Source for Replacement Switches for Boston Whaler

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Author Topic:   Source for Replacement Switches for Boston Whaler

David1877 posted 09-30-2008 12:46 AM ET (US)
I have a 2005 Eastport 205 that has a faulty toggle switch. Sometimes [the toggle switch] works, and sometimes it will not. Switch it ON-OFF a few times and the lights come on. I have not replaced one of these before, but I presume it is a relatively simple process.
Recommend a good replacement switch and source for same.
Thanks.
jimh posted 09-30-2008 09:11 AM ET (US)
If you want an exact replacement switch that will fit in the existing hole and harmonize with the other switches used on the dash board of the helm on your Boston Whaler boat, you can either order it through a Boston Whaler dealer, or from a vendor who sells that brand of switch. After removing the switch from the dash you should be able to see the OEM markings on the switch. If it is not too exotic and specialized a configuration, you may be able to get it off-the-shelf and in-stock from a marine dealer.
However, I recommend you check the connections to the switch before determining that the switch is the source of the intermittent problem. If the connectors are push-on connectors, remove them, spray some electrical contact solvent on them, and reinstall them. Also, since the load is an lamp, check that the lamps themselves are not the problem. Sometimes the bulb makes intermittent contact with the bulb holder or socket. Finally, although the switch is probably sealed, if there is any path to get some contact cleaner into the switch, try to induce some. In 12-volt DC electrical circuits, a small oxidation layer can prevent current flow. You might be able to restore the switch with a squirt of cleaner.
For electrical cleaner or solvent I often use WD-40 or CRC-56.
David1877 posted 10-01-2008 12:18 AM ET (US)
Jim-
Thank you for the insightful recommendations.
I hope it is a simple matter of applying a little WD40.
I have not attempted to remove the switch. I have not taken a switch apart before. Any trick to it?
Thanks
Liteamorn posted 10-11-2008 04:41 PM ET (US)
David if you do need a new switch any good marine shop has those rocker style switches. Not exact but so close no one but you (and me)would know. I replaced my last AUX switch with a nav/anchor style switch for my courtesy kights. The upper position is for my red lights, the middle is off and the bottom position is white.
LINK
I didn't get mine at West and I'm sure mine quite a bit cheaper.
David1877 posted 10-25-2008 11:28 PM ET (US)
Thanks Ed.
I have not replaced a switch before. Is there a trick to getting the existing switch removed for replacement?
David
David Pendleton posted 10-26-2008 12:35 AM ET (US)
I buy mine from boatfix.com. I've replace two recently.
They're easy to replace.
Liteamorn posted 10-27-2008 06:06 PM ET (US)
There is a wide tab at the top of the switch that snaps in place when the switch is pushed into place, just push down on it (very easy to see from the cabin access)and pull the switch out.

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Author	Topic: Source for Replacement Switches for Boston Whaler
David1877	posted 09-30-2008 12:46 AM ET (US) I have a 2005 Eastport 205 that has a faulty toggle switch. Sometimes [the toggle switch] works, and sometimes it will not. Switch it ON-OFF a few times and the lights come on. I have not replaced one of these before, but I presume it is a relatively simple process. Recommend a good replacement switch and source for same. Thanks.
jimh	posted 09-30-2008 09:11 AM ET (US) If you want an exact replacement switch that will fit in the existing hole and harmonize with the other switches used on the dash board of the helm on your Boston Whaler boat, you can either order it through a Boston Whaler dealer, or from a vendor who sells that brand of switch. After removing the switch from the dash you should be able to see the OEM markings on the switch. If it is not too exotic and specialized a configuration, you may be able to get it off-the-shelf and in-stock from a marine dealer. However, I recommend you check the connections to the switch before determining that the switch is the source of the intermittent problem. If the connectors are push-on connectors, remove them, spray some electrical contact solvent on them, and reinstall them. Also, since the load is an lamp, check that the lamps themselves are not the problem. Sometimes the bulb makes intermittent contact with the bulb holder or socket. Finally, although the switch is probably sealed, if there is any path to get some contact cleaner into the switch, try to induce some. In 12-volt DC electrical circuits, a small oxidation layer can prevent current flow. You might be able to restore the switch with a squirt of cleaner. For electrical cleaner or solvent I often use WD-40 or CRC-56.
David1877	posted 10-01-2008 12:18 AM ET (US) Jim- Thank you for the insightful recommendations. I hope it is a simple matter of applying a little WD40. I have not attempted to remove the switch. I have not taken a switch apart before. Any trick to it? Thanks
Liteamorn	posted 10-11-2008 04:41 PM ET (US) David if you do need a new switch any good marine shop has those rocker style switches. Not exact but so close no one but you (and me)would know. I replaced my last AUX switch with a nav/anchor style switch for my courtesy kights. The upper position is for my red lights, the middle is off and the bottom position is white. LINK I didn't get mine at West and I'm sure mine quite a bit cheaper.
David1877	posted 10-25-2008 11:28 PM ET (US) Thanks Ed. I have not replaced a switch before. Is there a trick to getting the existing switch removed for replacement? David
David Pendleton	posted 10-26-2008 12:35 AM ET (US) I buy mine from boatfix.com. I've replace two recently. They're easy to replace.
Liteamorn	posted 10-27-2008 06:06 PM ET (US) There is a wide tab at the top of the switch that snaps in place when the switch is pushed into place, just push down on it (very easy to see from the cabin access)and pull the switch out.