Replacing touch pad dash panel.

[Toypuller]

Well, for the third time my dash pad took a dump.

Last two were done under warranty by the dealer, not this time.

I have the replacement rocker switches and harnesses. I have done a search and read through the threads.

Any words of advise before I tear into it or is it simply pull the old stuff and plug in the new? Then cut the dash for the switches?

I have to say that the cheap junk rocker switches are a real disappointment. The letters are worn off most and it just arrived new in the box today. I've always loved this bug, but this replacement dash is trash.

[JDI]

I just replaced mine 2 days ago, 1st time for me. Totally agree about the disappiontment with the lettering on the switches. i have an early 07 zx200 pretty much the same as an 06. Problem I had was that when i plugged the panel up and turned the power on everything worked, but when i turned the power off everything stayed on.

On the power switch you have a positive, negative and three wires tied together, I only needed one of the three conected and everything worked. I dont remember the color of the one i left connected but will find out in the morning.

Pink W/White Stripe is the only wire i left connected.



Modified by JDI at 3:14 PM 4/1/2011

[Toypuller]

That actually helps me out. This thing is an absolute nightmare to install.

It seems as though the last time it was replaced somebody did some creative wiring. There are wires that don't match up.

I've got power and function to Courtesy, bilge, livewell and recirc, and fill. But When I turn on the Nav lights the relay just buzzes. Same with the horn, it's wired into the harness, but I can't find a way to get power to the switch without a constant on.

I E-mailed Skeeter about the terrible quality of this unit. It cost me over $500.00 and when I opened the box I almost puked. 3 of the switches were already knocked out of the bezel, the paint is damaged on 1/3 of the switches, one of the main wires was pulled out of it's connector.

Also, switching to the rocker panel causes the loss of timed recircualtion on the livewells, now it's just on or off. The touch pads allowed for 3 timer settings.

The other thing is the auto bilge will no longer be auto. Either you run both or neither will run. The old style, the auto would kick on with the switch off. Now, no power unless both bilges are running.

There is no choice but to install it.

Skeeter should be embarrassed to sell this junk.

They knew there is an issue, they decided not to recall and really fix the problem and now they sell $50.00 worth of shade tree mechanic work for $500.00.

Very frustrated with this issue.




Modified by Toypuller at 10:11 AM 4/1/2011

[Toypuller]

The old mounting area with the carbon fiber bezel:



The "new" bezel insert:



The high quality electrical components:



The quality workmanship.

<br /><br />
Modified by Toypuller at 10:08 AM 4/1/2011




Modified by Toypuller at 10:09 AM 4/1/2011

[CStewart]

Wow!! that does look like complete shiet!!!

My 05 TZX200 camefrom the factory with the rocker switches but they look 100X's better than the ones sent to you.

[CStewart]

Mine also has the labels on the panel instead of the switches. To me it's a lot cleaner look

[ChrisH]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by CStewart &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Wow!! that does look like complete shiet!!!

My 05 TZX200 camefrom the factory with the rocker switches but they look 100X's better than the ones sent to you.</td></tr></table>Mine too. Those switches look like shit.

[King Of The Hill]

holy crap.. is that thing used???

i take it that it isnt play and play??? they were telling me that it was.. do they at least give instructions on how to install it? i need to get this panel in so that i can get this boat SOLD!

[Neilslure]

I could probably make that myself for alot cheaper and it be neater.

[ChrisH]

i bet mine would fit in there.

[pbmang]

I have an '02 boat and did my dash twice now. It is just a plug and play, but from what I remember when I talked to Darby about getting the rocker switches, you will need to take the relay out. That could be why you are having some issues.

I haven't installed the rockers yet but I do have them. Personally I would send those back because they look terrible. I'm not crazy about the rockers I got, but they look better than those.

[Texas Larry]

Mine hasn't failed - YET!! I'm disappointed that Skeeter would ship something that looked like that!! I still don't understand why they can't develop a push button panel that will work and last!! It really isn't rocket science!!

The console layout is one of the selling points that I went with Skeeter instead of Ranger or Triton - I liked the switch panel!!

[Toypuller]

I ended up having Foothills Marine finish the install. I just kept running into problem after problem. Had wires pull out, shorts, you name it.

It's done, that's the good news. It seems like everything works, but I'm not sure about the gas gauge yet, I need to run it down enough to see if it is working.

I will also correct myself, the auto bilge pump still works as before. Lost livewell timers by using the rockers.

Final install picture.

[King Of The Hill]

If you don't mind me asking... How much did foothills marine charge you? Were there instructions on how to do everything?

[Toypuller]

No instructions.

I'm not 100% sure what Foothill's charged for the install. I had a bunch of other work done since the boat was going to be in the shop anyways.

I want to say it was around $300.00, but I'm really not sure. If I dig out the invoice I'll repost.

[MichAngler]

Toypuller I would send that one back that looks terrible

I’m not a big fan of the rocker switches but I feel it’s better than a touch pad that keeps failing

My install went smooth (06 Zx250) - fits and looks just like the photo ChrisH posted. And was close to plug & play the only thing needed was to trim the glass behind the dash for space.

Shout out to JDI for the tip on the Pink/White wire this saved the day

Everything works! Auto bilge and livewell timers plus I can say the panel holds up when getting wet I spent 10 days on Kentucky Lake with severe T-Storm/Flash Flood/Tornado warnings not to mention the hail for 6 days straight.

Skeeter over night’d the panel to make sure I made it to the championship on time with a working system KUDOS to Robert Y.

[Toypuller]

How do the livewells timers carry over?

My touchpad was LO- MED- HI. The rockers are just Off/Auto.

Edit&gt; I just looked again at the last picture I posted and it apparently the switches for the Port Recirc and Stbd Recirc aren't the same.

Good job Skeeter!

Robert Young was the one who wouldn't return my calls or E-mails.

[MichAngler]

Recirc switch looks the same you have main and auto – auto being timed by the orange round shotgun shell shaped things behind the panel

Now yes you don’t have the option of high med low that you had with the original touch pad (never moved mine from low)

It’s a set amount of time on and off but it’s better than them running all the time.

I’m sure if you want or need more control you could replace them with the older dial versions

[Toypuller]

The Stbd Recirc has no "Man" on it. Port Recirc does. That's different from the other panels pictured.

I'll have to look for the timer. I don't recall seeing it.

[MichAngler]

Again I would send that one back