Marine Stereo: No Sound – Issues and Solutions
There are few things more frustrating than purchasing your pontoon boat, installing a host of accessories designed to entertain your guests, organizing a get-together and then realizing that the boat speakers are emitting no sound. If you’ve found yourself in this position at some point, or are currently struggling with this situation, then rest assured that you’re not alone. Due to the nature of boating equipment, and the complex set of instructions supplied with most products, it’s not unusual for boat owners to find themselves at an impasse with their stereo. Below, we outline a list of potential problems that could be causing a lack of sound from your stereo, as well as a series of solutions for you to attempt in the interest of resolving them.
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Check Your Amplifier Fuse
Marine stereos don’t differ too widely from conventional stereos, and both varieties rely on various fuses located at the back of both the radio and amplifiers. If you’re stereo isn’t working, you should check the back of the radio for any potential issues with the fuses, and you should pay special attention to your amplifier fuse as well. If you spot any breakages, then this is a clear indication of the problem, and an issue that needs to be addressed by a professional.
Check for Lights
If you’re amplifier isn’t lighting up, particularly when you turn it on, then the issue may in fact be related to your power source. You should either look to change the battery on your amp, if it’s battery powered, or address the main source of energy used to power your stereo—as a lack of lighting shows a lack of energy being supplied to your stereo.
Ensure Your Stereo is Wired Correctly
Wiring stereos is a tricky task, and doing so on a boat complicates the situation that much more. Therefore, if your stereo isn’t emitting any sound, you should ensure that it is correctly installed. Often, marine stereos use a separate fuse for the amplifier, and if you haven’t spotted or installed this fuse—then you may have misassembled your stereo. Most marine stereos are retailed alongside a comprehensive fuse guide. While this diagram is usually difficult to decipher, there is plenty of assistance online, with various people posting simplified versions of fuse maps.
In terms of wiring, you should also ensure that you are supplying your stereo with sufficient energy, thereby allowing it to actually function as it should. You can test the power source with other forms of electronics to determine whether energy is actually being supplied to your stereo— although as discussed above, the easiest way to judge this is by observing whether the lights turn on when the stereo is switched on.
Check for Waterproofing
Depending on the make and model of your stereo, you may have purchased a product that isn’t sufficiently insulated and protected from water or spray. Therefore, if your stereo isn’t emitting sound, you should check to ensure that the wiring isn’t damaged from water exposure. Any water damage should be relatively easy to spot, as the wires will have a ‘fried’ appearance, and may show signs of rust. If this is the case, then you should discontinue using your stereo, as there is a serious risk of danger and electrocution. You should also seek to return your product and, if possible, be refunded by the company in question.
Check for Warranty
Most marine stereos are retailed with some form of manufacturer’s warranty, usually covering any malfunction or damage to the product that wasn’t caused by the user, and that the company is liable for. The issues listed above are common problems, and are relatively easy to resolve if you spot them, particularly if you can identify them clearly and quickly. However, if your setup appears to be correct, and your power source is functioning effectively with other electronics on your boat—then the problem may be internal and therefore unresolvable. In this instance, you should check for a warranty, and contact the retailer directly for instructions on returns and exchanges. While this is ideally a last resort, it’s definitely one you should opt for if you are unable to fix the problem yourself.
Marine Stereo Problems: In Conclusion
As a disclaimer, it’s important that you seek the assistance of someone more qualified if you find yourself at a total loss with your marine stereo. Those well versed in wiring boats may be able to quickly assess and resolve the issue, whereas you tampering with wiring could prove detrimental in the longterm. However, if you feel confident in your ability to assess and understand a marine stereo problem, then the above issues are a few of many problems that you should look for when attempting to fix your stereo. They are, for the most part, common and relatively straight forward issues to fix—allowing you to continue entertaining on your boat as quickly and conveniently as possible.
