1st Project - Helm Upgrade

[cjblovinlife]

I have a bad ignition and several other switches & guages that are failing. I plan to replace all of them with better quality switches & guages that are backlit and built to last . I like rocker switches but good quality toggles have some nostalgia value . Just looking for advice from anyone that has done this . The wiring harnesses look good but the additions and changes over the years are a mess. Why do mfg not give you a serivice loop so you have room on the harness to actully work on it. I will go back to the main connectors on the harness and create one that covers everything and leaves some slack .

I am thiking that I will just get a local machine shop to cut new backpanels -

1. Any suggestions on material ? Stainless , Starboard or other ?
2. Are the ignitiion switches just universal 3 position marine ?
3. Any reccomendations on shifters & throttles ?
4. Electrical connection suggestions - Crimp on switches Amphenol on harnesses?

Thanks so much ! So far I am loving this boat !

Chris

[Cooler]

Other CYO with the same model will chime in. You may want to shop Greatlakesskipper.com They have an inventory of Carver OEM parts. Just click under the OEM tab on the web page. They seem to have a lot more individual items since Carver shut down, so it makes sense that they bought out existing inventory from Carver. Good luck. er

[Midnightsun]

Your imagination is your limitation. Ideally if the dash is covered from the elements then it should last as long as the boat. I moved and replaced a lot of stuff on the Carver but did stick mostly with original stuff.

I did do a complete overhaul limited by my imagination on a previous boat. Push to start ignitions, custom trim switch and everything custom built by yours truly with exception of the new backing which I had laser etched to my drawings. Made everything Smartcraft and the plotter was smartcraft compatible so I was able to bring up gauges and receive engine warnings on it. This was 15+ years ago and the dash still looks as good as it did since I know the owner.

[cjblovinlife]

Awesome! Thanks