Instrument Panel Replacement 245

[famas44]

Instrument Panel Replacement

First, I want to thank everyone on this forum.  Y’all have been a big help answering my questions.  I am new to my Aquasport, and firsthand knowledge helps my projects.  
My question:

Where on the internet can I find a replacement instrument panel?  I have done search on the forum, but most of the businesses are in Florida.  I am located in Texas.  I have an Explorer 245 with a single Mercury 250 EFI.
My panel has the same issues many other forum members have had in the past.  (Cracked sides, over tightened screws, ect)  Those problems will not allow the seal to fit properly and moisture will get inside the console and ruin my gauges.  

Any help is appreciated.  

Thanks.

[seabob4]

Well, famas, you know what all us FL boys will tell you...Marine Connection Liquidators in Ft. Pierce.  Marc or Pete would know if they have blanks, but I'm sure they have loaded panels...


...AND WELCOME ABOARD!!

[flounderpounder225]

Instrument Panel Replacement

First, I want to thank everyone on this forum.  Y’all have been a big help answering my questions.  I am new to my Aquasport, and firsthand knowledge helps my projects.  
My question:

Where on the internet can I find a replacement instrument panel?  I have done search on the forum, but most of the businesses are in Florida.  I am located in Texas.  I have an Explorer 245 with a single Mercury 250 EFI.
My panel has the same issues many other forum members have had in the past.  (Cracked sides, over tightened screws, ect)  Those problems will not allow the seal to fit properly and moisture will get inside the console and ruin my gauges.  

Any help is appreciated.  

Thanks.

Famas
Look at this thread I started a few months back, your 245 panel should like the ones on the first page of the post, viewtopic.php?f=3&t=7889&st=0&sk=t&sd=a  TMC has this panel I am pretty sure but is loaded with gauges and switches, just as circle hooked's pictures show.  They probably have a blank panel in the back in one of the big tri-wall boxes, but they will not dig through that for you, you would have to go, or get someone that is going to dig.  
Marc

[Capt. Bob]

Two thoughts:

First based on logic.
Boat brand made until production ended in Florida so excess inventory (what may exist) probably remains in Florida. If the panel itself is available, shipping would be additional but not prohibitive.

Second is based in experience with gauge clusters in center console craft.
My experience is that gauges which have had far less protection from the elements such heat/cold/rain seem to hold up very well. My last CCP had a plastic cover over the gauges but water (and condensation) always managed to get in. Add that to the fact that except for the face, the remaining part of the gauge is exposed under the console directly to moisture and my only failures have been to the fuel gauge and that almost always is caused by the remote sender unit.

You could have a new face plate made using the original as a model. I believe a member has done just that.

Good luck.

Edit:
Here's one.
viewtopic.php?p=32163#p32163

Not your model but an idea
viewtopic.php?p=49825#p49825

[famas44]

Well, famas, you know what all us FL boys will tell you...Marine Connection Liquidators in Ft. Pierce.  Marc or Pete would know if they have blanks, but I'm sure they have loaded panels...


...AND WELCOME ABOARD!!

It seems like they have exactly what I need for my boat.  How do y'all suggest contacting this company?  Does anyone on the forum live close to this place?  Are they knowledgeable about what I would need if I called and spoke with them on the phone?  I am located in Texas and looked all around locally without any luck.  I have also thought about manufacturing one with the original as a template, but this might not work out.  I wouldn't mind having new gauges.  Any thoughts?

[seabob4]

famas,

Pete lives pretty close, but you may just want to give them a call, or email...http://www.themarineconnection.net/ContactUs.html

[Circle Hooked]

Haven't done it myself but i know they will ship it, had that discussion with them once, they are very helpful as long as they don't have to dig for it but they do know where the panels are.

[Capt. Bob]

They do ship.
I purchased two helm chairs for my WAC and had them shipped to Tally.

I also gave them my measurements for a Bimini top I was looking for and was contacted back the same day on what they had so.....

It never hurts to try.
Unfortunately, your timing is just off. There was a major run there by a forum member during Thanksgiving.

[famas44]

I spoke with them and I need to send a picture of my panel and they will look.  I hope they have one.