Gauge backlight color options

[paulswagelock]

So my 270 slx needed 2 of the gauges replaced since they had the cracked plastic lens. They are smartcraft 2" gauges.
Easily replaced them and powered right up and are functional.
Downside is that the original Sea Ray gauges are red backlit and the new ones are green. I didn't see any options to change the color on the new gauges, but maybe there is?

They are are the mercruiser vdo smartcraft gauges. Anyone know if the color is able to be changed or am I stuck with 2 red and 2 green?

 

[Lazy Daze]

Paul, did you buy the boat new? What year is it? The reason I ask is that I can't remember Sea Ray ever using anything but their "custom Sea Ray blue backlighting". It's a bluish-green, but more on the blue side. Not to say that I've seen everything, but I've never seen a red or green gauge on any sport boat - at least since they've been doing the blue light - which has to be about 15+ years, at least. Other than physically changing the bulb (I think the SC gauges still use a bulb?) from the old ones, I'm not aware of any 'switchability' on the analog (looking) gauges.

At least it's festive.

 

[paulswagelock]

It is a 2008, original gauges. Maybe I am remembering it backwards and the old are blueish green and new are red. Sound like I either change out the last 2 or live with it...

 

[Lazy Daze]

Even the new boats use blue backlighting. Did you buy it from a dealer as a "Sea Ray" gauge, or just from some place online that sells Merc stuff? I'm guessing that's the reason - they would have the blueish backlight if they were 'Sea Ray specific'.

 

[paulswagelock]

They said they were for Sea Ray, but I never asked about light color- shame on me.
guess I will live with it until the next two original ones crack.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Not so much shame on you - sounds like they were just not telling you the whole truth. Sure, they will physically work... but maybe it was an honest mistake on their part, too. If their reputable, I'm sure they won't have any problem returning them.

I don't know, offhand, if you can get the Sea Ray specific gauges anywhere but a dealer. But, I've never had the need to try and figure that out, either... perk of the job, I suppose.

I just don't remember from the last time I've had an SC gauge in my hand, but pre-SC gauges had removable bulbs. Any chance your bulbs can be removed? I'm assuming the answer is probably "no", otherwise you wouldn't be asking the question - but figure I'd just ask to make sure.

 

[paulswagelock]

They are already installed and the plastic is off the face. The store is not keen on letting me return them now. I understand their position. I will stew on it and decide what to do.