2001 280DA switch panels

[270win]

I've read that these switch panels are problematic. I'm considering ditching them and having flat panels made with backlit individual rocker switches. Has anyone done this already?

 

[stg099]

Flounder pounder marine did the work already, but the price tag is steep, although the plug and play aspect is worth a considerable price in my opinion.

https://www.searay-parts.com/EIM-Replacement-System-p/sr-panel-eim-280-340-kidney.htm

I wouldnt go about replacing anything unless it fails, thousands of boats have this system and eim boxes rarely fail. Keypads are available from eBay by a few sellers that continue to have them made.

 

[270win]

Flounder pounder marine did the work already, but the price tag is steep, although the plug and play aspect is worth a considerable price in my opinion.

https://www.searay-parts.com/EIM-Replacement-System-p/sr-panel-eim-280-340-kidney.htm

I wouldnt go about replacing anything unless it fails, thousands of boats have this system and eim boxes rarely fail. Keypads are available from eBay by a few sellers that continue to have them made.

Thanks for the link! One of the previous owners has replaced the starboard panel at some point. Good point on not replacing anything prematurely. I have to keep reminding myself not to go overboard on this boat. Maintain it well, fix everything when it needs it, and keep it nice for the next owners. If the panels go bad I'll just replace them with the FP panels.

 

[Stephen Mealy]

My FP EIM replacement installation literally just completed today by my Tech. It is a necessity if your going to keep the boat given the age. Mine have malfunctioning for years until the point of almost complete uselessness. There is no workaround or shortcuts to save money.

 

[270win]

My FP EIM replacement installation literally just completed today by my Tech. It is a necessity if your going to keep the boat given the age. Mine have malfunctioning for years until the point of almost complete uselessness. There is no workaround or shortcuts to save money.

If my port side switch panel goes out, this is exactly what I'll do. I don't like the soft-touch buttons anyway.

 

[Stephen Mealy]

What did it for me was when I had to manually crank my windlass because that button failed. Good luck, let me know if you have any questions on the replacement.

 

[270win]

What did it for me was when I had to manually crank my windlass because that button failed. Good luck, let me know if you have any questions on the replacement.

yeah, that would do it for me too.

 

[Belleview3]

Gotta agree. . . I replaced my switchpads and EIM's last summer. I put the FP package in and it was great. Didn't enjoy the $$$ or the 8+ hours it took me, but the end results were worth it. I couldn't use trim tabs, windlass or 1/2 my lights and was out of rerouting options.

 

[Stephen Mealy]

Gotta agree. . . I replaced my switchpads and EIM's last summer. I put the FP package in and it was great. Didn't enjoy the $$$ or the 8+ hours it took me, but the end results were worth it. I couldn't use trim tabs, windlass or 1/2 my lights and was out of rerouting options.

Agreed. It is only a matter of time, there are no workarounds.