Engine instrument panel

[dj2210]

Anybody replace just the panel itself of the engine instrument panel? My panel is looking pretty ragged but the instruments function fine. Catalina direct sells the whole package but big $$. Haven't tried Catalina itself yet.

 

[jrowan]

I believe Seaward makes the panels & still sells replacement panels that you can buy without the gauges which would be a lot cheaper. If you are going to the trouble to replace the gauge panel / box then I would relocate it to the port side coming where a lot of C 30 owners have moved their's to improve visibility. It also lessons the chance of kicking the panel where ot is next to the footwell. Look around online for sales of items like this in winter, when they are more desperate for sales. Either Black Friday discounted, or wait till after Xmas.

 

[dj2210]

jr I have a Mark II with the T cockpit and the panel is located in port side as high as it can go. I will check Seaward-thanks

 

[shipwreck66]

I realize the old panel placement is a throwback to the tiller days, but I really want to move mine up and back. At 6'2 I have to lay down to see the panel.

 

[wufibugs]

On my Hunter, they are located on port and it is a pain to see. I made a new panel out of marineboard which was pretty easy to work with. I was thinking of reinstalling it angling up toward the helm, flush at the bottom and inset slightly at the top. Just have to make new gaskets for all the gauges and switches and make sure the installation is watertight.

 

[dj2210]

I could easily make a new panel from aluminum but wanted the engraved original look. I still might do that and find somebody to engrave and anodized or powder coat it.

 

[Lost Parent]

I got my new instument box directly from Catalina ...stock item and then took old panel painted it up and moved it to port coaming ...works great ...just had to make harness extension ...soldered and heat shrink connectors and then connections coated in liquid plastic

 

[Team118]

If all you are going to do is replace the aluminum panel and reuse all the gauges, then try Front Panel Express

http://www.frontpanelexpress.com/

Download the software and then place the EXACT dimensions you want. You can add engraving, holes for gauges, ignition, switches, holes for screws, boat's name, etc

It is pretty cheap. I did a nice black panel when I moved the gauge pod from the floor to the back of the cockpit. I reused the old pod (which was whooped) and it does the job...

I included the original panel, the remodeled/moved panel and what I did with the hole.

I believe the new panel cost about $90 and I found the replacement pod on ebay for $20...the gauges were all new and I ultimately switched out the amp gauge for a volt gauge...blame Stu for that! (not the original decision to go with an amp gauge, but warnings about wiring issues)

All in all, I am happy with the location

Chris



....real quick, I believe you can download logos, pick the color of the panel, engravings, styles, etc...

 

[dj2210]

Chris- looks great and thanks for the info. I'll check out the program