Boat Switch Panels & Dash Panels
The layout of your boat dash — especially your switches — is important to safety and usability. Fortunately, today’s materials and manufacturing methods make it easy to make custom-designed switch panels and dash panels for virtually any boat. » Read More
Learn More About Switch & Dash Panels
Contents
Boat Switch Panels
Boat switch panels consolidate the switches for a majority of your boating electrical systems in one easy-to-operate panel. On larger boats, there might be more than one panel, but on most boats, there’s one on the operating console or dash. Read More
Boat switch panels consolidate the switches for a majority of your boating electrical systems in one easy-to-operate panel. On larger boats, there might be more than one panel, but on most boats, there’s one on the operating console or dash.
This one switch panel is the epicenter of the boat’s electrical systems, electronics, and controls. Because of this, your switch panel must be laid out to your liking. Since there are so many options in modern boat electronics, customization might be required
Not all boat switches are the same. Toggle switches are small switches that require a bit of force to move. Rocker switches are wider and operate almost as a push-on, push-off switch. Push button switches offer a clean, contemporary appearance, take up less space and some offer integral surge protection.
Some of your electronics might not be simple on-and-off appliances. They might need multiple stage switches. An example of this would be navigation lights. The switch for navigation lights should have three positions; off, anchor, and navigation.
For most boat owners, a lot of your time will be spent behind your console running your boat. Since you’re going to spend so much time looking at your dash, make sure it’s laid out specifically for you and your electronics.
Why Install a New Switch Panel or Dash Panel on Your Boat?
As boats age, so do their electronics. What was brand new five years ago has since been surpassed by the newest version. As the electronics get better, their displays change as well. While radar, GPS, fish finder, AIS, and weather used to require different machines, some new systems offer all of this information on one display. Read More
Acrylic vs Starboard for Switch Panels & Dash Panels
There are a few things to consider when choosing what you want for your console. The first is what you want your boat’s dash panel to be made out of. The main material recommended by Boat Outfitters is acrylic, also commonly referred to as Plexiglas. Marine acrylic panels have an attractive high-gloss finish and work very well for engraving but are somewhat difficult to work with for the DIYer. Read More
There are a few things to consider when choosing what you want for your console. The first is what you want your boat’s dash panel to be made out of. The main material recommended by Boat Outfitters is acrylic, also commonly referred to as Plexiglas. Marine acrylic panels have an attractive high-gloss finish and work very well for engraving but are somewhat difficult to work with for the DIYer.
For example, drilling and cutting to make your own cutouts requires special tools and techniques. Acrylic is also a relatively costly option and is somewhat susceptible to UV damage. Black acrylic panels are the most popular, but some boat owners also choose white or off-white.
King Starboard, a marine-specific high-density polyethylene, is another option for panel material. Starboard has a lightly textured matte finish that’s easy to keep clean and impervious to UV. The matte finish may not be as attractive to most tastes as glossy acrylic, but, on the other hand, it’s a much lower glare, which can be important for a dash panel. It’s also much easier to work with at home than acrylic and significantly less expensive.
On the other hand, most boat owners consider it a less aesthetically appealing choice. Starboard is available in a variety of whites and off-whites, plus gray, black, and tan.
Dash Panel Electronics Mounting Styles: Face Mounting vs. Flush Mounting
The next decision to make is how you want your electronics mounted. There are two options from Boat Outfitters: face mounting and flush mounting. Face mounting involves mounting your displays directly to your dash. This will make your electronics sit raised above the dash surface about a quarter inch. Flush mounting involves mounting your electronics to the actual fiberglass of your console, and mounting the dash panel over them. Read More
Mounting Your Dash or Switch Panel: Standard or Hidden Fasteners
The last thing to consider on your custom dash panel is how you plan on fastening it to your console. As with any marine project, stainless or powder-coated hardware should be used. One way to mount your dash is with screws or bolts that can be provided by Boat Outfitters. This will leave your hardware visible. Read More