Boatbuilder wants your opinion!
 

We are finishing up the center console design for our new 39' Center Console.
I am very interested to see the opinion of OSO members regarding the electronics and gauge layout.

We are torn between two options.... Gauges across the top as typically seen in our boats, or move the GPS units up high and use a Smartcraft display between the GPS' and an interface to display the gauges on the GPS screens.

Both have valid benefits... GPS units mounted high allow for easier/quicker navigation by the driver. The driver's eyes are on the water more. Gauges can be mounted under the GPS displays.

The "Gauges" option tends to have a stronger look or "flash".

The reality is that we find customers actually using the gauges to be fairly rare... And the new engines do not require as much driver observation anyway....

Your thoughts are appreciated.:drink:

I voted no gauges because I am not afraid of the technology, but I would leave the door open to offer them as an option. You are going to have some guys that are going to want to see gauges I think and on a high end boat like that if I wanted it I would get it.

Bling, gauges (with logos) and logos everywhere......oops wrong company! :D

The analog gauges look cool but could be skipped on a CC, digital is all you need.

I love the look of gauges, I know all you need these days is a screen and anything going astray will popup but that look is way too sterile for me.

Digi!

Digital rules.

And DollaBill will hate it. Which is a big plus. :lolhit:

I would keep it clean with no analog guages just digi's...

Both. Having the gauges and smartcraft, both, gives you an option for backups. Gauges on the bottom and GPS/SmartCraft unit above them, so that your eyes don't have to look down too far when following a course. Sometimes, I have more faith in the analog gauges, than the digital SmartCraft, especially, oil pressure, water temp, and water pressure. Nothing like being miles away and a sensor goes out. Then you are operating blind.

I love digital but on a boat I'd stay with gauges. Even new cars are going back to analog gauges. It looks cooler on the dash. Make them monster gauges

Both! Why not have a backup if you digital or analog goes down.

Just my personal preference but I like looking at this when running;

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/a...1&d=1303517712


better than this;

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/a...1&d=1303517712


But to each his own.

What it looks like in action with the Garmin handheld on the dashboard also. But like I said to each his own...

I like Old School...

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/a...1&d=1303518384

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3akBbQHHWg0[/YOUTUBE]

X2, This is they way my boat is set up and I love it, plus it looks really nice:)

Personally, I would like to see a mock up or a sketch before I vote. I love gauges, but I also like tech, so for me it would be more about how it looks and if it functions.