Steamed Up Gauges

[bob]

Finally brought my "new" 2000 240DA home from the boatyard this weekend. Within seconds of putting it into my driveway (needed to compound/polish it before launching), a cloudburst descended. I didn't have time to put the canvass up before the rain started.

Now, two days after the storm, the smaller gauges, (fuel, trim, engine temp, etc.) have fogged up. The two large gauges, (speedometer & tach) were fine & dry.

My questions are: is this normal or an indication a gasket has failed? Will they dry out eventually? Is there anything I can do to speed up the drying?

 

[thomas]

Take a look at the back of the gauges, there is normally a little hole
for air that could be plugged with dirt or what ever.

 

[Presentation]

My questions are: is this normal or an indication a gasket has failed? Will they dry out eventually? Is there anything I can do to speed up the drying?

Yes, this is normal. There is no gasket. They are open on the back side.

Wait for a sunny day and let the sun shine in. Then they will dry out.

 

[boatmailster]

Finally brought my "new" 2000 240DA home from the boatyard this weekend. Within seconds of putting it into my driveway (needed to compound/polish it before launching), a cloudburst descended. I didn't have time to put the canvass up before the rain started.

Now, two days after the storm, the smaller gauges, (fuel, trim, engine temp, etc.) have fogged up. The two large gauges, (speedometer & tach) were fine & dry.

My questions are: is this normal or an indication a gasket has failed? Will they dry out eventually? Is there anything I can do to speed up the drying?

it is stupid (it is a boat) but yes it's normal
turn on your navigational light and light inside gauge will dry it faster
if you get them wet too many times it may leave water stain inside gauge

 

[bob]

Actually, besides the gauges being unreadable, I was concerned with possible corrosion problems occuring within the gauges.

Unfortunately, it's been raining steadily here in Maine until this morning (Tues, 6/5/07), but I did get the mooring cover on during a quick break in the weather the other day. Guess I'll have to wait until we get a good, long break of dry weather before the moisture disappears.

Would it be prudent to remove the screws surrounding the instrument panel and turn it upside down for better ventillation?

 

[Presentation]

Would it be prudent to remove the screws surrounding the instrument panel and turn it upside down for better ventillation?

I would not bother. The panel has a lot of wires attached. You risk causing other damage.

Get them in the sun and in the future keep the cover on the boat.

 

[Sundancer]

Just plug in your wife's hair dryler and warm them up a bit. A little heat will go a long ways! :grin:

 

[boatmailster]

Would it be prudent to remove the screws surrounding the instrument panel and turn it upside down for better ventillation?

that won't help much
invest some money and order dash cover - it helps a lot