When I first looked at my boat’s dashboard, it had the same problem many older boats have — too many gauges, too much clutter, and not enough clarity.
Rather than replacing everything, I focused on what actually matters:
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Oil pressure
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Temperature
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RPM
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Fuel
Everything else just adds distraction.
In this project, I carefully removed the old gauges, laid out a cleaner configuration, and installed a newer digital gauge where it made sense. The key was taking my time — measuring twice, cutting slow, and keeping wiring clean so there are no questions later.
One unexpected win was using acetone to clean old plastic surfaces. It won’t fix everything, but it can dramatically improve the appearance of aged materials.
To finish it off, I carpeted the dash. This helped:
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Cover old holes and imperfections
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Improve grip
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Make the boat safer for my dogs
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Reduce glare
This wasn’t about perfection — it was about function, safety, and simplicity. If you’re refitting a boat or preparing for long trips like the Great Loop, simplifying systems can make ownership easier and less stressful.
