Kenwood Transom Remote Install

[CincyVLX]

So I decided to upgrade my headunit and transom remote because the previous owner replaced the headunit, but not the Sony remote.

I went with the Kenwood KMR-440U headunit and the KCA-RC107MR transom remote. So I got the remote last night, and size of the hole that I have to cut in the transom scares the crap out of me.

The boat obviously already has a hole from the sony remote, but in order to flush mount the new remote, I would have to cut a hole that is about 3x4" big. If I do decide to do it, and later want to change the transom remote, can I have it patched? Am I playing with the structural integrity of the fiberglass in that area by removing that much? If that is a bad idea, would the KCA-RC60MR be a better option for me (I would have to change head units for this)?

For reference, here is a pic of the remote:

Edited March 29, 2012 by CincyVLX

[h2ojunkie]

I have the Kenwood stuff as well. Just cut it out and reinforce with a thin piece or resin coated plywood if you haved any doubts to the integrity. Don't think you will have any issues. I have an 08 VTX, no issues in 5yrs on the transom. Once remote is in there it displaces the stress and I have no stress cracks ect...