Re: A/V

I inset a CD/FM radio right there under the port side of the entry hatch into the 38 Express cabin. It's actually located on top of the liquor cabinet. At that location it's available to the inside cabin, or the helm. At the helm I can stand there and simply put my hand down a bit and adjust the stereo, very convenient.

Personally, I wouldn't bother with a house 110V installation, since I have a fabulous automatic Xantrex battery charger, it makes no difference whether we're hooked to shore or battery. At the shore the charger is backcharging the batteries, on the water the CD doesn't know the difference. It's tucked away, not a feature, totally out of sight for the most part, and very functional.

As for your speakers upstairs, you can double-switch them if you want, for on/off up or down.

As for the TV and video, can't help you there. We have a 12V TV aboard, rarely ever watch it, but if it helps get your spouse to the boat, or make her happy when she is aboard the boat, then it becomes a CRITICAL piece of equipment, and you may as well get one that puts a smile on her face. When I re-did the galley on TRADITION, that Force-10 Range/Stove Top bought me a lot of points with the boss.

Whatever you install, be advised that unless it is fixed down, it is subject to being tossed on the floor in the event you get that ONE UNEXPECTED WAKE and you just happen to be in the rocking chair position. Most of us have tossed stuff around the cabin, and tossing a TV set doesn't sound like too much fun, especially if it's turned on at the time it hits the floor. In that regard, 12v may be safer too.

Cheers! See you up at Gallatin sometime!

Paul