DWABoat
Well-Known Member
- Aug 13, 2019
- 1,012
- Boat Info
- 2001 280 Sundancer
1989 220CC Cuddy Cabin
- Engines
- Twin 4.3 w/Alpha Ones
5.7 Mercruiser Alpha One
Ok, so over the winter, I pulled both engines, new oil pan gaskets, new valve cover gaskets, plugs, rotors, caps, wires, etc, new transom assemblies, new water heater, new driveshaft yoke assemblies, etc. Really nervous about first splash since all this work.
So my initial cruise out of Gulfport, MS, in my 2001 280DA went great. 7 POB, full fuel, full water, full head (tank is full while I treat it) boat also has a generator. The twin V6’s were fully loaded to say the least. Even had to shift people forward to get on plane when going into the 15mph headwind.
All the mechanicals ran perfect. Boat cruises at 30.1 mph, per gps at about 3/4 throttle.
So, very happy with boat BUT my gauges ALL suck!! The tachs are all over the place. I can’t rely on either. The speedometer is useless - don’t even want it. I want to put a generator multi gauge there for oil pressure and coolant temp. The engine multi gauges had moisture vapor and were hard to read. While I think the water temps were close (about 170 on both engines), and the oil was fine (40ish), it doesn’t help if I can barely see them.
Need some assistance. I want to change them ALL. I realize they may not be Sea Ray branded when I am done, but I can live with that.
Faria makes some nice looking gauges. See picture. But I am concerned about making them communicate with the Merc engines.
Anyone done a total gauge change before? Suggestions.
So my initial cruise out of Gulfport, MS, in my 2001 280DA went great. 7 POB, full fuel, full water, full head (tank is full while I treat it) boat also has a generator. The twin V6’s were fully loaded to say the least. Even had to shift people forward to get on plane when going into the 15mph headwind.
All the mechanicals ran perfect. Boat cruises at 30.1 mph, per gps at about 3/4 throttle.
So, very happy with boat BUT my gauges ALL suck!! The tachs are all over the place. I can’t rely on either. The speedometer is useless - don’t even want it. I want to put a generator multi gauge there for oil pressure and coolant temp. The engine multi gauges had moisture vapor and were hard to read. While I think the water temps were close (about 170 on both engines), and the oil was fine (40ish), it doesn’t help if I can barely see them.
Need some assistance. I want to change them ALL. I realize they may not be Sea Ray branded when I am done, but I can live with that.
Faria makes some nice looking gauges. See picture. But I am concerned about making them communicate with the Merc engines.
Anyone done a total gauge change before? Suggestions.