Fusion Radio install on a 330

HMBJack · Oct 17, 2019

Looking for any tips or suggestions from someone who has been there, done that on a Fusion radio swap out.

I have a 2006 330 Express with the standard Kenwood satellite radio with the main head unit in the cabin above the flat panel TV and a small 3 or 4" remote pad to the left of the helm. It is wired to speakers forward in the cabin as well as above the helm area (all standard for that year).

After years of use, some of the buttons are acting up. Looking to remove and replace the head unit in the cabin and the remote pad by the helm - hopefully without having to pull wire...

Can I simply connect to the existing wiring harness in the boat now?

What Fusion Radio did you buy? I see a touch screen model is out now - not sure if that makes sense to buy.

Any other tips on the Kenwood to Fusion swap out?

Thank you in advance,
Jack

Sjoyce15 · Oct 17, 2019

I replaced the Kenwood radio on my 2004 282 sailfish earlier this summer and was able to use the very same harness for the radio, there was no need to rewire the speakers - so that part was an easy install. As the receiver i used was the Rockville RGHR2 Marine which is a "hole" type receiver I used a spare piece of starboard I had to mount it in the cabin - again this was simple. On the remote I did run a new wire through the hull, I could have spliced in the existing wire but it was easy enough to just run the new wire. I never liked the small buttons on the Kenwood as I was always hitting the wrong one - miserable unit that was designed for a car not a boat. I'm very happy to be rid of it, never used the CD player. The Rockville does everything I need and at $120 it is a lot cheaper than the Fusion and with Bluetooth I play a lot of podcast and music on my Iphone through it. Anyway, you should be able to use the existing wiring regardless of which way you go.

HMBJack · Oct 18, 2019

Thank you for this very much.

Nice to know there is another option than the $800 Fusion. I think I'll follow your path with the Rockville.

Sjoyce15 · Oct 18, 2019

Here's a few pictures of the Rockville installed in my 282. As you can see I previously had removed the microwave as I never used it, there was enough slack in the existing wiring harness that there was room to move the location a fair amount. If you needed to extend the wiring further (i did not need to) it is very easy to splice into the existing wires with some butt connectors.

TUNAHUNTER197 · Oct 18, 2019

Hey Jack..not sure if they make the radio anymore but I installed the Fusion RA205 in my 265 and it has works great. Simple and cheap. If you have a Sirius XM subscription don't forget to install the ACSVX300 connector and Galaxy SRA 50 antenna to stream your service. No need for the flashy touchscreen if you have the controller at the helm, plus saves a lot of money!

Lsquared · Oct 18, 2019

i did away with the radio. I have the Lowrance system so I got he sonic hub to network with the plotter. I control the radio right thru the plotter. Done with those face plates that get corroded then dont work. I had to re run speaker wire but...cost was $600

Fishtales · Oct 19, 2019

I'd like to do the Fusion but the price.... Everyone seems to really like them.

HMBJack · Oct 20, 2019

Upon further review, I think I'm back to the Fusion radio set up. I need a display of what Sirius channel I'm on at the helm, which the Rockville doesn't provide. All I really do is listen to Sirius and my son will play (country) music off his iPhone.

I will pay for the Fusion - just need to plan it out install wise. If anyone else has done this, please chime in. Thanks.

SCW · Oct 21, 2019

I just had a Fusion RA670 installed in my 2012 275 freedom. Love it! I did not do the install so I can't help with that but the equipment is great. I have 6 speakers in the boat. The head unit powers 4 and a small amp powers the 2 in the stern. The head unit went where the factory kenwood was. We removed the wired remote at the helm but connected the Fusion to my Garmin. (This is a slick set up.) We did replace the remote in the stern area with a fusion remote.

CharlesNit · Nov 16, 2019

@Sjoyce15 were you happy with your Kenwood? Would you recommend it?
Sorry for being off topic.

I'm in the process of upgrading my stock stereo and looking for a good one.

From my research Kenwood is a good option. But can't make up my mind. All the reviews I've read so far are hype garbage. Actually I've tracked down a site that tells it how it is. I was eyeing the Kenwood DDX9705S navi thanks to the review.

Can you tell me how bad the is the screen glare? What about the price is there enough value to justify it?

I'm open for suggestions

usmm1234 · Nov 20, 2019

I moved the stereo up to the hardtop and put a blue ray DVD player in the hole above the TV. I bought the top of the line Aquatic AV receiver on Amazon. Same quality as Fusion. Less money. I used the speaker wires in the Grady harness to power the anchor locker speakers. Ran new wires to the hardtop speakers. My picture shows the old stereo in the hardtop. I have since replaced it.

CEJ · Jan 2, 2020

Had a lot of radios over the years. Really all of them are good for 3 to 5 years. Currently fusion 600 with multiple remotes. The thing works fine but base unit display is dead. . I will operate it from remote until it dies.. likely next 12 months.

2 of 6 Kenwood 1653 speakers dead. $60 a pair on Amazon. So again not good for more than 5 years any of them. That’s why 1 or 2 year warranties even $500 speaker pairs....

PNW_Drifter · Jan 3, 2020

I agree with CEJ. Stereos don't last regardless of price you pay. I now buy cheap automotive decks and protect them from salt air as best as possible. Also I buy automotive amps but marine speakers for the plastic baskets. I have installed stereos in 4 different boats. I think vibration kills stereos and amps as well. Foam cushions helps them last a few extra years.

My stereo system improves every boat but I'm still on a budget. So far these are the best sounding speakers I've had: https://amzn.to/2ubwO1K

Polk Audio: https://amzn.to/2ubwO1K

Powered with 140w RMS from 4 channel amp.

usmm1234 · Jan 3, 2020

PNW_Drifter said:
I agree with CEJ. Stereos don't last regardless of price you pay. I now buy cheap automotive decks and protect them from salt air as best as possible. Also I buy automotive amps but marine speakers for the plastic baskets. I have installed stereos in 4 different boats. I think vibration kills stereos and amps as well. Foam cushions helps them last a few extra years.

My stereo system improves every boat but I'm still on a budget. So far these are the best sounding speakers I've had: https://amzn.to/2ubwO1K

Polk Audio: https://amzn.to/2ubwO1K
View attachment 10299

Powered with 140w RMS from 4 channel amp.

I just took the original Kenwood head unit out of my 2002 Grady White and it still works like new. Same goes for the speakers that were mounted in the cabin. The outside speakers were replaced by the last owner With cheap Boss speakers. I replaced everything with Aquatic AV equipment. They are the number 1 stereo for hot tubs, spas and Harley Davidson. We have had really good luck with them. Even in an aluminum duck hunting rig. They have waterproof amps that rock.

SmithAsani · Dec 31, 2020

Hi....Just introduced a Fusion RA-650 sound system on my Grady 330 Express. Supplanted 2 lodge and 2 steerage speakers with Fusion 200 watt speakers.

I intend to introduce speakers under gunwell so 3 zones and 6 speakers.

Question? Do I need intensifier and if so what number of channels? We generally seaward fish however I needed Bluetooth and the 2006 Kenwood didn't make any sense. I additionally needed better stable.

Any proposals would be valued. On the off chance that yes in speaker, where would it be a good idea for it to be set? Is there any approach to interface 6 speakers to existing Fusion?

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ocdansar · Jan 3, 2021

Here’s what I did on mine. Got a flat screen tv and moved it to the front wall of head. Got a fusion head unit with dvd for the tv. I ran nmea cable up to the backbone so I can control it from the garmins. I ran all new speaker wire and RGB for the speakers. Also ran av to the flat screen for the dvd. New amps speakers and base everything came out great.

Fishtales · Jan 3, 2021

HMBJack said:
Looking for any tips or suggestions from someone who has been there, done that on a Fusion radio swap out.

I have a 2006 330 Express with the standard Kenwood satellite radio with the main head unit in the cabin above the flat panel TV and a small 3 or 4" remote pad to the left of the helm. It is wired to speakers forward in the cabin as well as above the helm area (all standard for that year).

After years of use, some of the buttons are acting up. Looking to remove and replace the head unit in the cabin and the remote pad by the helm - hopefully without having to pull wire...

Can I simply connect to the existing wiring harness in the boat now?

What Fusion Radio did you buy? I see a touch screen model is out now - not sure if that makes sense to buy.

Any other tips on the Kenwood to Fusion swap out?

Thank you in advance,
Jack

I just did this. The Sirius antenna was different. The one I have has a connector for the Kenwood. I don't use, so didn't care. You would need to either get a Fusion connector model or splice a connector in to the antenna.
The connectors on the Fusion are different, but they provide pig tails so you just wire it in (use crimps, liquid plastic and tape on connection points). Very easy install.
I did the 650 black and white display. I changed out the 6" speakers in the helm with the Fusion 6" model, left the 4" Kenwoods down below. The Fusion speakers are superior and the cones on the Kenwoods were fraying - so good to do those speakers that are outside and see the elements.
The hardest part was fishing the wire from the helm to the head unit for the remote interface. I was able to do it with a fish tape and snake it through under the headliner. Take your time, it can be done. Took less than 3H to do the whole job. I really like the Fusion unit. I'm considering an amp and a 3rd set of speakers. The head unit has 2 channels for 4 speakers. If you want more than that, suggest you get an external amp. I'm thinking another set of 6" speakers where the cockpit lights are on the Marlin (GW installs there on the new boats) and moving the cockpit lights so I still have them. Highly recommend the unit from a environmental view. My Kenwood was inside the cabin and I could not believe the rust and tarnish on the metal and circuit board. Put in a Fusion and I think you'll be set for the life of the boat.

fsc60 · Jan 4, 2021

I have a 01 330, I just installed a Fusion MSRA770 head unit, replaced the 4 speakers with Fusion 6.5 200 watt speakers. I added 2 in the cockpit, right above the steps on each side. My combing pad covered an access hole that I enlarged to accept the speakers, I had the cushions shortened. All 6 speakers have covers on the back side of them to push the sound forward. This is exactly where Grady put them on the new boats. I also installed a 10" sub starboard side just behind the helm seat. The rear 4 speakers and sub are powered by a Diamond Audio Micro 5 channel amp (1100 watts) and the 2 in the V birth are powered by the head unit. I have to say it sounds awesome.

Here’s a couple of pics of the cockpit speaker and the sub woofer, the cushion use to make the turn and cover an access hole where the speaker is. Had my upholstery guy cut them short.

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blindmullet · Jan 5, 2021

I have a Fusion black box model connected to a JBL Marine amp out to some JL audio speakers. Also use the phone app and have 2 Bluetooth fusion remotes. I have one I connect when I’m out of the boat and in the water. Worked really nice on the sandbar.

GradyGuy3420 · Mar 10, 2021

ocdansar said:
Here’s what I did on mine. Got a flat screen tv and moved it to the front wall of head. Got a fusion head unit with dvd for the tv. I ran nmea cable up to the backbone so I can control it from the garmins. I ran all new speaker wire and RGB for the speakers. Also ran av to the flat screen for the dvd. New amps speakers and base everything came out great. View attachment 18120 View attachment 18121 View attachment 18122 View attachment 18123 View attachment 18123 View attachment 18124 View attachment 18124 View attachment 18125 View attachment 18125 View attachment 18130 View attachment 18131

Funny - we mounted a TV in the same spot and love it, too

Fusion Radio install on a 330

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