More stereo advice

[laker]

My boat has the original 1997 Maxium am/fm cassette with two speakers in the cabin and two in the rear bench seat and a wired remote on the dash. I want to replace the stereo, speakers and remote. The remote is rectangular about 4" x 2". I have been looking online for stereos what brand should I be looking at and which should I stay away from? I am also hoping to find a remote to fit in the spot it is now. I do not what two remotes sitting on the dash one that work and one that does nothing.

Where is a good place to start? Where should I be looking

Thanks

[Z-Man]

Like anything, it's all about the money. Are you looking to add amps or do you want to run off the head unit? If you are wanting to start with just a head unit and no amps, I would step up to the better brands. (Alpine is my preference but Sony, Kenwood and others are very good) For speakers, they are only as good as the power sent to them and they need to be able to handle the rigors of boating. Don't cut corners here but I don't think you need marine speakers. I have Fosgate, MB Quarts and Alpine in my boat and have not had any problems. Like anything, boats especially, you will want to upgrade them every couple of years.