Can I replace my Clarion head unit with WS 420 SQ?

I just recently purchased a 2014 MB B52, and ordered a Wetsounds 420 SQ. I have been trying to decide where to mount it, then noticed that it is about the same size as my head unit. Does anyone know if I would be able to mount the EQ in the place of my head unit? If so, would I lose anything by doing this? I plan on listing to the iPhone through Bluetooth most of the time.

The WS-420SQ is the samw width as the head-unit and .5 the height. So it will fit, but you will need to fab a trim plate and a means to hold it in place.

You will lose AM/FM, USB, SAT clock, transom remote capability, BT and CD.

The WS-420SQ does not have bluetooth built in, so you will need purchase an external BL receiver like the WS-BTVC.

Thank for the help Chpthril! I did see that I would have to add the Bluetooth to the WS420-SQ! And don't think I would mind missing the other features. Does anyone know if the Wetsounds in dash mount would work, or would I have to build a custom mount?

IIRC, the MB head-unit it slightly recessed in a billet bezel. I think the Wet Sounds in-dash mount may be too tall and wide to fit into that recess.

FWIW, on the boat I regularly ride, we have done just that and gotten rid of the head unit in favor of using just the WS420SQ. We do not have a bluetooth module on it as of yet, but have been happy with the 3.5mm in and using our phones as the source of the music.
If you can find them (which they are hard to nowadays) try to find a 1/2 din pocket, then you have a place to stick your phone or mp3 player when it's hooked up.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/330272396720?nav=SEARCH


There's your pocket! Exactly what I am doing on our boat.

I am also adding a panel mounted usb/3.5 combo that will hook up to the back of the eq. Then I can plug my phone in with a short cord and phone sits in the pocket. Can also add a bluetooth dongle to the usb.

Awesome! Thanks for the help guys! I'll check out that pocket.

Just did this this weekend on my 99 VLX ... pulled the old HU and put in a WS 420 love it. easy control and run everything off Aux. word to the wise though.. get a good aux cord. i have to run a couple tests to see if its my phone or the cord. but anytime i spin my 2 dollar aux cord i get popping and cracking.

Originally Posted by jhartt3

Just did this this weekend on my 99 VLX ... pulled the old HU and put in a WS 420 love it. easy control and run everything off Aux. word to the wise though.. get a good aux cord. i have to run a couple tests to see if its my phone or the cord. but anytime i spin my 2 dollar aux cord i get popping and cracking.

It's the cord, always is.

FWIW, after rarely/never using the HU last year, I pulled the HU to make dash space and installed the ws420sq in it's place along with other buttons and gauges. I also installed an aux in on the passenger side (and power jack) - connected to the main/rca in.

^^^^ genius

I like if someone else can control the music choices. I only want to be in charge of volume/bass when driving. Less distracting.

Hey man,

I have a 2012 MB F21 and I took out the clarion deck and put in a WS420. It was a fantastic addition to the boat. I did however purchase
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and integrated it into the audio system. The sound system sounds 1,000,000 times better than that CRAP clarion pre out...
I had a custom dash plate made for $50 at the local waterjet cutter to house the new WS420, custom ballast switches.

Shoot me a pm if you want any more info or go to www.mbboatowners.com forum

Thanks Greeko, that dash plate looks awesome! It doesn't seem like a bad price to have it custom made either. I think I am going to try hooking it up to the Clarion and see how it sounds. If it sounds like crap then I will look into having a custom plate built around here and check out that AV cable as well. Thanks again for everyones input!