Cruiseair / Dometic Control Panel

[Russ Calasant]

Has anyone updated/graded their AC control panels and how did you do it? I was hoping someone offered a retrofit kit but cannot find anything. I have SMX II pads that are like 5x9” and need to change to 3x4.5” and would like to get a “professional” result - like it came that way. Any ideas? Thanks

 

[Creekwood]

I replaced mine with a MarineAir AC unit with a smaller control panel. I used a white Starbord panel just large enough to cover the old hole, but wide enough to accommodate the new one that is oriented horizontally. I put the screws to hold the staboard so they would be hidden by the edges of the new thermostat, which is mounted to the Starbord. They are pretty far from the edges of the panel, but with the soft vinyl on the wall, it is not a problem. So it looks OK, and no screws showing. I don't think I have a picture unfortunately and the boat is under shrink wrap till April.

 

[PlayDate]

Russ,

What are you switching to? Cruisair has a mounting panel that upgrades from the SMX-II to the SMXir. That's what I used.

https://citimarinestore.com/en/dome.../7911-smxir-mounting-plate-black-5103200.html

 

[370Dancer]

I replaced mine with a MarineAir AC unit with a smaller control panel. I used a white Starbord panel just large enough to cover the old hole, but wide enough to accommodate the new one that is oriented horizontally. I put the screws to hold the staboard so they would be hidden by the edges of the new thermostat, which is mounted to the Starbord. They are pretty far from the edges of the panel, but with the soft vinyl on the wall, it is not a problem. So it looks OK, and no screws showing. I don't think I have a picture unfortunately and the boat is under shrink wrap till April.

Is your Starboard panel thick enough to accommodate the control, or did you have to widen the SMXII cutout? I've been toying with just widening the cutout and then put a 3 or 4 gang assembly in there. 2 gang for the control, and then one with USB or A/C outlet, or RJ45 Ethernet jack. I think USB for phone charging would be the best bet.

 

[NotHerDecision]

Russ

Just so you know you can keep the SMX pads with the new units. I did that there is a 10.00 adapter.

on my co detectors I made a cherry plate and mounted the new units to that so you could do the same.

 

[Creekwood]

Is your Starboard panel thick enough to accommodate the control, or did you have to widen the SMXII cutout? I've been toying with just widening the cutout and then put a 3 or 4 gang assembly in there. 2 gang for the control, and then one with USB or A/C outlet, or RJ45 Ethernet jack. I think USB for phone charging would be the best bet.

I had to widen it slightly. I mounted the new thermostat high on the starboard, leaving space below to mount something else down the road. You have me thinking now of some ideas. You can never have enough USB charge ports, but my thermostat is above the galley sink so not a great place to have cords running. But it gets me thinking of ideas. Hmmmm

Here is what the thermostat bezel is shaped like: