Electronic Switch Pads for 300 Dancer

[Beach Music 123]

My 2002 300 Dancer is equipped with illuminated waterproof electronic switch pads. Since 2005, I have replaced the starboard pad 5 times and the port pad 3 times. Now, the starboard pad has gone out again. These pads don't quit completely...I lose certain functions only. Each time it has been different...once before I lost access to open and close the center vent. Another time, it was the stereo function...another time the navigation and anchor lights. This time I have lost control of the anchor. These darn pads are $350+ dollars, takes 6 - 8 weeks for my dealer to get them from SeaRay, depending upon which dealer I order them from. Has anyone else had this problem? My local dealer says I am the only one who has ever ordered them. The helm is kept dry so what is wrong? Thank you for your input.

[jason78]

These are known to give problems from time to time but given your history, I think there must be another problem. As much as I hate to say it, it could be a voltage problem from one of the EIMs to the Junction box that the keypads plug in to. Are you having any problems with breakers on either EIM tripping regularly? I remember a problem with the EIM located in the bilge (specifically on the 300DA) being too close to the generator causing it to (I think) overheat and cause issues. Is your bilge EIM mounted right behind the generator? I think some people got Sea Ray to move the EIM under warranty due to these issues. I don't remember if it was an "official" recall or not. I am not saying this is the problem just throwing out some ideas.

[280DA]

Would it not the EIM connected to them ?

[Bt Doctur]

can you eliminate the pads and do a hard wire of the accessories. computers should have never been put on a boat.

[jason78]

can you eliminate the pads and do a hard wire of the accessories. computers should have never been put on a boat.

That is much easier said than done with this type of setup. Doable, certainly, but would require alot of wiring mainly because the functions are split between (2) EIMs located in different locations. And I agree, not an ideal setup for a boat.

[Bt Doctur]

I would prefer:
Running lights hard wired
Bilge pumps hard wired
High bilge alarms hard wired
Everything else could be computer controlled.Just too many electronic gadgets on the new boats.Next thing will be vibrating helm seats

[Beach Music 123]

Thank you for your feedback. I have never had a thrown breaker, blown fuse, etc. The EIM is located 3 feet from the generator. In every instance, I have installed the new pad and everything goes to work. I keep notes regarding what is bad on each pad and even today, I plugged in each of the defective pads and the same accessories as noted in my history file still doesn't work. So, I am convinced it is the pads. I'll let you know if I find out the root cause. Thanks again.

[jason78]

I am not doubting the symptom is the pads, what I was trying to say that as many of these pads as you have replaced, based on logic, I think most would agree there has got to be something else in the system making them fail prematurely. I know they do fail on occasion but the fact they are doing so repeadily makes me suspect there are other deeper issues in the system to be dealt with.

How old are you batteries? Have to checked both banks to make sure they are putting off proper voltage?

[Beach Music 123]

I won't disagree with that logic and to that point, I'll get the voltage output checked. I replace both banks of batteries every 18 months and the ones I have installed are currently 9 months old. Will keep you advised. Thank you.

[ZZ13]

I won't disagree with that logic and to that point, I'll get the voltage output checked. I replace both banks of batteries every 18 months and the ones I have installed are currently 9 months old. Will keep you advised. Thank you.

18 months is quite frequent. I am past the 3-year mark on mine on the same boat. Maintenance records from the previous owners don't show any battery replacement any sooner than 3 years.

Are you changing every 18 months out of necessity or just to be safe. If its out of necessity than maybe you have a battery charger issue that would be killing the life of your batteries and secondarily damaging your switchpads. Just a thought....