Rocker Switch Project

[petem]

Just buy them for Axon. They cost peanuts and Axon will make whatever you want. Eg the ones below are all custom etched per my request - ok these are the more modern Contura5 actuators but you can order contura 3 if you want to keep the retro /original look. The ones below are red LED backlit so the letters glow - I would upgrade to that because it is so easy to do - but obviously not if you want to keep the original look

Axon was where I started and they no longer supply Contura 3's.

Probably teaching you how to suck eggs but Contura 5's are lasered / etched / engraved (I can't remember which) and loads of companies are happy to do these as one off's. I dare say you could but a $100 laser from Alibaba and make your own.

However, Contura 3's are pad printed which requires time consuming creation of the clichés and specialist equipment.

Looking at my switches, I have 8 which are landscape and Brian Wards should have stock. I have one fan blower / switch which should work in portrait and landscape and therefore Brian Wards should have stock.

That leaves...

1) Two bilge pump switches (if I omit the '1' and '2' it will be a common icon)
2) One Nav / Anchor light switch
3) One Cockpit light switch
4) Two wiper switches (if I omit the '1' and '2' it will be a common icon)
5) One windscreen washer switch

So out of 16 switches, I only need to commission 5 new ones.

 

[matthewriches]

We have equipment at Harbour Marine Southwold to engrave/etch 5 series switches. I don't buy any others as they're dated and actually hard to come by now. You can PM me if you're still looking.

 

[Dorset Dan]

Spoke to Brian Wards and they do their own printing so can match the originals. Yippee !

There is a MOQ so I really need three or others to come in with me. So if anyone else is reading this and has faded switches on their T28/29/30/34 and wants to replace them please let me know! The more people join in, the cheaper it will be. Hopefully we can get the price of a complete set down to under £100.

I'll also talk to Fairline / Bates and see if they can chip in.

I'm in for a full set for T34 - should be same as yours

 

[petem]

Had a good chat with Barry Vipond from Axon today, top bloke and can remember all of the dashboards they've produced for the various Fairline models going back 30 years or so.

He confirmed that they can still supply Contura III (original) actuators as well as Contura V's (JFM ones). What was really interesting is that they etch legends on both III's and V's (to order) and have all of the original artwork available. The cost is a very reasonable £5 per switch (plus VAT and carriage) for either III's or V's. So when I get back from the boat after Easter I will order a complete set.

Happy days!

DorsetDan, can I suggest to make life easier for Barry we order both our sets together?

 

[Dorset Dan]

Sounds like a plan, you have my e-mail address so just let me know.

PS - did you need the details on the anchor locker hinges still? I will be at the boat on Sunday if you do.

 

[petem]

Sounds like a plan, you have my e-mail address so just let me know.

PS - did you need the details on the anchor locker hinges still? I will be at the boat on Sunday if you do.

Nah, don't worry, I'm on my own boat next week and will take some vernier gauges to measure them myself. Let me know if you still need the fabric samples.

 

[petem]

Finally, I got round to sorting out the switches for Dan and myself. Dan favored the latest Contura V switches and here they are fitted in all their glory...

I went for the original Contura III's and they arrived today...

A big thanks to the incredibly helpful and knowledgeable Barry at Axon Components for still being willing to manufacture these old actuators. If anyone wants to order a set then they are £95 a set all in.

 

[Dorset Dan]

Thanks Pete (and Barry @ Axon), very pleased with the fresher look

 

[petem]

To conclude this thread, I fitted the new switches in October and they look very smart. Incidentally, this was the teak a year after cleaning it. The oily stain was from the outboard.

Pete

 

[alt]

Sorry to drag up an old thread....

I have the Carling Contura, not sure if Contura 2 or 3 (I can't see the difference?) on my 2003 Cranchi Smeraldo 37.

I need to replace about 10 covers.

I don't mind changing to the more modern rounded edges as i'll be replacing the lot (provided they fit!).

Any recommendations where to look? I don't mind paying duty etc. from the UK, just want it right!

I'd prefer writing rather than logos, but also want the bulb behind to be of use as I often crawl out at night to turn off switches which I forget to turn off earlier in the night!

Thanks anyone for any advice.

 

[jrudge]

There are several suppliers ( someone will come along in a moment I am sure ) and also many on eBay

 

[petem]

Speak to Carl at Axon Components.

As for the bulb, it's in the switch, not the actuator (cover).

 

[alt]

Thanks all. I'll await a response here (i'm not in a big rush). If not, i'll contact Axon after the weekend as they seem the dogs danglies. Granted, I will be upgrading to the Contura 5 (rounded edges) but it appears they will fit?

I'm aware the bulb is in the switch, i'm just after the cover. I just want to ensure that whatever covers I buy, the light can penetrate so I can see the light is on at night.

Thanks all.

PS. I searched eBay / AliExpress - they have the majority of the ones i'm looking for, but not all. Want to get all from the one supplier so I know they are uniform.

 

[paulc1978]

Spoke to Brian Wards and they do their own printing so can match the originals. Yippee !

There is a MOQ so I really need three or others to come in with me. So if anyone else is reading this and has faded switches on their T28/29/30/34 and wants to replace them please let me know! The more people join in, the cheaper it will be. Hopefully we can get the price of a complete set down to under £100.

I'll also talk to Fairline / Bates and see if they can chip in.

Hiya, I'm assuming this is a closed thread now.If not I also need a set but for a Phantom 43 cockpit.

 

[superheat6k]

Hiya, I'm assuming this is a closed thread now.If not I also need a set but for a Phantom 43 cockpit.

They never close old threads - they just go into retirement and get an occasional visitor, and sometimes followed by a large crowd !