Moisture in Evinrude Gauges

[GUMP550]

Hi All,
I have a new RIB, fitted with an Evinrude etec 90 and the evinrude gauges.
One of the gauges - the trim - has alot of condensation and moisture in it.
Does anyone know of an easy way to remove this and dry it out? Does the front cover come off or is it a sealed unit?
Help would be appreciated.

[two stroke mick]

I had the same problem with the gauges on my 60 hp etec (probably the same gauges). When I changed the console the new one had a vent in it. I have not had any problems with fogging of gauges since. Thus I suggest that the console be vented.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by two stroke mick

I had the same problem with the gauges on my 60 hp etec (probably the same gauges). When I changed the console the new one had a vent in it. I have not had any problems with fogging of gauges since. Thus I suggest that the console be vented.

This is a problem with a lot of i-com Smart Guages,certainly one I've and plenty of others have experienced.
I believe personaly its a design fault..and sadly not easily remedied...some people I know having replaced them several times!...and yes my consul is fully vented

The open RIB environment is a Hard place for ALL kit!! especially electronics...and like most Marine ancillaries they were probably designed for Cuddy type,or most likely enclosed Helms.
The good news is it's usually only when there's a temperature differential...and any condensation will soon dry out/disapate and doesn't seem affect the Guages adversely long term...
Tis Bloody annoying when you can't read them though!

[Hightower]

I think that if you can remove it from the console you could put it upside down on a radiator in your house. There should be a hole where the light bulb goes that will allow the moisture to escape from. Then address where the water is getting in and seal it up. A small rubber boot (if you can find one) on the back of the gauge will stop dampness and moisture from getting in though the back.

[BogMonster]

My boat is stored in a garage with the console hatch open and I still have the problem. I think it's just a defect in the gauges. They work fine, just that you can't always see them too well...

[GUMP550]

Thanks for all the replies and advice - at least its only the 1 of the gauges - i'll try and dry it out as suggested and seal it up.

[Hightower]

Originally Posted by BogMonster

My boat is stored in a garage with the console hatch open and I still have the problem. I think it's just a defect in the gauges. They work fine, just that you can't always see them too well...

It's a common problem and get some misting on mine too. I think it's water vapour getting drawn in though the back on damp days which just seems to stay stay there. When the weather conditions are right it seems to cling to the lens of the gauge as condensation.

[Chris]

The Evinrude I-command digital gauges (Lowrance made) were prone to misting... the current ICON gauges don't suffer the same problem.

I also find I get misting on ICOM Radios.

[Superjetjim]

I have an Evinrude Etec trim and RPM gauge for sale if anyone needs one

[BogMonster]

Originally Posted by Chris

The Evinrude I-command digital gauges (Lowrance made) were prone to misting... the current ICON gauges don't suffer the same problem.

I also find I get misting on ICOM Radios.

Can you retro-fit the new ones, and if so is the hole the same size and roughly what cost? I probably won't bother, but it sounds like a good vapour project

[Chris]

Yes they just plug into the NMEA Network.

[9D280]

I periodically switch the instrument lights on for a few hours - seems to dry them out OK.

(Yam analog gauges)

[gotchiguy]

Seeing as the OP is talking about a dedicated trim gauge I think he means the older style analogue ones rather than i-commands etc. I think in the past willk has had success with putting one of those little silica gel packs into the back of them, and then sealing them up. To be honest I think nearly all do it anyway, and if they don't, they just end up covered in fingerprints anyway!

[Nightfisher]

Breath the top of the gauges, ie drill say 1/8th inch hole or two at highest point of gauge housing below the rim seal. It will ventilate condensation. Good luck.

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Nightfisher

Breath the top of the gauges, ie drill say 1/8th inch hole or two at highest point of gauge housing below the rim seal. It will ventilate condensation. Good luck.

Is it not better to drill at the bottom so that and liquid water collecting there can drain?

[Nightfisher]

Yes, I agree. But usually the bottom of gauges do have a small hole/vent or rely on the clamp mount (not sealed) allowing for water to exit..suppose that may actually be allowing for moisture getting into it. Do you own a boat, POLY?

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Nightfisher

Yes, I agree. But usually the bottom of gauges do have a small hole/vent or rely on the clamp mount (not sealed) allowing for water to exit..suppose that may actually be allowing for moisture getting into it. Do you own a boat, POLY?

Nightfisher, you can save yourself from SHOUTING by just looking in my profile - like almost everyone else my boat details are there.

For ribs I am a fan of well sealed gauges and electronics. It is possible and it is frustrating when manufacturers don't engineer their product like that.

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by Nightfisher

Do you own a boat, POLY?

WELL?! DO YOU??

Never had it with my digi Icommands. I do try the whole rig to a crisp in a fairly airtight shed over the winter, using a dehume. Dunno if that helps.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Nightfisher

Yes, I agree. But usually the bottom of gauges do have a small hole/vent or rely on the clamp mount (not sealed) allowing for water

I'd reduce the spark gap on the flux capacitor & tweak the gain on the input resonator, that should do it👍

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

I'd reduce the spark gap on the flux capacitor

When I tried that, I got a helluva belt! I was back at school when I came to!