smartcraft gauge - moisture inside crystal

[BoatCollector]

I have a 2004 Mercury 135hp Saltwater Optimax with the 'smart craft' gauges and control system. One of the smartcraft gauges recently started collecting moisture/fog inside the clear lens cover. I see no cracks in the crystal, so I can only assume a seal or something compromised. Sadly my authorized merc mechanic just told me that Mercury only warranties the gauges for 1 year. I believe he said this gauge is between 300 and 400 dollars to replace (smartcraft computer controls inside of it). It still works other than the fog/moisture inside (so far), so I opted to wait for now. Is there anything at all I can do on such a problem? I remember when I was young my father's bayliner quartmaster had a couple gauges go "misty" like this inside the clear lens cover. Any ideas/advice is appreciated.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: smartcraft gauge - moisture inside crystal

to help dry it, leave your dash lights on.

Look for a source of moisture behind it--water leaking in though the dash board, or in the hold beneath it, and finding its way in (in this case, water travels up!). Reseal the panel if needed, rather than the guage itself.