We just totally rewired our 1978 Catalina 30, hull # 959. Next year we plan to repower with a Beta Marine Kubota. In the meantime, we need to replace the engine control panel and guages. Question: will one of the engine panels that Catalina Direct sells work with a new Beta Marine engine? We tried calling the Catalina Tech Line, but the line is busy, busy, busy and now it's the long weekend.
Catalina Engine Panel used with Beta Marine engine?
- Thread starter windcat
- Start date
Sure, why not? Depending on what the "outputs" from your new engine are, most of the standard panels include: tach/hour meter, fuel gauge, voltmeter.
I put a new beta in my 1978 Catalina 30 ( #980 ) almost a year ago. The engine will come with a panel and key. You can upgrade the panel if you like which I did. I wouldn't try to hook any existing this or that to the wiring harness. All you do is connect the panel to the harness and the engine and run your positive and negative battery leads that's all there is to it, just that simple. Now if you're buying a used engine with no harness or panel that's a different story.If you look carefully on the starboard side of the engine by the air cleaner you'll see the connection for the wiring harness that will come with your engine and panel. Like I said you can upgrade the panel if you like the harness will stay the sameI would not spend the money on a new panel in my opinion. I don't know if this helps you are not. I don't think I would even try to do something like that because you going to get everything you need when you replace the engine. The picture you see was done July 29, 2013 I now have done my 50 hour oil change on the engine. You'll be disappointed with this engine and it only takes two people do pick it up and move it around. The engine you are looking at is a 25 hp/I ordered a 20 hp and they gave me a 25 what the heck it didn't cost anymore. I also ordered the large amp alternator as you may be able to see from the serpentine belt on the engine.
I would suggest looking at their website and their options for there panels. The size of the panel may determine which one you want.
If I can help you in anyway when you get ready to change your engine I may have a few suggestions for you after doing this. Good luck
Kim a.k.a. guts
I would suggest looking at their website and their options for there panels. The size of the panel may determine which one you want.
If I can help you in anyway when you get ready to change your engine I may have a few suggestions for you after doing this. Good luck
Kim a.k.a. guts
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I just modified my Cat30 panel mount to support a new BetaMarine panel. The new panel is taller by about a half inch and narrower by about 2 inches. I cut a 1/4 inch slit into the top of the original panel mount so the new panel can slide up and fit. Also had to add 2 teak shims to the side to cover the one inch on each side. Will add a picture when I get back to the boat. Definitely go with the BetaMarine panel and wire harness when purchasing the engine. You will need the extended harness.
Gentlemen, the word "harness" has many different interpretations. Experience, however, suggest that there are two parts to a "harness":
1. The wiring --- that's easy, if it's new it's most likely better than old
2. The CONNECTIONS. If you use the trailer connections you are simply asking for trouble. hard wire them with butt connectors or longer wires and get rid of the trailer connections, which ARE the WEAK LINK in all production boat wiring harnesses. 30 years of experience tells us that.
1. The wiring --- that's easy, if it's new it's most likely better than old
2. The CONNECTIONS. If you use the trailer connections you are simply asking for trouble. hard wire them with butt connectors or longer wires and get rid of the trailer connections, which ARE the WEAK LINK in all production boat wiring harnesses. 30 years of experience tells us that.