Dash panel light. Capable of adding a dimmer?

siebt

Hi.

I have a 2005 232 BR.

At night the gauge cluster lights are so bright I have to throw a towel over the dash.

I haven't tore into it, but thought I would be smart for once and ask if anyone knows if a dimmer can be added to the circuit?  I don't know if full current goes through the switch or if the switch goes to a relay, etc.

I am hoping it is as easy as adding a rheostat between the switch and the lights.

And no, my light switch does not have the dimmer function.  It simple toggles off and on.

Thank-you for any input.

Lifes Good

Humm no dimmer switch from factory? Have you tried holding the light switch down either way? On mine there is a switch next to the running lights that dims the dash lights. Otherwise there are 12v dimmers available in the marine market.

Dream_Inn

I had the same issue on my 310.  It actually had a dimmer, but it only dimmed the dash gauges, not the rocker switches. To be honest, I don't remember what it does on my current boat.

raybo3

My 342 has a dimmer. On my boat the dimmer is by itself and spring loaded up and down. When I first got the boat I did not even know what that switch did.

gslpro

Should be easy.  The lights will either be led or low-amp incandescent, so I can't see any issues with a simple rheostat.  I would suggest buying the dimmer switch from rinker that goes with your set to make it all look stock, but that is your choice based on what they would get you for that dimmer switch.  Good luck.

-Gary

raybo3

Hey gslpro are you the same glspro from the old RBO? Welcome to the RBOC...

siebt

Thank-you, all, for the input.

My switch is on/off only.

I will check with Rinker parts to see they can sell me one that matches.

Capt_Steve

Hey siebt...try Malary in Rinker Parts (mwagner@nauticglobalgroup.com)

Babyboomer

Well Al where did you bury Tsquare  )

PartsMan

it's buried with Jimmy Hoffa you'll never know

:-$