Instrumentation Question?

[Mad Dog]

This is my first post to this forum.  I am amazed at the popularity of the Aquasport line.  When I picked up my 222 project off E-Bay I had no idea there would be so much support available.

My project boat has an OEM console that I am restoring first (to get a little practice).  My 222 is rigged for an outboard and I intend to keep it that way.  Here is my question, what instruments should I plan to install in the CC instrument panel?  Of course I will need a tach and electric fuel gauge.  Are there any other "must have" or "nice to have" instrument?  

When finished setting up I plan to a GPS and depth finder, so a speedometer is not necessary.

Thanks for any input.

[KeithG]

I too, am slowly rebuilding my instrument panel, and like you, I am planning on doing away with my speedometer also, I just repaired my fuel gauge this weekend, and am waiting on delivery of my new tach, you might want to consider a volt meter and or battery status gauge

[JimCt]

This is how I did mine for my 240:

[KeithG]

SWEEEETTT

[gw204]

Here's some shots of the panel I made for my old 204 Grady...





Top row, left to right:  tach, speedo, trim, volt, 12-V receptacle
Bottom row, left to right: ignition switch, Navman fuel flow meter, fuel, water pressure, temp, hourmeter

[John Jones]

trim
volts
water pressure
motor temp
fuel

[RebelYell]

..

Recently, I replaced the instrument gauge panel and switch panel bezels with starboard polymer on my 1990 Osprey 200.

Instrument Gauges:

Did away with Trim. Don't need it; I prefer to look back and see my engine trim anyway.....I have Tach, Engine Temp, Fuel and Battery Voltage. That's it. Keep it simple. Disconnected worthless Speedometer ( have GPS )

Switch Panel:

Went to local marina and got a six switch panel for about $ 25.00. Also added 2 X 12 V receptacles to the starboard polymer bezel and wired them in parallel. Have switches for Bilge, Navigation Lights, Cock Pit Lights, Running Lights,  Livewell, and Accessory ( 12V receptacles ).


That's it and that's all my old boat needs. I had to rewire THE ENTIRE 12V system and am pleased with the results. I kept things simple on purpose.  


RebelYell - Winter Haven, FL

[Mad Dog]

Good examples guys!  Thanks for the input.

[Max]

I plan on doing a rebuild as a winter project.  The console has so many holes I can't find a place to mount stuff.  I wound up adding a piece of teak to the top to cover up the Swiss cheese effect temporarily.

I plan on:
 
Tach
Battery meter
Fuel
Water temp
Engine hours (the little oblong type to save space)
In-dash VHF (it's small enough)

I also will do a complete rewire job while the console is up on the bench in the basement.  Soooooo much easier!

Max

[GoneFission]

I would go with water pressure instead of temperature for an outboard.  You can see an impeller going bad or something else before it happens with a water pressure gauge.  You won't see overheating unitl it's too late!

[Max]

Thanks!  There is one on the panel now but it's not functional.  I'll keep my eyes open for a new one at Bass Pro.  

Max

[GoneFission]

BPS got you covered:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/store ... rchResults

[Max]

Cap,

Thanks for the website.  However, since I live only 80-plus miles from the "temple," I hit the clearance center regularly.  It handles all the returns and overstocks from the entire chain.  So far I've picked up a tach and a battery meter at aout 50% of normal price.  The trick is whether or not the stuff is all in the same color.  Even if I have to buy a couple I'll still e ahead of the game.

Max

[GoneFission]

Cool!  Maybe I'll send you my wish list??!!