Where to buy good recessed panels?

[RussGW270]

Was just browsing the web and looking at pictures. Curious, recessed switch panels etc... replacement panels for the dashes.. where do you all buy those at?

Sorry, teleworking today so.. 4 screens going.. heh

R

 

[Greyduk]

Check into New Wire Marine. They do really nice work. They can do custom panels or duplicate what you have. They can pre-wire the panels so that all you need to do is install. Also they have blank panels already made up that you might be able to adapt to your application.

 

[RussGW270]

Excellent, thanks. There is a nice 10" touchscreen Raymarine for sale for like 950, but I think I would be better suited with a 7", if it fits, that is side by side with that 10" fish finder, to handle radar etc. I seriously do not see another 10" fitting lol

The vhf can go up top next to the other, and may be able to fit a 7" chartplotter next to the larger one.

Thanks!

R

 

[Greyduk]

On the 248 I just bought the seller had mounted 2 7" Garmin 741xs's. They are a good enough size to be able to see reasonably well. I will use one for sonar and one for GPS/radar. I think a 7" machine will give you what you need.

 

[RussGW270]

I was thinking the very same thing. I think the price on the Raymarine is nice, but if a 7 or 8" will fit better there, I can save the cash and get something nice and fit it next to it.

Thanks Grey!

 

[DennisG01]

As a side note about touchscreens (another way to save you some money)... Personally, I don't like them from a practical standpoint. If the boat is bouncing, at all, it's sometimes hard to press the right button the first time. Plus, it means you're always touching the screen and smudging it up with your grungy fingers. 'Ol fashioned buttons are more user friendly.

 

[RussGW270]

Good note, Dennis. I was also curious about that as well. Nothing to do but wait till the boat gets here, just trying to think ahead so I can gather as many hard to install items as I can to include in the install of the top. Without knowing the size of that panel, all I can do right now is dream heh.. but, trying to at least narrow down the choices so I can be ready once it gets here.

I think I have room on that dash for a smaller screen for nav, then maybe one more item.... not sure I care if the radio is outside.. but maybe I can add a usb charger and mount for my iphone later myself...dunno.

Big thing will be the vhf stuff being moved up top. No matter what I get, I can install those later myself due to the easy access. As long as they run a "pull cord" or I narrow down what I plan to get, I can get the radar dome mounted and just left inside the access area.

So, essentially, I think I can stick with Garmin...lots of options, makes it easier.. and get a Garmin radar dome and mounting bracket.

Then, just need to decide if a 8ft vhf antenna is plenty... and is there rrrreeeallly a huge difference with Digital vs Shakespere? Always used them, seemed fine... not sure if 350 vs 75 is worth a difference.

Then, I can grab a single garmin gps antenna and sat antenna.. and that would complete the items I plan to have them run through the tower.. heh

R

 

[Ky Grady]

As far as your antennas go, I've had both the Digital and Shakespeare 8' VHF and can't tell any difference in them. I've been running the Shakespeare ones for years and they have served me well. I use the 5225 XT Galaxy for VHF and the twin, 5235 XT Galaxy for the AM/FM, not the cheaper Shakespeare's. Both mounted with the 4187- HD version mount.