I have a black plastic 6-gang panel that I bought off the shelf last year when I rewired the boat…at this point I think it’s too plain for this build. I’m looking for something “different,” something a little more custom, but don’t want to have the task of wiring a switch panel from scratch.
Anyone know of anything that’s not just a standard part, something a little more robust than these cheap plastic panels? I’m willing to spend quality money on quality parts, I’m just really striking out finding something that doesn’t scream “standard” to me…
Also, suggestions on going with circuit breakers or fuses? Why? Pros/Cons?
Well hell, why not just build a panel? I can make it happen and use the wiring off of my old panel to make it easy…and do it for the cost of an off the shelf panel.
I don’t know if you can get to it on the web but the new BoatUS magazine has an article with some ideas with beautiful wood
grain panels among other ideas to update or customize a boat electrical panel or the whole helm panel.
Call New Wire Marine. They can build you what you are looking for.
Tall Sail Marine
Thanks, but I think I’m going to tackle this one on my own…
I acquired some Carling lighted aluminum toggles like Sportsman is using on their new panels.
They, along with keyswitch, kill switch, and cigarette lighter plug/USB plugs will all be mounted in a custom carbon fiber panel, laser etched (or vinyl under clearcoat) with switch labels.
I just need to get the rest of the stuff on the console and determine where/how I want to arrange the switches/panel.
Going to go with a Blue Sea Systems fuse panel.
Are there any reasons to go with circuit breakers instead of fuses?
You can’t beat Blue Sea for quality switch and fuse panels. That’s all I use on my boats. I prefer fuses to breakers. Breakers can go bad and are not easily replaced on the water.
NewWire Marine did my new panel this spring. Carbon Fibre with new engraved switches. Design to build and in my hands in less than a week. Looks fantastic. newwiremarine.com
I looked at those, they put together some nice stuff. I’m basically going to assemble the same thing but do it myself. I priced what I need and I came to over $300…and for something I’m competent and confident in doing myself, I just can’t justify it. I’ll save that money and blow it on something I can’t do, like make a power pole!
I made one out of lexan and then wrapped it with some carbon fiber vinyl. It looked pretty good, really could use a milling machine to do it right though. I used a router and I didn’t have the greatest jig, there was a little refinement needed as it all came together, but looked nice.
