New Black Dash Panels & LEDs

[The Continuum]

I just finished a nice project to replace the faded “wood grain” dash panels, and to replace all the lights inside the contura switches with LEDs. I decided on black for the new panels. I had the new panels made at a place in Everett WA called Superior Marine (www.superior-marine.com). I know Vector Imaging does great work for lots of folks on this site, so this post is not to take anything away from Scott – it’s only to show what replacing the wood grain with black looks like.

I followed the instructions in this post for how to replace the bulbs in the switches with LEDs: http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/5710-Helm-electrical-switch-lamp-replacement

When I ordered the new panels, I dropped off the old ones, and left detailed instructions for the shop. I wanted some of the labels changed for a cleaner look. I asked them not to put that obnoxious warning paragraph about explosions right on the front of the panel – now it simply says “Automatic Extinguishing System.” The new style of panel is rear-engraved. This keeps dust and grime from gathering in the engravings. For the engraved labels that are backlit, the light shines right through. For the few spots where the labeling has no backlighting (like the windlass switches), they fill in the engraving with a bright white paint to make the lettering visible.

I had the shop make several smaller pieces from the same black acrylic material to cover some old holes, and to mount my phone holder. I’m really happy with how it turned out. The faded old panels were one of the things that really showed this boat’s age. The LEDs and resistors cost about $30. The new panels cost about $450.

Check out the before – during – after pictures here:
http://s1216.photobucket.com/albums/dd375/the-continuum/?start=all

-Seth

 

[Bucit]

Looks like a nice clean install!

 

[katricol]

nice job

 

[JerryS]

I like it! :thumbsup:

 

[At Ease]

Very nice modification!

 

[Summer Fun II]

Very nice !!. :thumbsup: . :thumbsup:

 

[Bugsy24]

It makes it look like a New Boat Dash.... Outstanding!

 

[88dancer300]

Outstanding !

 

[JerryS]

Seth - I looked at your photobucket pic's and am curious as to why you did not replace your strip lighting with LED backlighting? Did you use 5mm LED's and 470 ohm resistors for the switch lights?
Also, I have to say that removal of your dash pieces are a piece of cake, I wish that mine would have been that easy. I didn't have any fun at all standing on my head and twisting like a pretzel to get my dash apart.

 

[The Continuum]

JerryS,

I didn’t replace the electroluminescent strips because they still worked, and new LED backlighting would have been another couple hundred bucks if I had ordered it from the shop. New LED backlighting would be brighter, and I thought about it, but then I figured I should save money where possible…

As for the LEDs and resistors, I used the info in this post to order the correct parts on-line: http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/19290-Rocker-switches?highlight=forward+voltage.

The LEDs (you can pick from different colors):
http://www.unique-leds.com/index.php?target=products&product_id=1883

The resistors: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062321&CAWELAID=107597575

This forum is so awesome for teaching yourself about your boat! I’ve learned a ton from this website.

-Seth

 

[JerryS]

If you want to experiment with making your own LED backlighting strips, it is actually pretty easy. I made some LED backlighting for a SeaRay logo that I had Scott engrave into my new dash panels. I used an ordinary kitchen cutting board that I cut on my table saw and then drilled it out for LED's, added resistors and wired it together. Here is a picture: (here is a link to the post: http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/39462-LED-Back-Lighting-Project/page2 )

 

[Uplate]

Very nice work. PO had refinished mine with graphite. Also added a black steering wheel, which, IMO, would finish off your
All black theme.

 

[shore]

I thought 1998 was the change over year or the 290 sundancer? Yours is a 1997 and has the newer upper deck. Never seen that.

 

[The Continuum]

My understanding is that half-way through the 1997 year, they switched the design to the forward-facing arch. So my boat was made in the later part of 97. It's a "290SDA Sundancer". I think that is what the "SDA" denotes...

-Seth

 

[shore]

Gotcha.

 

[Good Grief]

Trying to contact you about your panels. I want to do the same but the price is steep and was wondering if your old panels are available to borrow so I can make new panels.

 

[Skuza]

Nice job!