 Black Box Stereo Install with photos
I recently purchased a 1999 Hydra-Sports 22' Bay Sport and have upgraded all the electronics. Most recently, I purchased a JBL MBB218 stereo from BOE. It is a black box model that allows you to mount the completely waterproof head unit on your console on an open boat and safely mount the black box under the console out of the weather. I was very pleased with the service from BOE, the pricing was great, and the installation was very simple. I also put some Infinity 602M 2-way speakers on the console that replaced some rotten Dual speakers from years past. I haven't cranked it up loud yet because I live on a canal and like my neighbors. At reasonable volume, it sounds great, and I expect it to sound fine on the open water. I also mounted a Jenson J-port, which is a 1/8" aux input that allows me to hook up my Ipod directly to the JBL. It works great also. I've attached (hopefully) some photos.
The black box is mounted under the console, above my livewell. I reused one of the backrest bracket bolts and drilled three others. The cushion covers it completely. I through-bolted it with locknuts. The face of the unit is completely waterproof and it comes off for service. I guess you could remove it if you wanted to take it with you. I had to put a piece of starboard over the existing hole that the previous owner had put in for the older stereo. The head unit is also through-bolted with locknuts. You only have to drill the four holes for the head unit and one hole in the center for the control wire. The ipod is mounted in the console, speakers on the side.
I need to tie wrap a few of the wires to clean it up, but I'm very pleased with how easy the install was, how it turned out, and how it sounds! | 
