Installing a Depth Gauge

[mcbridek]

Last year I had seen a post on this Web site where a depth gauge was installed where the power plug is on the dash (2006 196 SE) and at that time I had copied the picture (attached). I was going to try this location on my boat and looking for any advise. The instrument hole will have to be enlarged to 2 1/16 and I am thinking the best approach is once the power plug is removed, you cut the gray material with a utility knife and then use a hole saw - trying to keep the hole saw from tearing up the gray covering material, I think it is vinyl covering over the dash.

[Blue Ski]

One of the tricks used for installing the paddle wheel for perfect pass is to put down layers of masking tape over the drill spot to keep the gel coat from chipping. I wonder if that would help protect the dash material in this case.

[NCH2oSki]

Good idea, I may try the same. Have you pulled the power outlet out to see if there is any material for the drill bit of the whole saw to drill into? If not you will need add some backing for the hole saw pilot bit or it will wonder around and tear up everything.

Depending on what the material is and how much larger the hole needs to be a dremal with a sanding drum might be an option.

What are you planning to use for the depth finder?

[H2O]

First drill a hole in a 2X4 with the hole saw you will be using. Next shape the 2X4 to fit against the dash where you will be placing the new hole. Now use the 2X4 as a template with a predrilled hole to guide the holesaw for the dash hole. The holesaw will follow the hole in the 2X4 and give a beautiful hole in the dash exactly where you want it as long as the 2X4 remains stable (have someone help hold it) while drilling!

[mcbridek]

H2O - Got it on the 2x4 - that is a good idea.

NCH2oSki - I was going to install a Faria depth/water temp with the black background. I have not looked behind the power outlet yet, will this weekend. There needs to be about 3 inches behind the dash for the gauge and screws (long screws posts on the back of the gauge) - I am assuming there is since the picture is a faria gauge
http://www.overtons.com/modperl/prod...1&merchID=4006

[swc5150]

In my '06 SE, I swapped the volt meter for the depth finder. No drilling required, and the boat could be brought back to factory specs with ease. How often do we really look at the volt meter anyway?

[BrennanK]

One of the tricks used for installing the paddle wheel for perfect pass is to put down layers of masking tape over the drill spot to keep the gel coat from chipping. I wonder if that would help protect the dash material in this case.

Another note on drilling holes in the hull or dashboard. Go through the gel coat or dashboard with the whole saw in reverse over the masking tape. This is just another added precaution against chipping the gel coat or protecting the dashboard.

[Mikeski]

In my '06 SE, I swapped the volt meter for the depth finder. No drilling required, and the boat could be brought back to factory specs with ease. How often do we really look at the volt meter anyway?

X2

your perfect pass is a better voltmeter than your analog voltmeter anyway

[mcbridek]

I posted my Install iinto the DIY section - just completed
http://www.planetnautique.com/vb3/sh...a-SE-Dashboard

[ers906]

I ended up putting a analog clock, a voltmeter for the accessory bank of batteries (27s) and the depth finder gauge on the area below and in front of the throttle handle on the lower gauge panel (which can be replaced via nautiqueparts.com to return to original condition http://www.nautiqueparts.com/panello...rbonfiber.aspx) I am always worried about drilling into the vinyl bc of the difficulty of replacing it if something goes wrong. I have my depth gauge alarm set for 4 feet so I don't need to be constantly looking at it. Just my 0.02$