|
|
Post by timp4411 on May 5, 2021 12:44:29 GMT -5
Hi All.
I have a 2006 3860 and have been thinking of replacing the original Cockpit Kenwood Stereo system with a Fusion or similar.
Has anyone done this upgrade?
One of the problems is that the 3860 has a remote control in the middle of the steering wheel.
Nothing that I know of exists that can replace that, or even if the little button in the middle of the wheel can be replaced, it has been discontinued for a while.
There is also a remote control at the stern located right at the swim platform access door.
Not the most important project to get done, but it is something I would like to do it sooner rather than later.
Thanks for any input.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mypleasure on May 5, 2021 12:59:43 GMT -5
I'm pretty sure Rich has done it...give him a jab...I think his is a 2005 model
|
|
|
|
Post by timp4411 on May 5, 2021 15:58:09 GMT -5
I'm pretty sure Rich has done it...give him a jab...I think his is a 2005 model Thanks... I will ! |
|
|
|
Post by gofast24 on May 6, 2021 10:28:33 GMT -5
I'm pretty sure Rich has done it...give him a jab...I think his is a 2005 model Thanks... I will ! We removed old Kenwood unit thing  Installed a Fusion head unit, 2X JL Audio amps (one sub, one 6X bridge deck speakers) blue tooth to Fusion from phone, streams via blue tooth and full control of all audio functions. Don't need any steering wheel controls or any of the old remote broken / corroded touch pads anymore. Can walk down dock 50' and still maintain full control of head unit. Audio fine! |
|
|
|
Post by faverod on May 6, 2021 12:15:48 GMT -5
We did the same minus the amps. The Fusion radios do sound good. Also we replaced all our cockipit speakers due to the old Kenwood cones starting to come apart.
|
|
|
|
Post by timp4411 on May 12, 2021 12:30:36 GMT -5
So what did you all do about the little steering wheel remote? Just leave it in place? Mine has a small piece broken off. IT looks like someone may have tried to remove it to check the connections or replace the battery and broke it. I'd like to replace it with something... but haven't seen anything available.
And did you do anything with the remote located at the swim platform. (If you have one there.)
|
|
|
|
Post by Rich on May 13, 2021 9:15:07 GMT -5
Just to give the same info here in case anyone is wondering, this is what I sent to Tim via PM:
I replaced mine with a Kenwood head unit. At the time I did this because my remotes at my helm and swim platform were still functional so I thought I'd save some money by using the original remotes and make the job easier by not needing to run new wiring.
A couple years later the original remotes started showing their age by having the rubber buttons wear out. So I ended up replacing them with Kenwood marine remotes. The one at the swim platform was easy and used the same wires. For the helm unit, I went with their fancier remote that had full display and controls, so I had to run a new cable to the head unit. It was an easy job.
I did replace speakers over time, added two more and also added a custom built ported sub-woofer, plus a nice amplifier to drive it all. It sounds nice now.
At the time. the cost to update to the Fusion head and two remotes seemed very expensive.
I'll add that my boat didn't have the steering wheel remote, but I had a dash mounted remote.
|
|
|
|
Post by timp4411 on May 13, 2021 11:53:48 GMT -5
Thanks again Rich.
My 3860 has the steering wheel remote(s), which makes physically replacing it impossible, since they are no longer available.
I can leave them in place, but as I mentioned, the little center button is chipped/broken and I'd like to find something to stick in the center hole of the steering wheel.
I'll keep looking.......
|
|
|
|
Post by Rich on May 14, 2021 5:16:05 GMT -5
I'm sure you can find a replacement center cover, or just replace the wheel. Forget the wheel remote functions. Here are the controls I added at the helm and the stern.   |
|
|
|
Post by gofast24 on May 15, 2021 11:30:02 GMT -5
So what did you all do about the little steering wheel remote? Just leave it in place? Mine has a small piece broken off. IT looks like someone may have tried to remove it to check the connections or replace the battery and broke it. I'd like to replace it with something... but haven't seen anything available.
And did you do anything with the remote located at the swim platform. (If you have one there.)
Remove/dump all of that stuff. Get Fusion with Blue tooth control to smart phone ? Think most folks streaming music anyway , we do? |
|
|
|
Post by timp4411 on May 16, 2021 12:02:40 GMT -5
I'm sure you can find a replacement center cover, or just replace the wheel. Forget the wheel remote functions. Here are the controls I added at the helm and the stern. View AttachmentView Attachment Looks Good... Thanks ! |
|
|
|
Post by timp4411 on May 16, 2021 12:04:00 GMT -5
I'm sure you can find a replacement center cover, or just replace the wheel. Forget the wheel remote functions. Here are the controls I added at the helm and the stern. View AttachmentView Attachment Looks Good... Thanks ! Yes... I"ll prolly just take it all out and start with all new.
I am leaning towards the Fusion stuff.
Its more expensive, but seems everyone loves it.
Thanks.....
|
|
|
|
Post by yakker57 on Jan 31, 2024 18:04:49 GMT -5
we did the same switch and bought waterproof puck remotes for our fusion. Around $80-100 cdn. easy to sync with the head unit.
|
|
Installed a Fusion head unit, 2X JL Audio amps (one sub, one 6X bridge deck speakers) blue tooth to Fusion from phone, streams via blue tooth and full control of all audio functions. Don't need any steering wheel controls or any of the old remote broken / corroded touch pads anymore. Can walk down dock 50' and still maintain full control of head unit. Audio fine!
