WELCOME TO RIVER DAVES PLACE

Updating the helm area?

pkrrvr619

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2014
Messages
1,745
Reaction score
1,944
I have a 2004 caliber 1 that I'd like to update the gauges, steering wheel, controls, and switch panel but there are a lot of different manufacturers and i know little about them.

Currently my set up came from the factory with Faria gauges and gaffrig offshore controls.

Besides livorsi, who makes a decent gauge? This boat isn't a DCB so I don't need over the top hardware, just looking to freshen things up a bit.

Has anyone done a similar update and have any pointers?

Is switching all this out plug and play or does it take some effort?
 

RiverDave

In it to win it
Joined
Sep 13, 2007
Messages
123,247
Reaction score
150,661
Let see the helm as it is and I will give you some pointers..

A lot of guys like the Isotta style steering wheels.. maybe it’s the old school in me but I prefer impy style billet wheels. Possibly a helm extension

Livorsi makes The gauges you want but auto meter makes nice sets as well. Personally I’d go with Livorsi because you can update tab / trim gauges etc to the new styles..


show us some pics! How crazy ya want to go?
 

gqchris

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2008
Messages
8,301
Reaction score
13,093
When I did my Baker, you can certainly budget about 1100-1200 bucks for Autometers if you get a GPS speedo and all the normal gauges. It adds up quick!

IMG_9516.JPG
 

HB2Havasu

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 4, 2015
Messages
4,433
Reaction score
9,631
Following! I would really like to get a new switch panel and rockers over the winter also. Does anybody in Havasu do this?
 

sirbob

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2009
Messages
10,569
Reaction score
14,497
I realize it might be more than you are looking to do but...

If I was going to redo my dash (which I keep thinking about) I would go all the way and use vessel view or other panel screens. If I’m updating I might as well go all the way even though it will require a little glass work to be done.

E4F39608-3861-4596-94C8-4C50709F0776.jpeg
 

Tank

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2008
Messages
19,907
Reaction score
44,977
I'm nearly done with my helm upgrade. Went from Auto meter gauges to Livorsi's (Livorsi seems to be a better quality and waaaaaaay more options plus custom graphic options). Installed Garmin that will read speed, has depth gauge and GPS. Doing an Issotta wheel and swapped out Gaffrig / Livorsi shifter throttles for Lathum shifters, throttles. Getting rid of the stupid wedge thing on the dash and installing the 3D / heads up drive & trim gauges.

731-1405.jpg
Helm 1.png
helm2.png
helm3.png
 

pkrrvr619

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2014
Messages
1,745
Reaction score
1,944
Let see the helm as it is and I will give you some pointers..

A lot of guys like the Isotta style steering wheels.. maybe it’s the old school in me but I prefer impy style billet wheels. Possibly a helm extension

Livorsi makes The gauges you want but auto meter makes nice sets as well. Personally I’d go with Livorsi because you can update tab / trim gauges etc to the new styles..


show us some pics! How crazy ya want to go?


Hi Dave, Here is the helm photos.

Faria white gauges with black indicators. White Gaffrig offshore controls. Basic switch panel and the trim tabs are just fat knobs.

Dont want to go too crazy but would like to make it look a bit better, if possible.

Helm.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:

pkrrvr619

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2014
Messages
1,745
Reaction score
1,944
I realize it might be more than you are looking to do but...

If I was going to redo my dash (which I keep thinking about) I would go all the way and use vessel view or other panel screens. If I’m updating I might as well go all the way even though it will require a little glass work to be done.

View attachment 910277

Yeah that set up is pimp but a little out of reach for a boat like mine. Looks killer though!
 

RichL

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2017
Messages
2,751
Reaction score
2,769
I'm nearly done with my helm upgrade. Went from Auto meter gauges to Livorsi's (Livorsi seems to be a better quality and waaaaaaay more options plus custom graphic options). Installed Garmin that will read speed, has depth gauge and GPS. Doing an Issotta wheel and swapped out Gaffrig / Livorsi shifter throttles for Lathum shifters, throttles. Getting rid of the stupid wedge thing on the dash and installing the 3D / heads up drive & trim gauges.

View attachment 910282 View attachment 910283 View attachment 910284 View attachment 910285
Aren't you supposed to do this during the winter months so you can use the boat in the summer?
😁
It's gonna be nice and I'm sure it'll be worth the wait.
 

Pelon

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 31, 2007
Messages
790
Reaction score
1,737
Following! I see a replacement in my future!
 

HBCraig

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 8, 2008
Messages
8,846
Reaction score
10,905
I will second gking with Livorsi if you have that option.

Just curious but does Faria still make gauges?
 

Tank

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2008
Messages
19,907
Reaction score
44,977
Hi Dave, Here is the helm photos.

Faria white gauges with black indicators. White Gaffrig offshore controls. Basic switch panel and the trim tabs are just fat knobs.

Dont want to go too crazy but would like to make it look a bit better, if possible.

I would personally re-imagine the whole dash. Bring the tach and the speedo up and to the outside of the existing gauges and move the switch panel over to the starboard gunnal by the throttles. Then, depnding on colors of your boat, I'd go carbon fiber faces (choose color), chrome rings and choose the best color that matches your boat bezzle. I'd go with some of those cool Hardin or Livorsi Marine shifter/throttle or something like that style (theres a few out there). And like I already stated, I like the rich look of the Isotta wheel. But there's others out there. Eddie Marine actually makes a very nice color and chrome 3 spoke wheel (we had one on our Top Gun) for under $200.

Helm4.jpg
9d440cf751cb3d8866a3ba17441d1703.jpg
Header_Donzi_Marine_Livorsi_Boat_Gauges_Mega_Race_Rim_Buy_Online_Tach_Speedo_Water_Oil_Temp_Pr...jpg
unnamed.jpg
23826349_1432784156832878_5239596306434522377_o.jpg
edm-140-71pr_xl.jpg
t_16897_9d75b028-6fca-40dc-9ccf-4b71e2cd4b7f_600x600.jpg
620-5xxx.jpg
16594_1_.jpg
 

pkrrvr619

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2014
Messages
1,745
Reaction score
1,944
I would personally re-imagine the whole dash. Bring the tach and the speedo up and to the outside of the existing gauges and move the switch panel over to the starboard gunnal by the throttles. Then, depnding on colors of your boat, I'd go carbon fiber faces (choose color), chrome rings and choose the best color that matches your boat bezzle. I'd go with some of those cool Hardin or Livorsi Marine shifter/throttle or something like that style (theres a few out there). And like I already stated, I like the rich look of the Isotta wheel. But there's others out there. Eddie Marine actually makes a very nice color and chrome 3 spoke wheel (we had one on our Top Gun) for under $200.

View attachment 910301 View attachment 910303 View attachment 910305 View attachment 910306 View attachment 910307 View attachment 910308 View attachment 910309 View attachment 910310 View attachment 910311

Is plugging up the holes for the old tach locations a laborious/expensive endeavor?
 

LargeOrangeFont

We aren't happy until you aren't happy
Joined
Sep 4, 2015
Messages
49,690
Reaction score
76,151
I will second gking with Livorsi if you have that option.

Just curious but does Faria still make gauges?

Yep they still make the same ones that are in most of our boats.
 

Tank

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2008
Messages
19,907
Reaction score
44,977
Aren't you supposed to do this during the winter months so you can use the boat in the summer?
😁
It's gonna be nice and I'm sure it'll be worth the wait.
Well, I dropped it off last winter, does that count!? List snowballed. Went from fix a bunch of little things and nick nacks that actually needed to be addressed to basically rebuilding the freakin' boat LOL 🤦‍♂️ It'll be worth the wait when it's done and we're approaching the finish line very soon. Off to painters shortly.
 

Domdep

Member
Joined
Dec 3, 2016
Messages
11
Reaction score
12
I have tackle this project on a few of my boats. Took about three hours on each one. Well worth doing. Take a lot of pics behind the helm and draw a wiring diagram. If you need any help PM me.
64D44E03-30E3-4C04-9601-0FE9D5382A13.jpeg
18D2A22D-9AA1-4CD9-B3AE-BC48A343491A.png
31ED434B-117A-4988-9867-FE5318238D01.jpeg
1415E7A4-6D92-4343-BC47-C11A75D2BF73.jpeg
4A76ACD7-5791-43AA-86BB-4DFD387EBB7D.jpeg
5ECCAE21-0C7B-4A28-9986-7A68ACCBBB24.jpeg
 
Last edited by a moderator:

lbhsbz

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 11, 2010
Messages
11,668
Reaction score
28,520
Hi Dave, Here is the helm photos.

Faria white gauges with black indicators. White Gaffrig offshore controls. Basic switch panel and the trim tabs are just fat knobs.

Dont want to go too crazy but would like to make it look a bit better, if possible.
Let me know if you’re gonna sell that steering wheel...I’m in need of one just like that.
 

Tank

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2008
Messages
19,907
Reaction score
44,977
Is plugging up the holes for the old tach locations a laborious/expensive endeavor?


So you have two options. Strip the dash out and have a fiberglass shop / guy plug the holes. Or you can custom make a nice carbon fiber or other material face cover to go over the whole dash. Picture the photo of my after dash. That piece of carbon fiber was custom cut to fit the area and I covered the existing holes including the trim gauges to the right if you look close. I think that would be the cheaper option and easier frankly. And I think it would look pretty slick.
 

Tank

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2008
Messages
19,907
Reaction score
44,977
I have tackle this project on a few of my boats. Took about three hours on each one. Well worth doing. Take a lot of pics behind the helm and draw a wiring diagram. If you need any help PM me.
Damn! Nice work!!! The little things make a huge difference.
 

RichL

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2017
Messages
2,751
Reaction score
2,769
Well, I dropped it off last winter, does that count!? List snowballed. Went from fix a bunch of little things and nick nacks that actually needed to be addressed to basically rebuilding the freakin' boat LOL 🤦‍♂️ It'll be worth the wait when it's done and we're approaching the finish line very soon. Off to painters shortly.

LOL.

Painter???
 

Tank

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2008
Messages
19,907
Reaction score
44,977
LOL.

Painter???
Re-paint the faded graphics on the deck (they were oxidizing through) and touch up the dock rash on the sides. They already buffed it and it came out pretty good. So just some touch ups needed.

buff1.png
buff2.png





Sorry for the hijack. 😬
 

sintax

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 7, 2008
Messages
6,733
Reaction score
11,192
When I did my Baker, you can certainly budget about 1100-1200 bucks for Autometers if you get a GPS speedo and all the normal gauges. It adds up quick!

View attachment 910221

man that looks great! I've been putting this off for a while, but this is on my winter task list for sure.
 

gqchris

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2008
Messages
8,301
Reaction score
13,093
man that looks great! I've been putting this off for a while, but this is on my winter task list for sure.

Thanks Brotha. Its painful when you order them, not gonna lie! But once done its great cause thats what you see all the time in the boat. LOL....Also ordered mine thru CP Performance. Great company. Takes about 3-4 weeks to get them made special with the blue bezels or whatever choice you choose back at Autometer. Worth it in the long run!
 

COCA COLA COWBOY

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2011
Messages
4,784
Reaction score
5,291
Beade makes a decent gauge for the price. I wouldn't replace with Faria. I just had to replace one of my Auto Meters and was sad to see they are now almost all plastic where they used to be a metal bucket. If I have to replace, I'm going Lavorsi next time.
 

RiverDave

In it to win it
Joined
Sep 13, 2007
Messages
123,247
Reaction score
150,661
Somewhere in my boxes of stuff I have a complete set of Autometer gauges ready to go for a single engine stern drive. I’d sell them for 1/2 the cost of new.
 

RiverDave

In it to win it
Joined
Sep 13, 2007
Messages
123,247
Reaction score
150,661
Hi Dave, Here is the helm photos.

Faria white gauges with black indicators. White Gaffrig offshore controls. Basic switch panel and the trim tabs are just fat knobs.

Dont want to go too crazy but would like to make it look a bit better, if possible.

View attachment 910289

I have to find them but I have a complete set of silver faced auto meters I’d sell ya for 650.00.. They were 1200 new.
 

SKIDMARC

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 30, 2011
Messages
3,378
Reaction score
3,662
Hi Dave, Here is the helm photos.

Faria white gauges with black indicators. White Gaffrig offshore controls. Basic switch panel and the trim tabs are just fat knobs.

Dont want to go too crazy but would like to make it look a bit better, if possible.

View attachment 910289


I would think to relocate the MPH and RPM gauge. Doesn't seem like you can see them very well.
 

Shlbyntro

Ultra Conservative
Joined
May 27, 2018
Messages
7,744
Reaction score
22,543
Hi Dave, Here is the helm photos.

Faria white gauges with black indicators. White Gaffrig offshore controls. Basic switch panel and the trim tabs are just fat knobs.

Dont want to go too crazy but would like to make it look a bit better, if possible.

View attachment 910289

What about something like these. Still Farias (Kronos series) but a bit more updated. The set is about $300

I also took apart and painted my offshore controls with some merc racing blue. Also always an option and very affordable if you do it yourself

Screenshot_20200813-154224_Chrome.jpg
 
Last edited:

pkrrvr619

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2014
Messages
1,745
Reaction score
1,944
I have to find them but I have a complete set of silver faced auto meters I’d sell ya for 650.00.. They were 1200 new.

can you send some photos? that is very interesting.

Thank!
 

pkrrvr619

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2014
Messages
1,745
Reaction score
1,944
I would think to relocate the MPH and RPM gauge. Doesn't seem like you can see them very well.
I can't. that is a good idea and then move the switch panel over to the side where the off shore controls are.
 

pkrrvr619

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2014
Messages
1,745
Reaction score
1,944
So you have two options. Strip the dash out and have a fiberglass shop / guy plug the holes. Or you can custom make a nice carbon fiber or other material face cover to go over the whole dash. Picture the photo of my after dash. That piece of carbon fiber was custom cut to fit the area and I covered the existing holes including the trim gauges to the right if you look close. I think that would be the cheaper option and easier frankly. And I think it would look pretty slick.

How did you trim around the carbon fiber to make it look seamless? Have any other photos of that program?
 

LargeOrangeFont

We aren't happy until you aren't happy
Joined
Sep 4, 2015
Messages
49,690
Reaction score
76,151
Beade makes a decent gauge for the price. I wouldn't replace with Faria. I just had to replace one of my Auto Meters and was sad to see they are now almost all plastic where they used to be a metal bucket. If I have to replace, I'm going Lavorsi next time.

Faira = Beede. Same company.

 

Tank

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2008
Messages
19,907
Reaction score
44,977
Barrett in Havasu is doing the work and had someone local in Havasu cut the carbon fiber and then polish the edges. I think you could find a place to do the same and do a plate that covered the whole dash area, cut out new locations for all gauges (I also think once you move the larger gauges from bellow you could put your stereo head on the lower left portion too). I don't think it would be too difficult. I'll find out what the place is they used.

But a set up similar to the one here would be cool.

Helm4.jpg
 

sintax

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 7, 2008
Messages
6,733
Reaction score
11,192
Thanks Brotha. Its painful when you order them, not gonna lie! But once done its great cause thats what you see all the time in the boat. LOL....Also ordered mine thru CP Performance. Great company. Takes about 3-4 weeks to get them made special with the blue bezels or whatever choice you choose back at Autometer. Worth it in the long run!

I dont want to thread jack, but if you could post a pic of how you mounted the gps receiver that would be killer. I assume under the dash?
 

Shlbyntro

Ultra Conservative
Joined
May 27, 2018
Messages
7,744
Reaction score
22,543
I dont want to thread jack, but if you could post a pic of how you mounted the gps receiver that would be killer. I assume under the dash?

They are built into the gauges these days. No external receiver at all.
 

Marine Industries West

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2011
Messages
600
Reaction score
904
Hard to beat a set of Platinum Chrome Autometers on top of Candy dark blue powder. I agree that the dash could benefit cosmetically from a completely different layout. If you're on a budget, a set of Autometers, a new carling style switch panel, a new billet control and a new wheel will go a long way. If you choose to go to a different layout, we can make you a full custom dash panel so you can avoid costly fiberglass repairs. Pics attached....
IMG_3402.jpg
IMG_3401.jpg
60203981456__E706654A-CF30-4866-8992-BC4F1DE17ADE.JPG
60203979990__A489A78F-6F16-4640-A52F-E234B911D0F8.JPG
IMG_0746.JPG
028-LR.jpg
 

Tank

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2008
Messages
19,907
Reaction score
44,977
Hard to beat a set of Platinum Chrome Autometers on top of Candy dark blue powder. I agree that the dash could benefit cosmetically from a completely different layout. If you're on a budget, a set of Autometers, a new carling style switch panel, a new billet control and a new wheel will go a long way. If you choose to go to a different layout, we can make you a full custom dash panel so you can avoid costly fiberglass repairs. Pics attached....
View attachment 910651 View attachment 910652 View attachment 910653 View attachment 910654 View attachment 910655 View attachment 910658


Oh snap!! Looking good!

Can you rush my heads up trim and drive gauges for Barrett? 😉😁👍
 

Shlbyntro

Ultra Conservative
Joined
May 27, 2018
Messages
7,744
Reaction score
22,543
no shit? i thought the autometers that he posted had to have one of those little pucks.

I can't say that I see a whole lot of auto meters around here
Autometer GPS speedos have to use an antenna - The new ones can mount under the dash. The Autometer gauges do not have the antenna integrated into the gauge.

Sorry, Livorsi gauges have them built in now
 

DalesSpeed

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 4, 2009
Messages
148
Reaction score
301
5EF55701-FC55-4465-8A26-507370FB7C67.jpeg

ABAC09D7-4C64-4A0C-BFEF-B899F0A4BCC5.jpeg

863E5162-725C-4547-BDD2-C2976CA1779E.jpeg

Replaced mine earlier this year. Steering wheel
is from Eddie Marine.

The old gauge set is free to anyone that could use them.
 

SOCALCRICKETT

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 22, 2008
Messages
4,035
Reaction score
6,880

DalesSpeed

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 4, 2009
Messages
148
Reaction score
301
I will take you up on that. I have a 94 formula and they have the flush mount guages like cobalt uses, Im starting have some discoloration and want to replace with something that is semi period correct

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk

Sounds good to me. I’m in Victorville. They are boxed up and sitting on the shelf.
 

lbhsbz

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 11, 2010
Messages
11,668
Reaction score
28,520
I dont want to thread jack, but if you could post a pic of how you mounted the gps receiver that would be killer. I assume under the dash?
I have a teleflex GPS speedo that uses the little square receiver...I simply added a small piece of aluminum angle to one of the mounting studs on the back of the garage and stuck the receiver to that. Works very well.
 
Top