Adding Bluetooth to Clarion

[Jason05216]

I've got a 2014 350 CBR with the Clarion CMD8 head unit. I want to add a bluetooth adapter to the unit. I tried taking the screws from the front and pulling the unit out in order to gain access to the aux rca inputs but the unit would not come all the way out. It felt like the wiring was holding it from coming all the way out. I didn't want to yank anything loose so I didn't force the issue. Is there an easy way to gain access to the back of the unit without removing it?

 

[jlanka]

I've got a 2014 350 CBR with the Clarion CMD8 head unit. I want to add a bluetooth adapter to the unit. I tried taking the screws from the front and pulling the unit out in order to gain access to the aux rca inputs but the unit would not come all the way out. It felt like the wiring was holding it from coming all the way out. I didn't want to yank anything loose so I didn't force the issue. Is there an easy way to gain access to the back of the unit without removing it?

I'm shocked that a 2014 vintage boat does not have bluetooth. Anyway can you post some pics? Maybe you need to get in there from a different entry and cut some zip ties?

 

[toofast]

Yeah I just did a quick Google on the specs and it does not have Bluetooth.... formula is not known for putting cutting-edge audio on their boats

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[Jason05216]

I was surprised too. Adding the bluetooth is going to be easy once I get access to the back of the unit. I've got the Exile bluetooth adapter. I used their stuff on our wakeboard boat and really like it. I'll post some pics but it'll be this weekend before I get back to the boat.

 

[FastMarkA]

So I have a 2017 350CBR...with Bluetooth. Like others, I'm shocked a 2014 doesn't have it...but I looked up the model number as well. Incredible such a museum piece was installed in 2014.

Now that I have that out of the way, there are a few options:

I had one of these on my SR 300 and it worked like a champ, and no removal of the CMD8 would be required. In the cabinet under the head unit on the 350 CBR, there is a USB port (and a smartphone holder; I cannot remember if there is also an aux input). Also, at the top of this cabinet, I seem to recall seeing some screws that might let you remove that panel to gain access to the rear of the CMD8. It's going to require some major human body contortion to see what's going on in there, but it's a boat...nothing is easy.

I have to think the unit it held into place with something more than wires.

 

[jlanka]

I replace my Kenwood head unit on my 2008 with a Fusion and am very happy with it. Very easy replacement as well.

 

[Jason05216]

So I have a 2017 350CBR...with Bluetooth. Like others, I'm shocked a 2014 doesn't have it...but I looked up the model number as well. Incredible such a museum piece was installed in 2014.

Now that I have that out of the way, there are a few options:

I had one of these on my SR 300 and it worked like a champ, and no removal of the CMD8 would be required. In the cabinet under the head unit on the 350 CBR, there is a USB port (and a smartphone holder; I cannot remember if there is also an aux input). Also, at the top of this cabinet, I seem to recall seeing some screws that might let you remove that panel to gain access to the rear of the CMD8. It's going to require some major human body contortion to see what's going on in there, but it's a boat...nothing is easy.

I have to think the unit it held into place with something more than wires.

Thanks for the link. I'll pick up one of the and give it a go. There is an AUX input at the helm so that should work. I've been using the USB port which works fine but the phone is in the cabin and while you can change songs in a playlist you can't change playlists without going to the phone and doing it.

Mine doesn't have screws in the top panel in the compartment below the head unit.

 

[Jason05216]

I replace my Kenwood head unit on my 2008 with a Fusion and am very happy with it. Very easy replacement as well.

I have a Fusion on my wakeboard boat and it works fine.

 

[FastMarkA]

Thanks for the link. I'll pick up one of the and give it a go. There is an AUX input at the helm so that should work. I've been using the USB port which works fine but the phone is in the cabin and while you can change songs in a playlist you can't change playlists without going to the phone and doing it.

Mine doesn't have screws in the top panel in the compartment below the head unit.

For $19 or whatever, it's worth a shot. (Also, mine charged via USB, so you can use one of those ports at the helm for charging when it's needed.)

I don't know why Formula installs Clarion when, I think, Fusion is the better product and there's Fusion/Raymarine integration (which is the primary brand of GPS/Radar equipment that Formula installs).

Lastly, you probably can access the head unit by unscrewing the AC/DC panels...but again, how you'd see the back of the stereo would be nothing short of a miracle.

 

[Unforgettable]

I have an 07 31 PC which certainly does not have Bluetooth. I picked up one of the $19-type 3.5mm pin devises that plugs into the 3.5mm jack @ the helm, turn the Radio onto "AUX" and aweigh you go. Works like a charm not to mention that once charged, the devise is good for 300-hours..... All Good IMHO!