Windlass foot switch replacement

Nmor830

Member
Sep 12, 2016
90
Channel Islands
Boat Info
2008 340 Sundancer
Engines
8.1l Mercruisers
The original foot switches on my 2008 340 Sundancer are severely deteriorating. When I purchased the boat the covers were missing. Thankfully they still work. I ordered a new set of Maxwell switches which seem much beefier and of better quality then the originals. The problem is that the holes through the deck are much smaller for the originals then what is needed for the new Maxwell switches. Does anyone have an opinion about boring out a 2 1/2" hole in the deck to accommodate these new switches? The hole now is about 1/2", just enough for the wires to come through. The fiberglass deck certainly seems thick enough to handle the extra width of the holes but wanted to be sure I'm not creating any future headaches.
Any advice/ opinions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Nick
 
The original foot switches on my 2008 340 Sundancer are severely deteriorating. When I purchased the boat the covers were missing. Thankfully they still work. I ordered a new set of Maxwell switches which seem much beefier and of better quality then the originals. The problem is that the holes through the deck are much smaller for the originals then what is needed for the new Maxwell switches. Does anyone have an opinion about boring out a 2 1/2" hole in the deck to accommodate these new switches? The hole now is about 1/2", just enough for the wires to come through. The fiberglass deck certainly seems thick enough to handle the extra width of the holes but wanted to be sure I'm not creating any future headaches.
Any advice/ opinions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Nick

I just replaced my OEM switch covers. Personally, if the OEM switches work, I'd return the Maxwell switches and buy two black rubber arrow seals and white plastic covers through Imtra.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
almost
Looked up Imtra and they sell covers. My covers are original to the boat but cracked. Switches work well. Do you know if the Imtra covers will fit as good replacement without modification.
 
Northern, I can't help ya with info on the covers or switches, but let me give you a tip. If you pull the switches out of the deck, MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT LET GO OF THE WIRES. They're short (not much excess to pull the switch out) and if you lose them back down in the hole it's a PITA to retrieve them.

Don't ask me how I know.
 
go to www.imtra.com and buy the original covers with the rubber and your done. I've replaced mine twice already, once due to sun the due to clumsiness.
 
FYI post update
2006 320 Dancer
Purchased these upgraded switches from Defender.
012374 MAXW SS COVERED FOOTSWITCH
 
Did you install them yet?
Not yet, this weekend. Same model as the plastic ones that have been used by others, only this is the steel version. Twice the price, but it looks great from the pictures. Will report back once its all done.
 
Not yet, this weekend. Same model as the plastic ones that have been used by others, only this is the steel version. Twice the price, but it looks great from the pictures. Will report back once its all done.
Thanks SMuleMD

It’s on my list.
 
Thanks SMuleMD

It’s on my list.

Installed them. No issue at all fits perfect. Used same holes. Just make sure to keep a hand on those wires, they are short and if you lose them in the hull it will be an issue. Don't forget some silicone on the base for a good seal. Happy Boating!
 
IMG_4230.JPG
IMG_2117.JPG
Not sure what the ones you bought look like, but if you want something that lasts, this pic shows what a switch looks like after 15 years of use. The plastic ones mildew and are very difficult to detail from day one. I would drill the holes to make this fit if the position on the hull works. Make very sure you do a great job with the 4200 around the hole. Better yet use West systems epoxy on the wooden core and screw holes.
 
Installed them. No issue at all fits perfect. Used same holes. Just make sure to keep a hand on those wires, they are short and if you lose them in the hull it will be an issue. Don't forget some silicone on the base for a good seal. Happy Boating!
No pictures? Cmon’ man. Hook a brutha up.
 
View attachment 70204 View attachment 70203 Not sure what the ones you bought look like, but if you want something that lasts, this pic shows what a switch looks like after 15 years of use. The plastic ones mildew and are very difficult to detail from day one. I would drill the holes to make this fit if the position on the hull works. Make very sure you do a great job with the 4200 around the hole. Better yet use West systems epoxy on the wooden core and screw holes.
012374 MAXW SS COVERED FOOTSWITCH

012374_l.jpg
 
IMG_4230.JPG
Should last if the hinge does not fail. Really don't need the cover.
 
No pictures? Cmon’ man. Hook a brutha up.
20190525_090303.jpg 20190525_090310.jpg 20190525_090618.jpg 20190525_091141.jpg

Remember to apply some silicone on the base of the new switch.
Be careful of those wires they dont give much play, I attached one to the new switch and then took off the other.
 
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