Do you rinse down the control panel/gauges, etc. with a hose after boat use?

I ask this because my neighbor, a boat owner for 20+ years, is trying to convince me that spraying down the instrument panel's gauges with water after boat use is perfectly fine and won't do them ANY damage. He said he's been doing it on his boats all his life...to me, that's simply INSANE! What do you all think?

Are Faria gauges on our Mariahs weather/water tight and fully sealed?

[ShabahZ280]

I don't know if I would trust it! I only use windex on a paper towel to clean my gauges. I would assume they might be "water resistant", but not "water proof". However, there is a lifetime warranty on the gauges. You might want to contact Faria to see what the deal is, maybe they could offer more help.

One thing to keep in mind, my dash is made of plastic, and the gauges just sit in there. There's no seal or anything, which means any water sprayed on the dash might leak behind there and cause corrosion or electrical shorts...

Hi Chris, thanks for your reply. I did follow your advice and emailed Faria, and this is what their rep replied:

"The gauges are sealed..however: Do not spray a hose directly on the instruments. Wet with a saturated soft cloth or sponge and wipe dry with a soft cloth".

That's good advice and what I'll follow from now on.

[[email protected]]

Windex is a killer for glass and plastic. If you use it often you will damage it. I know it is a glass cleaner, but ask any glass installer. They love Windex since it damages it. Just use a bit of vinegar and water. (or just water). it will yellow the plastic too.