Switch Panel

Rainmaker · #1 12-21-2009, 04:16 PM

It looks like it is time to start the winter project... I have a rewire to do. I will need to replace the switch panel in order to solve all the issues I have.

Does anyone know where to pick one of these up? I have found a bunch online but none are wide enough or have enough switches. My switches are in a horizontal line acrossed the front of the console. I need a panel with 12 - 14 switches that is 2' wide and around 4" tall. I prefer to have breakers built in the panel for each switch.

I could make one I guess, but it would be easier if I could find one off the shelf somewhere. Also, if I was to make it what would I want to make the panel out of?

Thanks!!!

stoney · #2 12-22-2009, 09:56 AM

You should contact these guys. they might have what you want.
I've bought from them and been very happy with the quality and price.
http://www.themarineconnection.net/Electrical.html

Caymanboy · #3 12-22-2009, 10:15 AM

Or try Scott, he will make you a custom panel, great work!
www.vectorled.com/

Rainmaker · #4 12-22-2009, 06:49 PM

Thanks for the information...

I took a ride up to Marine Connection and found a Boston Whaler panel that is not exact but will work. Too bad they did not have one that said Seacraft. It has 14 switches, LEDs, and 16 Breakers and is just a little wider than mine but I have enough room to cut out a little wider hole and mount it. I will have to put a few new labels on it for a couple of switches but other than that it should work.

Not a bad deal up there, they have many different style switch panels and charge $8 for each switch but nothing for the panel or wiring. (unfortunately for me the panel that I needed has no wiring)

Now after a couple online orders for wire, crimps, heat shrink, a quality crimp tool and some time, I can wire up the panel and then get going on the rest of the boat....

I hate projects that don't add toy's, but this one has been put off for a long time.

wtenglish · #5 12-23-2009, 12:05 AM

Rainmaker,

I'm curious what your plans are with that amount of switches? I can guess the standard features but are there any others your willing to share at this point?

Rainmaker · #6 12-24-2009, 12:35 PM

I'll give it a shot....

Accessory
Live Well Light
Livewell Drain
Livewell Fill
Front Spreader Light
Rear Spreader Light
Spreader Light (side)
Raw Water Wash
Fresh Water Wash
Anchor-seperate
Run-seperate
Bilge Pump Man
Horn
Courtesy Lights

I may run the Anchor and Running light together on a dual position switch, but I currently plan on a seperate switch for run and anchor. With all the pumps on my boat, I sure can eat up some switches in a hurry.

amcd · #7 12-25-2009, 11:43 PM

I am having Scott at www.vectorled.com build me a new dash panel for my 1973 20ft center console, I should have it by early this upcoming week, he is a great guy to deal with.

My console certainly does not have much room depth wise so I am now looking for all my flush mount devices! I am putting a Lowrance HDS 5 Nautic Insight unit in, but am searching for a VHF and Stereo that can fit in the tight quarters!

amcd · #8 12-28-2009, 12:55 AM

I am pumped! I met with Scott today and all I can say is wow! Real good guy with all the knowledge! Very cool sitting down with him and going over the whole layout! Got to see the design through his computer, moving different components around, looking for the right fit etc.
I can not speak highly enough about my visit today, he actually worked after the Patriots game on a Sunday afternoon. Should be ready for pick up Monday or Tuesday!

vmarino · #9 12-29-2009, 07:25 PM

I got mine done at vectorled.com. They came out real nice on my 23w/a

wtenglish · #10 12-29-2009, 07:29 PM

How does the price/quality compare with something you could pick up at one of the retail stores? Or is this driven by the need for custom sizing/layout?