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Outdated helm controls

Discussion in 'Luhrs Yacht' started by Tito Puente, Jul 16, 2024.

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  1. Tito Puente, Jul 16, 2024
    #1
    Tito Puente

    Tito Puente New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2024
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    Hello,
    I just acquired a luhrs open 32 and most of the helm controls are either not working or outdated.

    I am unable to find the tachometer gauges, for example.

    I wonder if there is an electronic retrofit helm that I could use, of course with all the sensors and servos required to make it to work.

    BTW, the cruise control, radar, etc. are not working neither, hence the idea to update and retrofit to electronics if possible.

    Any other idea would be highly appreciated as well.

    Thank you!
  2. ranger58sb, Jul 16, 2024
    #2
    ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2013
    Messages:
    886
    Location:
    Chesapeake Bay, USA
    Electrics (lights, gauges, etc.), electronics (plotters, radars, etc.), and "helm controls" (gears, throttles, steering, etc.) tend to be slightly different ideas.

    Luhrs may have used Faria tachometers and other engine gauges. Rebuilding the tachs is (at least was) possible, but if engine hour displays are also included, you lose the hours. And they weren't wonderful tachs, anyway.

    Aetna and Cruz Pro digital tachs are decent replacements, Cruz Pro offers digital versions of most other gauges, there may be others... and you may find easy individual options that will fit your existing cut-outs.

    Several companies will make whole replacement panels; Paneltronics, for example.

    You may have several hundred feet of wiring back behind all that, with attendant fuses, breakers, buss bars, etc... and a whole new electronics retrofit, including plotter, radar, autopilot (your "cruise control"?), etc., may well benefit from professional installation. Many retailers also do consulting and/or installation, and the unit prices on various pieces tend to be reasonable.

    -Chris
  3. Pascal, Jul 16, 2024
    #3
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2008
    Messages:
    8,474
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    You need to make sure your gauges and electronics have power and are connected before replacing stuff or you may end up trashing perfectly working items and installing new stuff that will still not work.

    a single loose ground wire, blown fuse or tripped breaker can easily take down a bunch of gauges

    it s also very difficult to make any intelligent suggestions if you don’t even bother telling us what year the boat is, what engines you have…

    If you do need to replace some of the gauges, some can be repaired others can be replaced pretty easily.

    no idea what cruise control is on a boat! Are you talking about engine synchronizer or autopilot

    post some pictures of the helm so we can see what you re sealing with
  4. Tito Puente, Jul 16, 2024
    #4
    Tito Puente

    Tito Puente New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2024
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    Hi, I meant autopilot, mind slip.
    The boat is fully operational just not the way it makes me comfortable.
    What I am gauging is if a full replacement would give me a great deal of pain or peace.
    The electrical portion of the boat seems to be operating correctly. The sensors and actuators are the problem, together with the navigation equipment. Even the motor throttle seems hard to move.
    The hours on the boat we deem them as inaccurate so this is not something we care to protect.
    Thank you!
  5. Capt Ralph, Jul 16, 2024
    #5
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    13,270
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    Joe, is that you??