don't know what he used to drill it. Thanks for any help.

[Kev077]

Found a good deal at HookedOnTronics.com. They had a great price for a brand new m455 and for the remotes as well. Just worried about drilling the hole. Hope you guys can help.

[tda3]

Hey Kev -

First, if you're talking about the CMRC2 remote, your M255 will accept it. Did you know that or were you just wanting the other features of the M455? BTW, I replaced my old hunk-o-junk radio in my 2003 Speedster with a M255 last year along with some Infinity marine speakers that were on closeout sale at Boater's World. Man, what a difference it made. Anyhow.............

In short, yes - a standard holesaw will work. I'd try to find one with fine teeth (i.e. more number of teeth per inch) and you can get those things at Ace or Home Depot, Sears, etc. The finer teeth will minimize the gelcoat chipping. Another trick is to place some heavy masking tape over the area that will be cut out. Sometimes that will keep the gelcoat from chipping. Good luck and please, please, please.......post some pics of your installation.

Tom

[Kev077]

The m255 does not have the DIN plug on the back of the radio. The m455 and there higher models are the only ones that do. There was not a plug on the back of my stereo. I called Clarion, and had the guy at Boatersworld look at the back of the radio and they both told me that it didn't have the plug. The installation instructions with the m255 shows the DIN plug on models 335 which is discontinued and higher. I was hoping it would work, but guess not. I found a great deal at hookedontronics.com. They have the m455 for 134.00 new. Boatersworld and other electronic shops around here want 199.00. I will definitely get some pics, once I gather all the money to do this.

I just hate cutting into my boat. Thanks for the advice.

[Kev077]

Where do you live tom. Anywhere close to Charlotte. Would love some help with the install.

[tda3]

Where do you live tom. Anywhere close to Charlotte. Would love some help with the install.

Hmmmmm......interesting about the remote. Sounds like you did your homework, so that must be the case. I was just going on what I read in the Boater's World catalog. Guess they have it wrong.

And yes - that's an awesome price for the M455. When I looked it up in the BW catalog and saw what they sold it for I was like - WOW! I paid more for my M255 than you paid for the M455. See???? Deals like that never happed to me.

I live outside of Savannah, GA. Wish I was close by, I'd love to give you a hand. That way I could learn what and what not to do before trying a remote install on my boat!

Right now I'm just trying to figure out the damn ignition switch wiring. When I bought the boat, the former owner only had one key and I've been paranoid ever since 'cause if I loose the key I'm hosed. I tried getting another key made, but no one makes key blanks for marine ignition keys. So, I've decided to just replace the whole thing. Anyhow.....enough of my woes.

Good luck with the install.

Tom

[Kev077]

The boaters world catalog had me fooled too. That is what I looked at first. Then I looked at the installation guide and it showed the DIN cord but only for the 335 and up. I called clarion and boatersworld and they looked on the back of the units and said the catalog must be a mistake. What kind of boat do you have? My friend has some land in Eberton GA, that is on Lake Russell. I have ridden through the Lake Russell State Park and it looks nice. I have never boated on that lake but my friend has. Hopefully I can save a little money and order the head units and remotes. I also want a depthfinder and another towable also. Thanks for the info and help. Maybe see ya soon.

[tda3]

Yeah - last night I looked at my installation instructions and it's like you said - they show the DIN cord but note that it is for the M355. My curiousity got the best of me so I went the boat and looked and sure 'nuf - there's no DIN connector. Guess that means if I want a remote, I'll have to get the M455. I'd sure love to have a remote back near the swim platform. As it is now, my "remote" is asking the wife to climb back in the boat and change the channel!

Never been on Lake Russell or Sinclair (two of the three Corps of Engineer lakes formed from the Savannah River) but have boated for many years on Clarks Hill Lake - aka Lake Thurmond.

Oh, and my boat is a 2002 Speedster 160.

You know......there's quite a few of us on this forum that live in the Southeast. And Kevin LeClair talked about an owners' get together last year, but I think we tried to get it going too late. I'd still be up for get togther.

Tom

[Yuji]

When you do go to drill the hole, start the drill in reverse and let the hole saw slowly cut thru the gelcoat. This way it won't walk on you, then you can put in foward and cut thru the remaining fiberglass. I've decided to go with the Sony head unit and wired remotes on my boat as I plan on getting XM satellite. I'm also going to replace the stock clarion spkrs with some 6.5" Polk Audio units.

Here's some pics