Help selecting a gauge set

[crashkaloop]

I just bought a 1989 Ranger 360v, with a 175 HP Johnson. Happily, the boat runs great, and I have been addressing issues as I think they should be prioritized.

I have disconnected the VRO and am now running premix. The VRO was shot, and since the alarm system on the boat wasn't working either, I just didn't want to take a chance.

Most of the gauges do not work, and the dash panel might as well be a piece of cardboard. Just awful. So I want to put a nice, inexpensive, set of gauges in the new dash. What I think I want is the following:

Speedo, tach, fuel (switch from port/stbd), trim, temp, volts.

I will need most of the sending units too, because I am sure most do not work now. Is this list about right, or am I missing an important gauge?

I see most of the gauge packages do not contain exactly the gauges I want, so it looks like I have to buy a 4 gauge package, and order the other gauges separately? Is this the common way to do this?

Also, any thoughts on which brands will match up with my 1989 Johnson as simply as possible, and are good value?

Thanks

 

[gm280]

Re: Help selecting a gauge set

You will probably never find a set that has everything YOU want for the gauge set. So YES, you will have to order some individual gauges to complete what YOU want on the dash. And it isn't going to be cheap either. Between the gauges and wiring and sensors, you will have to rewire them accordingly. Post some pictures as you proceed with your project and all the in's and out's you encounter along the way... Sounds like a great project...

 

[blackhawk180]

Re: Help selecting a gauge set

What gm280 said but with my added $.02. I'd use a GPS/FF in place of a speedometer. The GPS speed is actual 'speed over ground' rather than water speed which can vary a considerable amount with current and you get the benefit of charts.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Help selecting a gauge set

Tacho, speedo, fuel, water pressure are what you want. Get a seperate GPS with a large display. Skip the temp and trim gauge, as they are unnecessary.

 

[crashkaloop]

Re: Help selecting a gauge set

I was planning to use a gps as a supplement to the speedo. Chris, no temp??? How will I know if my engine is frying?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Help selecting a gauge set

Water pressure is a better guage of motor coolness, than a temp guage. If you know what your normal water pressure is, and you see it is normal, the motor is cooling fine. If you see the water pressure drop off, it is time to work on the waterpump.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Help selecting a gauge set

Water pressure is a better guage of motor coolness, than a temp guage. If you know what your normal water pressure is, and you see it is normal, the motor is cooling fine. If you see the water pressure drop off, it is time to work on the waterpump.

Absolutely untrue. Water Pressure gauges tell you that the water pump is pumping water. Obviously if the pump isn't working the engine can't be cooled. But the flip side of that is even if the pump is working (normal water pressure) a thermostat stuck open, a thermostat stuck closed, or a bypass valve stuck open or closed all affect engine temperature. There is no temperature sensor associated with a water pressure gauge so it cannot possibly tell you the engine is cooling properly. The best solution, install both.