switch panel

bridgeman · #1 12-25-2008, 09:04 PM

The switch panel on my console is in poor condition, where can I find something that will replace it?

McGillicuddy · #2 12-25-2008, 09:09 PM

I'm a big fan of Blue Sea Systems Weatherdeck Switches
http://bluesea.com/category/4
All of their stuff is pretty well thought out and engineered.
Merry Christmas!

Blue197320 · #3 12-25-2008, 11:13 PM

i say make your own. get the switches on ebay and get some plastic from you hardware store and have at it. i made a new dash for my boat from black 1/4" plastic. its very simple yet effective. i like making things like that.

Islandtrader · #4 12-26-2008, 09:43 AM

Check out this page. Some guys here have used him and like the results. The Mako guys love him.

Custom switch panels

Caymanboy · #5 12-26-2008, 07:17 PM

The Vector LED is good, and the price is right, and it's custom made, try him, same guy as the link above.

bigeasy1 · #6 12-26-2008, 07:50 PM

Like McGillicuddy,I'm also a fan of Blue Seas equipment.I installed their 8 circuit switch panel on my Tsunami,and love it.Waterproof,ATC Fuses,and LED backlighting.
Their stuff isn't cheap,but it's very good quality,and worth the money.

ripndip · #7 12-31-2008, 08:04 AM

I agree with Mcgill and John, the bluesea weatherdeck switch panels are great. They also make one with built in circuit breakers not requiring the carrying of fuses, but that one doesn't light up in two colors- red/illumination green/on like the ATC fuse model.

I checked out Vector marine, and will probably use him in the future as my local plastic shop doing that kind of work has changed hands and can't do that kind of work.

If you do go that route, I would steer clear of the rocker/carlingswitch and opt for a toggle with a waterproof boot. The carlingswitch lasts unbelievably long considering it allows water to leak right inside and through your panel, but that is usually undesirable. Also, the rubber on those rocker/carlingswitches becomes overly gummy after time/sun exposure. The toggle switches are usually much more available/West Marine should you need to replace one in the future on a Saturday. Cole Hersee is my favorite when it comes to that kind of stuff.

S

Yamtt125 · #8 01-03-2009, 11:28 PM

Go with Vector...great guy and a great price.

This is the only picture I have of mine.

gw204 · #9 01-04-2009, 12:52 AM

I've built a few myself using Rowmark engraving stock. After laying out the panel and cutting the openings, I had it engraved at a local trophy shop. Once that was done, I just had to install and wire everything.

The one I built for my '85 Grady 204 CC:

The one I did for my brother's '84 Grady Tournament 19: