Looking for Smart Panels or other Solutions

Aaronpav2001

Aaronpav2001

Member
Mar 5, 2017
141
Lake Norman
Boat Info
2002 320 Sundancer "Jela-Sea"
Engines
Merc 350 MPI V-drives
All,
I have a 2002 320 DS. I have the stupid smart panels on the boat that have always acted finicky. Usually the anchor light turned on when I turned on the radio and depth finder, but never a huge issue. Last weekend the horn wasn't working for a few minutes, but eventually came back to life. When I went to the drop anchor I could not get the anchor to turn on at the panel. I have never had issues in the past. The foot pedals up top were also not working. I have read several complaints about these panels and understand the panels will need to be replaced sooner rather than later, but wondering if there is a fuse or relay I could replace in the interim? Any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated I know those panels haven't changed from 2002-2007 on the 320 DS does anyone know where I can purchase them from? Thanks all!

I have had everything trouble shooted and having a hell of a time finding the panels. I spoke with FP Marine and they had a solution to replace everything with toggle switches and new wiring. Cost around $3700 and unfortunately a four week wait. Does anyone have any other thoughts or solutions?
 
Aaronpav2001 said:
All,
I have a 2002 320 DS. I have the stupid smart panels on the boat that have always acted finicky. Usually the anchor light turned on when I turned on the radio and depth finder, but never a huge issue. Last weekend the horn wasn't working for a few minutes, but eventually came back to life. When I went to the drop anchor I could not get the anchor to turn on at the panel. I have never had issues in the past. The foot pedals up top were also not working. I have read several complaints about these panels and understand the panels will need to be replaced sooner rather than later, but wondering if there is a fuse or relay I could replace in the interim? Any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated I know those panels haven't changed from 2002-2007 on the 320 DS does anyone know where I can purchase them from? Thanks all!

I have had everything trouble shooted and having a hell of a time finding the panels. I spoke with FP Marine and they had a solution to replace everything with toggle switches and new wiring. Cost around $3700 and unfortunately a four week wait. Does anyone have any other thoughts or solutions?
Click to expand...

If you can verify it's just the Keypad you can usually find them on Ebay. Typically in the $400-450 range. If its the EIM that is a different story. Right now the solutions are 1) hopefully find one (getting hard), 2) Replace with FP setup or 3) replace with Sea Ray setup (around 5K). Both FP and SR are complete retrofits.

For the windlass controls I would check the fuse at the main windlass solenoid. I just work on that with a friend. Symptoms were no light (on/off) at Keypad and no power to windlass. When I found the main solenoid in the EC there was a 5A inline fuse that was blown - changed fuse and all was good again.

-Kevin
 
Not much you can do other that check the breaker on the EIM and as Kevin said, the fuse at the solenoid.

Yes, the button pads/EIM have been an issue for many and no replacements available. I have heard that some dealers can get the EIM's but not the button pads.
 
What a bad design and the solutions do not seem much better. A friend was told by a SR dealer the so called SR and FP solutions were failing in a couple years.

MM
 
MonacoMike said:
What a bad design and the solutions do not seem much better. A friend was told by a SR dealer the so called SR and FP solutions were failing in a couple years.

MM
Click to expand...

I would love to know what that dealer was basing his info on. These products (specifically the FP) only came out this year. I guess he must own a DeLorean. ;)

The two systems from what I understand are completely different. From what I saw the FP system was switches and relays and the new SR was CAN-BUS switching. While each of the technologies have their benefits and drawbacks the only real problem I see is the lack of spare parts.

-Kevin
 
KevinC said:
I would love to know what that dealer was basing his info on. These products (specifically the FP) only came out this year. I guess he must own a DeLorean. ;)

The two systems from what I understand are completely different. From what I saw the FP system was switches and relays and the new SR was CAN-BUS switching. While each of the technologies have their benefits and drawbacks the only real problem I see is the lack of spare parts.

-Kevin
Click to expand...

May not be the same thing I heard about. All I know is the dealer has replaced EIM with models made to replace them and they are failing before anything resembling a return is achieved in the last year or so.

MM
 
MonacoMike said:
May not be the same thing I heard about. All I know is the dealer has replaced EIM with models made to replace them and they are failing before anything resembling a return is achieved in the last year or so.

MM
Click to expand...

That might be the new Sea Ray modules. I am not sure how they would comment on the FP design. Was it the new EIMs failing or the switch pads ?

-Kevin
 
KevinC said:
That might be the new Sea Ray modules. I am not sure how they would comment on the FP design. Was it the new EIMs failing or the switch pads ?

-Kevin
Click to expand...

All from a frustrated owner looking at options like the OP, so no first hand knowledge, but my understanding was replacement EMIs that were failing.

MM
 
Good news the panel is working great! Everything is working EXCEPT now the windlass keeps tripping the breaking and motor seems to be very hot. he believes there is a short in the motor. Mechanic is pulling the motor and is going to check for shorts. Any suggestions? Any idea what a new motor would cost if I need to have it replaced? Can they be rebuilt? If its not one thing its another. Thanks !
 
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