Panel instruments

[neovalk]

I am designing my first motor boat (first-time sailer ), and I am required to choose some instruments for the command panel. As I don't have much of and idea of what kind of instruments are commonly used, I'd ask for your help:

what are the basic instruments and displays for a motor boat?

(sorry to make such a general question)

Thanks in advance.

[D'ARTOIS]

RPM, oilpressure, oiltemp, watertemp, evt. gearboxoil temp, loading, amps, these are basic essentials...

[RHough]

How big is the boat? What is its intended use? What type of power will it use?

[neovalk]

Oh sorry, I forgot to mention that. Well that will be like this:

http://forums.boatdesign.net/showthread.php?t=9322

It will use electrical drive with a fly by wire steering wheel.

[RHough]

Originally Posted by neovalk

Oh sorry, I forgot to mention that. Well that will be like this:

http://forums.boatdesign.net/showthread.php?t=9322

It will use electrical drive with a fly by wire steering wheel.

I suggest:

Speed and Distance(Log), Depth, and a Compass for minimum navigation.

A VHF Radio

GPS and ChartPlotter interfaced with Radar if the craft is to be operated in low visibility or at night.

A Battery Monitor Meter that reads Amp/Hours would serve as throttle feedback and fuel gauge.

An Ammeter and Voltmeter to backup the Battery Monitor.

A rudder position indicator for steering feedback.

A Forward/Reverse indicator that goes from Green in forward to Red in reverse (LED would work well)

A second Battery Monitor and Voltmeter for the House or Backup Batteries.

A Battery bank selection switch and indicator so the skipper knows what bank is in use.

Have the illumination of all instruments change from green to red if the backup system is connected to the propulsion motor.

It looks like your design is meant to take groups of people on harbour tours or as a fair weather water taxi. No need to get real fancy with the instrument panel. There may be some requirements of your local authorities for passenger carrying vessels that may have to be added to the pilot station such as sound signaling devices.

Since the pilot station is above the working deck you could consider adding anchor windless controls to the panel also.

[Robjl]

Neovalk,
Your question is very general.... my addition to all the other offers and what I would suggest if you have nothing else... get an audible alarm on the motor water temp, the oil pressure, and alternator, also a depth sounder with an alarm. The alarm should be loud enough so you can never miss it. With just these few you don't have to keep looking at the beautiful and expensive panel you have researched and set up...until the alarm goes off.
Regards.

[marshmat]

Rhough's list is pretty thorough.... about what I'd want on a boat like that. Audible alarms for critical quantities are always a good idea. If you're using electric power, I would strongly suggest automatic battery protection circuitry. Not sure what you're using for power- if it's lead acid batteries you can get away with protection for overvoltage/temperature only, more sophisticated batteries need automatic protection for undervoltage, overcurrent, etc as well. The circuitry's pretty simple, but should report to the captain via warning lights or a computer interface if anything goes wrong.

[FAST FRED]

The best gages with ADJUSTABLE alarms (hi or low) come from the Murphy gage folks.

These are all mechanical , so will work , as the diesel will AFTER the lightning strike.

They can use a "hot shot" battery that will power the alarm if all electric is lost.

For offshore nothing is finer as you can also purchase an auto secure module that will pull the STOP lever with a spring.

The hot shot batt only needs to pull a tiny pin , that secures the engine.

there is also a monitor panel that tells WHY the auto secure was tripped.

EZ to live with and arm for long work where no one is watching the gages , or may not know what there looking at-for.

For offshore motorboats or M/S ,or even sail boats, its a great safty item.

FAST FRED

[neovalk]

I cordially thank you all! I think I have enough information now!
Thanks a lot!
Best regards.
Leonardo.

[TP-Mike]

I don´t know if you will install a new engine, but it seems to me all the ´marine engine´ suppliers suplly a standard gauge and alarm package with a new engine. Some of them have different options in cosmetics and some have the option to flush install the gauges.

VDO ocean line is very good. My experience comes from open fast boats however so I´m always lookings for the most watertight gauge there is.

(Volvo has very good EVC gauges and that system is also very easily expanded with more gauges)