Changing out push button switches in 97 SS

[Brichter14]

Has anybody gone to toggle switches or anything different from the push button switches? Mine are very hard to depress and it is just kind of annoying.

[s_kelley2000]

The previous owner of my boat changed them all out for rocker switches and they look and function good. I can snap some pics next weekend for you if you want. They are not cheap but nautiqueparts.com has replacement push button breakers. Don't forget the 10% discount if you go that route.

[TX-Foilhead]

Since they are breakers not just switches it would take some rewiring to add fuses to the switch. I replaced all of mine and it's so nice. Livorsi makes a toggle breaker that might work, I couldn't get their TX dealer to return my calls so I never got ahold of one to try, they were a little more as well.

If you want to go cheap replace the ignition, blower and bilge pump, those get used most.

[DanielC]

Squirt a little WD-40 on the button, where it slides onto the breaker. Then work the switch several times.

[Brichter14]

I think I'm gonna swap the horn button and the ignition button. I'll throw up some pics when I'm done. Just need to throw an in line fuse on the ignition power cables right?

[DanielC]

It is your boat, you can do what you want.
For the breakers, try spraying some WD-40 on them. What do you have to lose?

For the horn button, there are a few issues. First, it is not sealed, and water gets in side it, and the contacts burn on it. Another issue with the horn button is there horn button carries the full current for the horns. Almost every car uses a horn relay, because the horns require a lot of current.

For what it is worth, I only have 2468 hours on my 1997 Ski Nautique. With the original breakers, and they push easy.

[Brichter14]

I sprayed wd40 on them today but the problem is not pushing the ignition button in, it is depressing the button. So my plan is not to use e existing horn button for an ignition switch but to use one of these in its place.

[TX-Foilhead]

Seriously? Just buy a $30 switch.

[Brichter14]

I went a slightly different route with the switch. The big switch above the key hole is now the ignition switch. The ignition button is now the horn. Easy enough.