New gauges?!

 

I had the same problem before and couldn't find a solution either. I bought new gauges.

 

Southbay: They are 8 years old. Fully functional still, just dirty under the lenses.

GT: I have started looking at new ones myself, but hate to spend the cash on something that I'm just being anal about. Those boats are so well made that it is really the only thing on it that shows any signs of age.

I have never taken one off so I was wondering if perhaps the bezel would unscrew and allow you to clean the back side...

 

Mine were sealed and the bezels were crimped on. I would have had to destroy them to open them so I replaced them.

 

There are "completely sealed" gauges but they're very expensive. The average gauge is vented and unfortunately condensation and dust can get into them, especially on consoles that are sealed up with a hatch. To my knowledge there's no way to clean them, only replace them. If your console is sealed with a hatch, open the hatch when stored to reduce humidity. Console covers are also a good investment.

 

I feel your pain NW. Bought a "new to me" 23 cat last summer. I am a proud boat owner so I put the best spit shine I could on the boat. Gauges were all fogged up. Funny thing was when I would spray the console down and got them wet they would clear up. But when they dried they were foggy again. Bugs the **** out of me. I have all the gauges thru my nema cable displayed on my GPS but Im like you. I am anal about the gauges. Haven't had them replaced yet but probably will fork out the dough one day because if its on the boat it should work and work properly in my opinion.

 

If the outside of the lenses is cloudy, you can polish the lens. I did mine. You can't do much for the inside and I wanted to change the black face to white The entire project was under $500.

 

Good luck with those white ones GT! Those Chesapeake white gauges are the exact same ones that I have on mine! :brew2:

 

The black gauges had plastic lenses. The white ones seem to be harder and maybe glass. If you run with you lights one, it helps keep the moisture out.