Rewiring or just fixing whats there..

[BugsBunnyBoater]

I am trying to decide whats my next step with my 1975 Mako.
As the pic shows I have pull switches and they look really bad but most actually work.

The starts, horn and tilt trim actually work.
I was trying to decide whats my best option fix or leave wel enough alone.
My other Big question is has anybody reshined their throttle housing

 

[skargo]

Re: Rewiring or just fixing whats there..

Maybe replace the switches with a more modern, durable switch as they go bad?

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Rewiring or just fixing whats there..

More info is needed to give a better answer. If your not splashing it until it's ship shape, then replace it all. If this is a work in progress type of deal where your still splashing the boat, then do a system at a time.

It really depends on your style of fixing/upgrading and how much $$$ your want to throw away.

I use my boat allot. If it were me, I would replace all the switches at once with more modern type. As time and money would permit, then the throttle console, steering wheel, teak, etc...

This of coarse depends on the condition of the rest of the boat.

good luck.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Rewiring or just fixing whats there..

Two schools of thought on the switches. Fix em' all now or have one conk out while you're in the water
Your throttle assembly will not shine up to a new condition. From what I can see it looks really pitted. If you want, get some 4xxxx bronze wool and a good metal polish and have at it. Probably best to keep an eye out on ebay or CL.

 

[BWR1953]

Re: Rewiring or just fixing whats there..

If the switches still work after 34 years, why spend money on replacing them? I'd just clean 'em up and keep on using them as they are now and divert the replacement cash to something else. After all, it's not like you'll ever get the money back.

 

[BugsBunnyBoater]

Re: Rewiring or just fixing whats there..

Well here is the situation.
I want a work in process the boat is in great shape. The P Owner was using it up until a few months ago. It has a 1994 Johnson 112 that was just serviced two weeks ago.
I am a school teacher and school just ended so I have the time to fix all that needs it. But I still want to be on the water day each week.

Yeah salt water has really pitted the throttle assembly.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Rewiring or just fixing whats there..

Those brass pull switches will last indefinitely if maintained, and you can open them up and clean the contacts if you wish. Get different ones if you want, but don't expect them to last 30 years...or even through next season if you pick the wrong ones.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: Rewiring or just fixing whats there..

Those brass pull switches will last indefinitely if maintained, and you can open them up and clean the contacts if you wish. Get different ones if you want, but don't expect them to last 30 years...or even through next season if you pick the wrong ones.

Quoted for the truth.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Rewiring or just fixing whats there..

Those brass pull switches will last indefinitely if maintained, and you can open them up and clean the contacts if you wish. Get different ones if you want, but don't expect them to last 30 years...or even through next season if you pick the wrong ones.

Yeah, those old switches are great. Had a couple on my Pro-Line. I bought a spray can of electrical contact cleaner/corrosion inhibitor at Radio Shack and shot some up the shafts every day for about a week. It freed them up and they worked smooth as new. The switches on his boat are at a good angle- the stuff will run right down the shaft and into the switch.

 

[Casco Bay Outrage]

Re: Rewiring or just fixing whats there..

What works today can not work tomorrow.

If you can live with items that randomly stop working, work on what's broken. If you have the time, inspect/replace everything. Personally, boating requires being safe. Bad things happen on the water very quickly.

On both of my boats that I bought used, I did complete re-wires with new switches, fuses, wires etc. The wiring is the right gauge, connections are correct and it is clean and neat.

As for the Morse shifter cover, it can be re-chromed (~$25-30) or you could buy a new cover if they are still made. For re-chroming, contact a Harley Davidson dealer and get a reference.