Need your help with Decision

[Mister Fister]

I recently replaced the factory head unit in my 2018 AR190. I wanted the ability to run a remote to the captain seat so I can control audio while driving. The 1st remote that I bought was one with a built in color screen but I didn't end up using that one as it was to big to fit under my Lowrance Ti2. I purchased the smaller (no screen) remote and that works fine. So here is my dilemma. Should I sell the other remote or should I mount it on the swim deck to use while in the water? It's too late for me to return it so I either sell it or use it. Problem is it requires I drill a 3" hole to mount it. I just keep thinking what if the remote dies and I cant find a replacement. I now have a 3" hole in the swim desk. What would y'all do?

 

[TimW451]

Tough call. If you didn't put it on the swim deck, what would be the alternative control to put there? If you have an alternative, what would the minimum be you'd accept to sell? Maybe try selling it and if you can't get that minimum then you know its a use it or store it scenario. With so many bluetooth/wireless options I too find it difficult to put a 3" hole in the swim platform. If you do put a hole in there, how likely are you to get rid of this radio? There are always JB Net stickers or a new table holder to mount!

 

[Mister Fister]

The problem I am running into is our popular spots on the lake have zero cell service so I cant easily stream music. Yeah, I can download it before hand but it alwasy sucks when I forgot to download it. Plus if I use my phone then the phone battery drains. What I do now is put a crap ton of songs on a USB drive and just let them cycle through. No more drained phone and no need for cell service. But the issue with that solution is now I can only control it from the boat.

 

[2kwik4u]

Couple ideas.

Is it a Fusion head unit? I hear there is a smartwatch app for those. Perhaps that could be your secondary point of control?

For me......I would 100% install the new remote at the swim platform. I have a second remote that I intend to install on the platform this spring. I'm running the stock head unit and already have one at the helm and that was a huge improvement in itself, the second on the swim platform is coming. If that rear control fails, just put a table mount, or something else where the hole was.

Also consider an alternative location for the helm mount. Here's where I put mine.

 

[Mister Fister]

It's a Rockford Fosgate head unit. PMX-5CAN

That is where I originally wanted to put the remote but the remotes are too big to fit were you mounted yours. That is why I mounted it under the Lowrance.

EDIT: I just went out and re-measured and I think I might have been able to get it to fit there. DAMNIT!

Oh well. Live and you learn.

 

[Mister Fister]

Update:

I decided to test the remote before I cut the hole in the deck and good thing I did because the remote would not respond. The screen worked but non of the buttons worked. I called Rockford Fosgate and they worked with me on a replacement. The turn around was super quick and they sent me a brand new remote. I test it and it worked perfectly so I proceeded with thew install. It turned out great and I am super excited to have FULL control of the head unit at the swim deck.