Where should I locate the engine panel?

[Mike G.]

My 1977 Pearson 323 was repowered by the PO with a Yanmar 3GM30. The gauges were never connected when the repower was performed. The Yanmar panel is basic and just has idiot lights.

Today I went to the yard to try to figure out what to do. By chance, a mechanic was doing some work on the boat, so I picked his brain

He explained that the Yanmar required an upgraded wiring harness and upgraded panel. It just so happens that they have a used panel with all of the gauges.

The repowered panel was placed low in the cockpit on the starboard side near the wheel. It is a good location for starting the engine, but not so great for viewing. The mechanic suggested that I place it on the front of the bridge deck where the old (disconnected) A-4 gauges are placed. The ST60 Tridata is there as well.

It seems like a logical location to read all guages but not sure if it is a bit inconvenient for starting the engine? He also suggested leaving the engine shut off where it is (near the wheel) Any opinions?

Thanks, Mike

 

[newly anonymous]

I've been in a situation more than once where it was nice to be able to start the engine without having to leave the wheel. To me, gauge visibility would be a secondary factor, ability to start the engine from the helm would be primary.

 

[Steve Dion]

I agree. Even if you have gauges, you should still have the buzzers. If not, ask your mechanic why not.

Having it close to the helm is a very good idea. You will want to see the tach. While I agree that it is very nice to have gauges, the buzzers a very important on a sailboat. If you are motor sailing you will probably not be watching the gauges and you want to be on top of any engine indicators ASAP.

You got a great engine with that Yanmar. If you take care of it and keep your fuel clean, it may outlast your lifetime.

 

[Mike G.]

You have convinced me to leave it where it is.

Ok, the thought of leaving the wheel to start the engine in an emergency does not sound like a great idea. I will leave it where it is. Yes, I will still have buzzers, but I am excited about knowing the actual engine water temperature. It is unsettling just wondering if the high temp alarm is ever going to go off without being able to have any indication before hand.

Thanks,

 

[Benny]

Steve's recommendation is on the money. The most valuble indicator you have in the panel is the buzzer, the idiot lights are to tell you where the fault lies wether overheating, loss of oil pressure or alternator problem. The times my engine has overheated I was not watching the gauge. A tachometer is good to have to monitor engine performance but is nothing you will be constantly watching. You should have at arms length the key switch, starter button and shutoff cable. The buzzer from Yanmar costs over $100 but it is a part worth it weight in gold. Onthe other hand the plastic template which houses the tach, idiot lights and switches is very inexpensive . Everytime you turn the key on and start the engine you are in fact testing the oil pressure and charging warning sensors and circuits. There is a togle switch to test the temperature warning light. A temperature gauge can tell you if the sensor is working and if the thermostat is operating properly but it will be the buzzer which will alert you of an unexpected malfunction.

 

[Stu Jackson]

What could be so hard as bending down

and looking at the gages? Get yourself a hand mirror and look at them. Unless you have an oil pressure gage, most of the important stuff you need to know is onthe engine temperature. If you can see that, then why go to all the trouble of moving things? KISS

 

[sailingdog]

Can't you leave the starter switch and engine kill in the current panel, but move everything else over to the updated panel on the bridgedeck. That would allow you to start and stop the engine from the wheel and also allow you to see the gauges.

I'm a big fan of gauges, since they can often give you a warning far earlier than the buzzer will. If you orient the guages so that the normal oil pressure and temperature for the engine is pointing straight up, you can easily tell by a glance when the oil pressure or temp are above or below normal.

 

[ScottyIrwin]

I have a better idea. How bout you look into a company called Maretron. They make analog to digital engine instrument conversion boxes. Then you buy a compatible NMEA 2000 chart plotter and you now have engine instrumentation on your plotter right at the helm! I am in the process of putting together a new electronics package for my boat and this is a MUST have for me. I HATE the idiot lights. And lets be honest, the fun factor for this is just plane cool!!!!

 

[Mike G.]

Great idea, but I just sunk a ton of money into the boat and need to take a break. The admiral is going to start wondering why our checking account is depleted!

 

[PBJ]

My panel was down low on the port side...Just where your feet would kick it when moving about the cockpit. None of the lights / instruments were visible without bending over below knee height. I've moved my panel to just above the binnacle on the pedestal guard. I can see the guages when starting, the start / stop controls are right there, and the buzzers / lights are easily within view. From now on, if I ever own another boat, the panel will be right in front of me!!!