How to Install a Sony Xplod Radio in a Pontoon Boat

Installing a Sony Xplod marine radio in a boat looks more complicated on paper than it does when you do the work. The radio's installation is as straightforward as installing an Xplod automotive radio, with the exception of removing the radio's waterproof, drop-down faceplate. The electrical connections that provide power to the radio and illumination for night operation are through a harness, as is the ground -- the only three connections to your boat -- that plugs into the back of the radio.

Things You'll Need

  • Jigsaw
  • Flat-head screwdriver
  • Ballpoint pen
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the width and thickness of the body of the radio. Cut a rectangular opening in the control panel where you wish to install the radio, using a jigsaw.

    • 2

      Turn the boat's ignition off and remove the keys. Remove both battery cables from the battery posts, taking care to remove the negative cable before the positive cable.

    • 3

      Stand the radio, which was shipped in its protection bracket, face up on a flat surface. Pinch the edges of the protection collar and remove the radio.

    • 4

      Insert the release keys, which are provided with the radio, between the radio and the mounting bracket so that the keys click into place. Pull down on the protection bracket and pull the radio up to remove it from the bracket. Leave the keys in position.

    • 5

      Press and hold the button marked "Source/Off," then press the "Open" button on the front of the radio. Slide the front panel of the radio to the right and pull the panel's left end outward to remove it.

    • 6

      Bend the cutout claw tabs on the top and bottom of the bracket inward toward the radio, using a flat-head screwdriver, so they will secure the radio in the bracket. Install the bracket in the opening and secure the metal strap to the rear of the bracket with the screw provided.

    • 7

      Plug the boat AM/FM antenna's screw-in connector to the connection on the rear of the unit. Plug the amplifier wires into the marked panel above the antenna connection.

    • 8

      Solder the red power wire and the yellow power illumination wire on the power plug to the "B" lug on the back of the key switch cylinder, using silver-bearing rosin-core solder and a soldering iron. Solder the black ground wire to the "G" lug. Cover the soldered joints with a polyurethane insulation spray. Press the power plug into the square plug on the back of the radio. Press the marked reset button on the rear of the radio with the tip of a ballpoint pen.

    • 9

      Lift the radio by the release keys and push the radio into the bracket. The claws on the bracket should snap and hold the radio in position. Connect the RCA wires to the amplifier, to which the speakers are already connected. Remove the release keys. Reattach the front panel of the radio.