DASH PANEL REHAB

Trent · May 2020

Greetings from Big Sky country! Working on a rehab of my Captiva 272 and looking for ideas on how to resurface the dash and rocker switch panels. I was thinking a simple vinyl wrap would work well but this will cover up the switch nomenclature imprinted on the bezel itself. Short of replacing the existing switches with self illuminating ones, I haven't come up with a better idea. It seems these panels will come up once in a blue moon! I missed the last set in 2016....

Any ideas or successful project stories would be helpful. Thanks!

Aqua_Aura · May 2020

You can get new illuminated switch covers that are labeled on the switch. I think I paid about $6 a piece for them. If you can post a picture it may help a little for people's suggestions.

Trent · May 2020

This panel set is in a little better shape than mine is. I'm peeling and flaking pretty badly on the switch panel. The upper gauge panel is in pretty good shape but I have never been a fan of the faux wood panel look!

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020499/uploads/editor/8i/onn33ggktt6f.jpg

Aqua_Aura · May 2020

Yeah those switches are different than mine. Not sure if they have covers for those with labels. You could remove it all and scuff and paint it. If the switches are really bad you could replace them with.....

https://newwiremarine.com/marine-grade-switches/

I already had the contura switches so you would have to buy the whole switch not just the cover.

lodemia · September 2020

I just redid a 272 as well. I would look through every page of eBay every day until I found new one for both the switch and gauge panels. The switch panel was mislabeled as Bennington marine so... score! The only thing I had to do was repin the entire harness and replace the radio rocker with one that said blower.

lodemia · September 2020

If you want a switch panel, here’s one I saved in my eBay search. You will need completely new switches tho. https://www.ebay.com/itm/WOODGRAIN-BLANK-SWITCH-PANEL-23-5-8-X-6-MARINE-BOAT/192271310605

Aqua_Aura · September 2020

That's looks incredible,nice job!!!!

lodemia · September 2020

Thanks! I plan on starting a complete build thread here at some point. Need to take more pictures though.

davidbrooks · September 2020

I made a dash panel out of starboard and then covered it with shrink wrap a few years ago. I don't recommend going that route. It just didn't hold up. A simple scratch would cause it to start to peel away. Any area around screws didn't look good. If you can find a molded panel that allows you to setup your guages and switches then that is recommended. I am going a more custom route and getting rid of all my analog guages. So i bought a panel of https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XMQFX17/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. I made a template out of cheaper MDF and then used it with a router to cut out the panel. This winter i am going to modify the helm so that the panels are recessed to hide the edges. I was pretty happy with the quality of the material. Supposedly it is the same company that has been making molded panels for boat manufacturers.

jasonlangdon · March 2021

I have just recently purchased a Captiva 272 with the same dashboard as the photo above. the panel is completely faded so I cannot ready any of the labels nor switches. I would like to redo it myself but I am wondering if anyone has or can take a close up photo of all the switches so I know what to label the panel with? I have also been looking for replacements but have not found any yet on eBay or other sites. If anyone knows where I can get them I would greatly appreciate that as well.

Handymans342 · March 2021

Greatlakesskipper.com may have some panels too

Aqua_Aura · March 2021

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on the boat. Depending on your switch style you may be able to replace the covers.

jasonlangdon · March 2021

I have called them, they unfortunately do not.

bella-vita · March 2021

You can just change the switch covers. I got mine from https://rockerswitchpros.com/

TonyG13 · March 2021

New Wire Marine (https://newwiremarine.com/) -- which I believe is the same company as Rocker Switch Pros -- can also custom make a new panel to your specifications. You can order everything and DIY - or have them make you an entire panel with new switches and covers already installed. They have a lot of great informational videos and diagrams on the site.

I ordered an entire new set of etched covers - https://newwiremarine.com/marine-grade-switches/illuminated-rocker-switches/etched-covers/ - and should get them tomorrow. Will let you know how they come out.

jasonlangdon · March 2021

Thank you for the help, I will check those options out!

TonyG13 · March 2021

FedEx dropped these off today while I was at the boat. Will install on next visit.

LaRea · March 2021

lodemia said:

Thanks! I plan on starting a complete build thread here at some point. Need to take more pictures though.

@lodemia - time to come back and post your build thread!

davidbrooks · March 2021

@LaRea I am sad you didnt get the rum dispenser one.

aero3113 · March 2021

davidbrooks said:

@LaRea I am sad you didnt get the rum dispenser one.

@javhav has the best liquor dispenser setup on his boat 😎.

TonyG13 · March 2021

Before and after pics of the new helm switches installed today. I can definitely see the new ones better with my aging eyes. Now I just have to wire the three old unused accessory switches to the new ones I bought labeled stereo, cell phone charger, and helm lights.

Old>>>

New>>>