Switches & Panels

Boat dash switches have different functions, which can be confusing. Among the more commonly used switch functions are: Read More

On/Off Switch

An on/off switch is just what it sounds like — a simple switch like a light switch. These switches are used for accessories like livewell pumps or blowers.

On/Off/On Switch

On/off/on switches have three positions instead of two. The center position is completely off. The top position powers one circuit. The bottom position powers a separate circuit. On/off/on switches are often used for things like navigation lights, where one on position turns on the bow lights and all-around light, while the other on position turns on just the all-around light.

Bilge pumps are also often wired using an on/off/on switch, with one on position turning the pump on manually and the other on position connecting it to the battery via the float switch for automatic operation.

Momentary On/Off Switch

A momentary switch, sometimes written as (on)/off, only stays on while you’re pressing it. A horn, for example, would use a momentary on/off switch.

Momentary On/Off/On Switch

A momentary on/off/on switch also connects only while you’re pressing it, but has two different on positions. Think of the rocker switches used to control trim tabs, for example. Windlass switches are also usually momentary on/off/on with one on position for up and the other on position for down.

Switch covers for Carling, Cole Hersee, Blue Sea, and other marine rocker switches are largely interchangeable. Most are based on the Contura design. Replacing switch covers is an easy and inexpensive DIY way to upgrade the look of your console. Read More

Rubber or Soft Touch Boat Switch Covers

Found on many production boats, rubberized “soft touch” covers look and feel great to begin with, but the material tends to deteriorate over time. It can get soft and sticky, fade and discolor, and it’s easily scratched or cut. Replacing rubber switch covers with hard plastic covers is quick and easy.

Printed Hard Plastic Boat Switch Covers

Hard plastic switch covers stand up better to wear and the elements than soft switch covers. Most have text labels and icons printed on their surface. While less expensive than the alternative, the printed labels tend to wear off over time. They also don’t allow backlighting.

Etched or Engraved Boat Rocker Switch Covers

Etched — as opposed to printed — switch covers have a few advantages over printed switch covers. First, the engraved labels and icons are permanent; they will never wear or fade. Second, the etching allows light to pass through the switch cover from behind, meaning that with a lighted switch body, the labels are visible in the dark.

Some engraved switch covers have a second translucent area etched near the bottom of the switch. When used with two-lamp rocker switches, this serves as a convenient indicator that the switch is on.

A boat rocker switch controls power to an electrical circuit — the bilge pump circuit, for example, or the windshield wiper circuit. When the switch is on, the circuit is closed and the accessory runs. Typically, switches are located at the helm station, allowing the skipper to control all of the boat’s electrical systems from a single location.

The switch that controls the navigation lights on a boat is normally labeled “NAV.” Often, it is a three-position switch with “NAV” on one side and “ANC” on the other. In the NAV position, the red and green navigation lights at the bow and the white all-around our stern light are lit. In the ANC position, the white all-around light is lit.

A rocker switch panel is a row or cluster of rocker switches wired together to control most or all of a boat’s electrical accessories. The switches are commonly mounted in a rectangular acrylic panel that can be installed in the boat as a single unit and then connected to the various accessories.