Need to replace dash switches

jdr999

New Member
Aug 8, 2016
27
Barnegat Bay, NJ
Boat Info
1986 SRV250 Cuddy Fisherman
Engines
260 Mercruiser w/Alpha One
Hi all,

I've got an '86 Cuddy and #1 on the to-do list is to replace the dash switches as they are completely shot.

First question is how do I get to them? Front, back, or underneath?

And second, does anyone know which switches I should order so I don't have to pull them all out first? I'd rather have them ahead of time and replace them one by one?

Thanks!
Joe

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IMG_1298-sm.jpg~original
 
You get at them from the back. The panel comes off and then you unscrew the thin nut on the front and then push it back through the panel. If most or all of the switches are not working, I suspect wiring is the issue.

If you do replace switches, save yourself a lot of future headaches and get marine switches. Cheap automotive ones will corrode. Cole Hersee is the gold standard, but pricy. Blue Sea are marine as well. Your dealer friend I am sure can get you them.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the reply.

I have two on-off-on switches, one for nav/anchor light and one for wipers.

I'm assuming the nav/anchor light is a DPDT, correct? It doesn't look like Cole Hersee has a marine DPDT toggle -- only a SPST and SPDT. Bummer...

And is the wiper switch also DPDT or SPDT? (I'm away from the boat so I can't check).

How much work would it be to go from fuses to breakers? Is it worth it?

And one more question. Do I need to worry about water/rain getting into the dash switches and wiring? The dash panels don't appear to be sealed and the windshield isn't large enough to protect it.

Should I worry about rain and rush to get the eisenglass up or is it really not a big deal?

Thanks!
 
Fuses to breakers is easy. You can buy ones that mount in the same holes, however, they are not waterproof. You may be able to find weatherproof ones if you look around. Google is your friend.
 
I replaced all of my rocker switches and made a new dash panel on a previous boat....I used the switch actuators that had a 'power on' light as well as a pictorial and wording of the function that switch controlled....here is a link to a site that has a good selection of the actuators for rocker switches if interested....I took the opportunity to redesign the dash and added a few switches and gauges that were not originally included....

http://www.pacergroup.net/switch-covers/


here is the finished panel......
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the reply.

I have two on-off-on switches, one for nav/anchor light and one for wipers.

I'm assuming the nav/anchor light is a DPDT, correct? It doesn't look like Cole Hersee has a marine DPDT toggle -- only a SPST and SPDT. Bummer...

And is the wiper switch also DPDT or SPDT? (I'm away from the boat so I can't check).

How much work would it be to go from fuses to breakers? Is it worth it?

And one more question. Do I need to worry about water/rain getting into the dash switches and wiring? The dash panels don't appear to be sealed and the windshield isn't large enough to protect it.

Should I worry about rain and rush to get the eisenglass up or is it really not a big deal?

Thanks!
image.jpg

Highly recommend breakers. Here is an example of my recent rebuild of a 1985 Sundancer 34. Started simple like you are...ended up with a stripped out dash and decided to repaint and completely replace it all. Like pulling yarn on a sweater. I found that the new stuff made the old stuff look even older. Good luck!
 
Looks great!

I see you used toggles instead of rockers. Which switches and breakers did you end up using?
 
Looks awesome!

I see you have rockers instead of toggles. Which do you prefer?
 
Looks great!

I see you used toggles instead of rockers. Which switches and breakers did you end up using?

I used the marine switched and breakers that were the closest match to the originals. Even though I replaced them all.

I like the switches I used because I can tell immediately if they are on or off...even from a distance...plus they matched the old ones. Just make sure they are marine quality. They are double the price but worth every penny.

Best of luck. Cant think of any place any better to spend money on than the helm.
 

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