Gauge/switch questions for the gurus

[Spectre5922]

I am starting to look into which gauges and what brand I am going to run on my 19-6. I have seen the cheapie Teleflex gauges in action and not only do they look cheap, but I also noticed that the brand new gauges that I saw on a boat had condensation on the inside of the lenses. Is that normal for marine gauges?
I have been looking at the white with blue/black Faria Chesapeake SS gauges. They are really sharp looking. Does anyone have any experience with Faria? Also, what gauges would you guys say are a must for a 19-6? I was thinking for sure a speedo, tach, fuel and volts. Any others that I should really consider running?
I will probably buy the 6 gauge kit since it's cheaper to buy than 4 individual gauges. Without having it in front of me, I don't know if I can fit them all on the console along with a switch panel, steering (especially the part behind the console face that you don't see) and throttle. If any of you have pics of what you've done with your consoles, I'd love to see them.
I have one last question. Would you suggest running individual rocker switches or a switch panel? I have seen several switch panels that I really like, but like I said before, I am worried about room on the console. The only switches that I can think of that I need are navigation lights, anchor light, bilge pump, 12v socket (for a q-beam or phone charger or whatever else might need a 12v source) and a horn button. Any other suggestions for switches that I might need in the future that I'm not thinking about?

Thanks guys......

[flounderpounder225]

I am starting to look into which gauges and what brand I am going to run on my 19-6. I have seen the cheapie Teleflex gauges in action and not only do they look cheap, but I also noticed that the brand new gauges that I saw had condensation on the inside of the lenses. Is that normal for marine gauges?
I have been looking at the white/blue/black Faria Chesapeake SS gauges. They are really sharp looking. Does anyone have any experience with Faria? Also, what gauges would you guys say are a must for a 19-6? I was thinking for sure a tach, fuel and volts. Any others that I should really consider running?
I will probably buy the 6 gauge kit since it's cheaper to buy than 4 individual gauges. Without having it in front of me, I don't know if I can fit them all on the console along with a switch panel, steering and throttle. If any of you have pics of what you'be done with your consoles, I'd love to see them.
I have one last question. Would you suggest running individual rocker switches or a switch panel? I have seen several switch panels that I really like, but like I said before, I am worried about room. The only switches that I can think of that I need are nag lights, anchor light, bilge pump and a horn button. Any other suggestions for switches that I might need in the future that I'm not thinking about?

Thanks guys......

I don't have any experience with the Faria guages, but I have friends with them, they look nice and seem to hold up pretty well.  I would go with a pre-wired switch panel, with the circuit breakers.  
And I have got to get one of those "Nag Lights" does that come on automatically when she starts Bichin??  

[Spectre5922]

:cyclops: I posted from my phone and the auto-spell function BLOWS!  I have corrected the typos from my work computer.  Thanks for the input flounderpounder.

Any pics guys?

[Spectre5922]

Flounderpounder.....  FYI.......  The nag light is attached to the nag switch. The nag switch is connected to the ejection seat. If I'm fishin', don't start bitchin'.  lol

[Blue Agave]

I have Faria gauges and I have no issues with them.  The first set I had were on the boat for ten years, I replaced the console last year and I also purchased new gauges.  The old gauges still worked just fine.  As far as which gauges, for me I like the bare minimum.  I have a tach, water pressure, and fuel gauges.  Only other gauge I would consider is a temp gauge.  Here is a shot of my gauges.

[Blue Agave]

As far as switches go, I like rocker switches with breakers.  Here is the lay out of the switch panel I had made.

[seabob4]

Spectre,
Been using and installing Farias for quite some time now, we used Chesapekes at Stamas and SSs w/ a chrome bezel st Proline.  Far better than the POC Teleflexes that AS and WC used.  Now, to me, the "must haves" are 0-7000 tach, fuel, volt, and water pressure.  Although it's been said that voltmeters are not to accurate, the reason I like them is they will show you when you have a charging issue.

Switch panels?  Definitely.  Probably Pete can be of great service here, as Marine Connection Liquidators has a massive assortment of various panels, and since it is his second home, he may be able give you an idea as to what they have.  You can always use one like this that I just installed from BEP...



I would suggest a 6 gang panel, allows you to add lighting or pumps later on without having to get a new panel...

[seabob4]

Blue,
Who made your panel?  I know Plastics America makes them, from a local standpoint...

[Blue Agave]

Blue,
Who made your panel?  I know Plastics America makes them, from a local standpoint...

Ultra Panel Marine out of Miami.

[Spectre5922]

I'm getting some fantastic ideas from you guys. Thanks for the information and pics. Keep them coming! I have an idea for the console that I will post up once I get it finalized. It basically involves deleting the storage box directly under the steering and building in a box with a door for my radio, switches, etc. It would free up a lot of room on top of the console and give a much cleaner look.

[seabob4]

Blue,
Who made your panel?  I know Plastics America makes them, from a local standpoint...

Ultra Panel Marine out of Miami.

My old buddy Ivo...

[Blue Agave]

Spectre5922 - When considering a switch panel, as SB mentioned, you may want to consider a couple extra switches for items that may be added in the future.  Also, a second bilge pump switch.  I have two bilge pumps in my vessel, a second bilge pump is a cheap insurance policy.

[Blue Agave]

Flounderpounder.....  FYI.......  The nag light is attached to the nag switch. The nag switch is connected to the ejection seat. If I'm fishin', don't start bitchin'.  lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgFhJN4H0T0

Love those southern belles

[Spectre5922]

Trust me..... She's not a true southern girl. My wife goes fishing with me whenever she can. So do a lot of wives I know. Almost every time I go fishing with my neighbor there is at least one female on board.
As far as your suggestion Blue.... you guys are right. I am going to think about the 6 switch panel from Seasense. It has waterproof toggles with breakers installed. Either that or make my own panel with the lighted rockers and breakers. Here is what I'm looking at needing switches for after seeing the suggestions.....
1. Nav lights
2. Anchor light
3. Bilge pump #1
4. Bilge pump #2
5. Courtesy lights in boat
6. Open for future live well or something else

I'll also have to have a momentary for the horn and a 12v socket for phone charges or a q-beam or something.

[Blue Agave]

Spectre5922 - 1. Nav lights
                    2. Anchor light

This two items can go on one switch, a three position rocker switch.  Center position-off; Up position both nav & anchor lights-on; Down position anchor light-on.

Also, don't forget that nag switch for the ejection seat.