www.iFourWinns.com

Hi everyone.

When I bought my 05/298, it was supposed to be Sirius satellite ready. I was given all the sirius info, channel guide, welcome letter and an invitation to call Sirius to set up my subscription.
Now a few years later I thought I'd set it up so I started looking at my Clarion stereo to find the Sirius ID number and there doesn't seem to be any Sirius option when scrolling through the different modes even though the manual says that there should be. Theres even a Sirius logo on the face of the stereo and remote stations. The options I have are; tuner, CD, CD 6 disc deck but no sirius.
I also don't know where to look for the antenna and can't see anything that even remotely looks like a satellite antenna.
Am I just blind or is there something I'm missing.

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"ROCKHOUND"
2005 Vista 298
Georgian Bay, Ontario.

When I called Sirius to inquire about signing up in my truck, and they said they will walk you through pulling up the unit ID when you call to subscribe. We are about to pull the trigger on both the truck and the boat.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

I replaced the old sound system on my 88 Horizon last year and put in a Sirius capable JBL marine unit...to make it work you had to buy both a converter box and a marine antenna...after I hooked up those it was basically plug n play...the Sirius works perfect on the water as there is nothing to block the signal which can happen with cars in areas with a lot of trees...best thing I added to the boat...

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

Hi All--Problem is where you bought your boat in Canada or US? If in Canada, the Sirius systems were rendered "not capable" when your boat was imported into Canada. Do you even an antenna on the arch? Looks like an upside down
bowl. To remedy, you need to buy some kind of box which will plug into the back of your stereo. I forget the name of the box, try calling Boat Warehouse in Kingston and they can tell you and probably can get the part for you. If you go that route, your subscription is obviously confined to the boat.
I use Sirius Starmate, with the radio transmitter feature, picks it up perfect, with no static, the indoor antenna works fine down below. I have the bonus of having a radio that is portable. I am a big fan of Sirius and nothing beats listening to Radio Margaritaville while at my favourite anchorage.
Regards,
Mike

I originally bought the boat from The Boat warehouse in Kingston and it looks like I'll just have to add this to my long list of deficiencies by them as they informed me that Sirius was included and ready to activate. I have long since refused to do any further business with them.
I'm pretty sure I don't have the antenna you're talking about and I'm probably also missing the convertor box so I guess I'll just continue on with my Starmate unit. I was just hoping to go the built in route to get rid of the tangle of wires for the Starmate at the helm.

Thanks to all for their input.

Cheers.

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"ROCKHOUND"
2005 Vista 298
Georgian Bay, Ontario.

I have had a portable unit in my truck since 2005. It is a Canadian unit, but I have a US account and have since 2005 (broader channel coverage at the time). I have since upgraded my account to a "lifetime" account.

My boat came from Seattle with a Sony stereo, Sirius ready. I called to activate the radio on my boat, gave them the ESN number, and that was it. They have not charged me for the additional radio, so I am assuming the "first 6 months free" deal applies. We'll see.

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2010 278 Vista
5.7 GXi DP

Past:
1999 225 Sundowner
5.7 GSi SX

Where did you find the "ESN" number?

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"ROCKHOUND"
2005 Vista 298
Georgian Bay, Ontario.

Look in your manual, there should be a section on how to access the different menus in your radio. The ESN # should also be on the back or bottom of the radio itself. Also, as a note, my satellite antenna is mounted on my bow deck, port side, just in front of the windshield. I guess the first thing you should do is confirm whether it is Sirius ready or not. Try and locate your antenna.

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2010 278 Vista
5.7 GXi DP

Past:
1999 225 Sundowner
5.7 GSi SX

Can't find the antenna but I'll try once more this weekend. I tried scrolling through the modes on the radio but Sirius isn't one of them. I have a funny feeling that its not sirius ready.

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"ROCKHOUND"
2005 Vista 298
Georgian Bay, Ontario.

planealternative,

Here are a couple of shots of my Sirius antenna. You should have something similar on your bow deck or on top of your arch (do you have an arch?).

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2010 278 Vista
5.7 GXi DP

Past:
1999 225 Sundowner
5.7 GSi SX

Yes I have the arch but theres definitely nothing anywhere on my 298 that looks like that.

Guess I was duped again by my dealer.
I don't know how they stay in business. It surely can't be from repeat customers.

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"ROCKHOUND"
2005 Vista 298
Georgian Bay, Ontario.

I installed that same antenna on my 88 Horizon...there is a different style one though that stands up on a short post...

the Sirius install is definitely worth it though....if you like their programming there is really a wide variety of things to listen to...

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

planealternative,

I emailed FW customer service and asked if the service provider at my marina could do any warranty work required and servicing on my boat. They are an authorized VP & Merc shop. I was told they could as long as they got authorization prior to doing any warranty work. The one and only FW dealer is about 20 miles from me, and would require pulling my boat and trailering it to them. Having it done at my marina is alot less hassle and they are great to deal with. Maybe this is something you should look into.

Rod

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2010 278 Vista
5.7 GXi DP

Past:
1999 225 Sundowner
5.7 GSi SX