Poor FM Reception

[Analgesic]

I have a Sony Marine AM/FM CD/Ipod player mounted above the Nav station that has given me several years of excellent service.  Unfortunately, this Winter while on the hard I found the FM reception suddenly became terrible with very bad static while the AM remains clear.  The unit is mounted in such a way that it would be very difficult to remove for service.  Using a light and mirror, I found all the wiring to be  attached.  The back right side of the unit has a plug in wire that starts thick and then has a very thin tail going nowhere which, when pulled out, eliminates all reception, AM and FM, so I assue it is the antenna.  The owners manual is useless as is the Sony web site so I thought I'd ask the many engineers out there if they know what happened and what I should do next.  Thanks.
Brian McPhillips

[Ron Hill]

Brian : You most probably have a bad FM antenna connection. 
I'd try pulling out that antenna connection, spraying it with Radio Shack "turner cleaner", and then plug back in.

If that doesn't work then replace the antenna.   

[Jim Hardesty]

Brian,  Because your problem came on suddenly, my first thought would be to look around and see if you are in a place where there is signal interference.  A quick, but not a sure way, would be to try a portable radio in and around your boat.   May be you don't have a problem at all.       Jim

[Ron Hill]

Brian : Jim has a great suggestion - just try another FM radio and see if you get the same interference. 

If the other radio has a clear signal then your antenna is the probable culprit!!