Gauge Layout
 

I am adding oil temp gauges and also the AFR gauge and I'd like it to look like it was planned so instead of just making them fit in with the existing layout, I decided to redo the dash. I am looking for idea's and how you guys might place your gauges given the space I have. I never really liked the "line of gauges" across the bottom. I think I would prefer to have them stacked in "like pairs" if that makes sense. FYI, The current layout shown has the speedo centered on the steering wheel. The rectangle cutout is an old auto pilot gizmo that will not go back in. I am thinking in the future that I would add the mechanical drive and trim indicators and put them where the current rectangle is.
Thanks for your help.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...0168aea308.jpg

Make sure you have enough free wire to move gauges.

Not quite the question you’re asking but if you’re planning to add tab and drive indicators, have you considered heads up type displays? (If there’s enough space behind the dash) Easy to read and look more modern. That’d free up space on the RHS too.


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...3d98e3e18.jpeg


RR

Does that unit have to be installed on a "level" surface or can it be installed on a slope and still be readable?

The heads up trim indicators will be the way to go for that dash layout you have. I don't see enough room to allow the cables to go behind the gauges with on that panel.

Pretty sure you can install on any angle but ideally, a horizontal surface is best. Indicators will go straight up and down vertically. Depends on the top of your dash, maybe a small spacer to get the horizontal position…?

RR

I absolutely agree with the "like pairs"

How the heck can you compare oil pressures at a glance when you have to look left, find the gage, read it then look right and do the same.

With "like pairs" all you have to do is visually compare the pointer positions.

This photo major "old school" circa 1980 but you get the point.


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I think there is enough room for a "traditional" indicator if the cables came from the bottom. Boat is a mess because it's been sitting (without the cover) in my wood shop for 2 years. I have a couple pics here, hard to see but there is quite a bit of room because the dash bumps up for the row of toggle switches and then it would go below the throttle and drive controls. I do like the heads up but it would have to be adjustable for the angle of my dash.https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...24a58d5c50.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...872fff6549.jpg
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That is exactly what I'm thinking.

When I first raced the boat I put mine out in my line of sight when running.



https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...1aa34bf1de.jpg

Easy Mark you look a little left then a little right lol.
Much more intuitive than a standard aircraft panel.




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Mine are split in half
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...ef1e811b7c.jpg

I'm thinking a layout like this.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...2e770dcf72.jpg

No reason to have the hour meters in the dash. I'd move them.

That layout the gauges look a little too close to one another with bezels.

I was just going to say the same thing. You beat me to it.

The less you have to look at the better off you will be. Put the voltmeters together.

My plan is to paint the panel red with all white gauges. I was not planning on adding bezels. Using the gauges right out of the box. The circles shown are "actual sizes". As far as placement, I was thinking the closer the better for a quick look and comparison which is my goal. I don't really have another spot for the hour meters. I have the room in the panel and they don't bother me installed there. I bought the new hour meters to keep track of the time on the rebuilt engines and thought I would mount the old ones in the engine compartment to keep track of total hours on the boat. I know it's not necessary but when I sell the boat down the road the new owner might appreciate the info. I placed the "voltmeters" in an effort to keep symmetry with the overall display. I really wanted everything side by side but out of all of the gauges, the voltmeters to me were the least important (not counting the hour meters) I guess that gauge placement is what you're used too? What came from the factory? Again for me, I never warmed up to mine being in a line and think this layout will be better. I will keep looking at this current layout for a while to make sure it's what I want before having the panel cut for me.

i like them in my line of sight by importance, oil temp pressure and so on. staggered port to starboard
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...06d6f12472.jpg

This is a pic of a Hustler for sale on this site. This layout is what I am going for. I think my gauges are as close to "line of site" as I can get. nocigarette, did your boat come like that or is that your layout design? It seems to me that one look to the left is better than back and forth. All what you're used to I suppose.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...64c338078c.jpg

Think of all the hours of vacuuming you could have saved just by throwing a cover on the boat .. that is a lot of wood dust . don`t drop a match!!!


Ive never found myself wishing the gauges were closer together....

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...a04a3d5b7e.jpg

mine are grouped there are several more on the passenger side dash, Im thinking of moving the oil temps to where the water pressure are

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...9b60d50a7e.jpg

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26 scarab

I looked at oil temp the most.

I would put the hour meters in the engine compartment or eliminate them. And eliminate the volt meters. I have the digital USB chargers with the voltage on them if I need to reference voltage. Beside that I never look at the voltage. I'd use the extra room for navigation or mechanical indicators.

I just received the "prototype" dashboard and I like it. Everything fits and looks like it will work. I did end up with a traditional mechanical drive trim set up. I looked at the pop up indicators which I really liked but I couldn't find a spot for them plus they were a little pricey for me. The red is not the color I will end up with. Hoping a little brighter red metallic will look like the picture I have in my head. Trying to tie in the headrests. Hope to get the final aluminum dash next week then the the fun begins.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...83b4512fce.jpg
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