You've done some happy shopping and spotted that perfect after-market stereo to rock your boat and enrich your voyage. Great! Now it's time to get that gear in it's proper place.

The first step of the installation process is removing your current stereo (duh). One of the things to keep in mind is that there are several types of marine stereos, with each of them being installed -- and therefore removed -- differently.

We're going to assume that the manual for your current stereo has been lost. You should be able to get one from the manufacturer, in which case the removal process would be following the installation process in reverse. In any case, following are easy-to-follow instructions and tips for a smooth removal of that old gear. To make it easier for you, hum  throughout the process some of those tunes you'll be playing on that new Enrock stereo once it is in it's place.

So, here we go.

Waterproof stereos tend to have larger faceplates with screw covers. In order to get to the screws, which attach the stereo to the dash, you'll need to remove the screw covers.

Some models will instead have a faceplate folding down with the screws behind it.

The stereo model with smaller faceplates will typically have their screws far and deep, eliminating the ability of getting to the screws from the front. These stereos typically have a mounting sleeve that cradles the stereo behind the dash and keeps it put with flexible metal tabs. You'll usually have a plastic trim surrounding the outside of the faceplate(s) hiding the sleeve. A little pressure should pop this trim off, enabling you to get right to the sleeve.

Some of these stereos come with metal keys that slide between the stereo and the sleeve. These keys release the chassis freeing the way for the stereo to pop out. If you don't have these metal keys, a device like a narrow knife should make do. Flatten the tabs holding the stereo in the sleeve, so it can slide out.

Almost there. Once the stereo is loose, it still wont slide out easily because there is a bendable metal strap attached to the back of the chassis by a nut and bolt. This will require you to apply a little force for pulling it out and getting to the point of removing the nut and freeing the chassis from the strap.

Done with the hardware, let's get to the wires. Usually a tedious task, marine stereos typically would have a wiring harness that you can plug and unplug. We’re unplugging now. These are usually rectangular plastic plugs which sometimes plug right into the back of the stereo while in some instances there is a separate plastic receptacle.

There might still be a few other wires that will  need to be disconnected. That will depend on the particular stereo model, but most stereos have some kind of AM/FM antenna wire that we're going to have to unplug. Some other wires include wired remote controls, USB ports, iPod plugs, and satellite receivers.

Unplug whatever is still left, and your ready for your new stereo!