New dash ideas

switch panel recommendations

I'm about to redo my dash as well. I just bought a set of outboard gauges from Faria. But I still need to get some new switches. There's so many out there, and I have no idea which are decent quality and which are junk. Does anyone have a part or mfg that they can recommend? Thanks.
 
The Blue Seas ones in my earlier pictures are good. I like that you can buy different typse of switches that fit in the panel , ie 3 way lighted, momentary, etc. I don't like the fuseholders on them though, Had problems with them breaking when you try to pull a fuse after a few years.
Thats why a disconnected them and used a fuse panel inside the cabin..

I would stay away from the black panels with red lighted switches and fuseholders. Various brands, all poor quality, especially for an exposed location on a salt water boat.
 

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You saved me from making a mistake - i was considering exactly those black switched with red lights. Am going with this instead
Blue Seas 6 position switch, paired with a separate fuse panel.

Question on starboard - Jamestown carries 1/2 and 1/4 starboard. I think 1/4 is the right choice for a dash. Any other opinions?

P.S. - I have a drill press, a table saw and a router. Never worked wit starboard but i read that its similar to working with wood, just have to watch the feedrates to prevent gumming up the tools.
 
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I used 1/2 but don't see why 1/4 wouldn't be ok. maybe more chance of warp or sag? but I doubt it...

table saw you should use a plywood blade(lots of small teeth). You do get some melting onto the blade.
You might need a jig saw for the inside cutouts. (tho you could use a series of close spaced holes and a knife or use a plunge router & fence)

Drill- too fast melts, too slow you get stuck.Use a clamp so it doesn't whip around.
Makes long curly q's....
The drill will leave a bump out on the exit side of the hole. trim that of with a pocket knife or you be wondering why it doesn't sit flush...

Router works great. Go the right direction. Don't slip...

On the panel, watch the spacing with other things on the dash....remember that the grey cover will have to snap on.
 
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I just rehabbed my dash and used 1/4" black Starboard. Mine ended up being a piece that was 18-1/2"x 10". I found some one on Ebay that would cut to size. It cost $15 shipped and I did not have to cut it myself.
 
1/4 or 1/2 should work, hole saw for the guages, though never used one on starboard myself. You'll be glad you went with the blue seas switch panel, though you can get them with fuses or circuit breakers included, saves another link in the system and less wire crimps, heat shrinks, etc.
 
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