Nick
I apologize at the length of this
Are you concerned about waterproof to water resistant ??
Given your mounting location I would think either would be fine. If they were less protected as in a deck location or even some exposed center console application I would be more concerned.
Breakers over Fuses or vice versa I think are just personal preference. They both have pros and cons . In my experience it seems that all the fused switch panels I have seen are considered water “resistant” or “splash proof”. I’ve personally not had the best of luck with those fuse panels with corrosion and conduction problems (that too can be helped with a little Vaseline or your favorite conducting grease) The fuses were a mess on this boat such that a couple of the fuses were stuck in the receptacle and the push / pulls were green behind the dash but that’s another story.
Fuses you can replace cheap, easily and everyone has a “few” kicking around on the boat. Breakers can be too, but they are more expensive than a box of fuses but really shouldn’t need to be replaced (takes a little more time to replace too). Don’t forget most electronics have fuses within the unit itself.
Most larger boats have “house” circuit breaker panels… Not fuses…with remote panels up on the bridge or helm. I would assume it’s a space thing on smaller boats not to mention a cost issue.
Like warthog mentions …what about a remote breaker panel then water proof switches at the helm giving you more mounting options over the pre built panels ? Give you more wiggle room too
Both of those panels you list are said to be water resistant and for flybridge or open cockpit use
DC Water Resistant Fuse Panel-Slate Gray (8 Position)
PN: 8261
Features
• Designed for flybridge and open cockpit applications
• Water resistant
• Water resistant fuse holders accept commonly available AGC (Fast Acting) and MDL (Slow Blow) glass fuses
• Water resistant Contura switches
DC Water Resistant Circuit Breaker Panel-Black (8 Position)
PN: 8371
Features
• Designed for flybridge and open cockpit applications
• Water resistant
• Rated IP66 - "Use on Shipdecks"
I.P 66 4 Either indoor or outdoor use to provide a degree of protection against falling rain, splashing water and hose-directed water; undamaged by the formation of ice on the enclosure. Hosedown, corrosion test, icing, dust
• Ignition protected - safe for installation aboard gasoline powered boats
• Push Button circuit breaker with waterproof boot
• Water resistant Contura switches
NOTE: Water resistant panel labels are not backlightable
The only panel I have ever seen called
WATER PROOF was a circuit breaker panel by Paneltronics. However they are expensive. I’ve talked with an engineer down at Paneltronics and they can build a custom panel to your dimension/color etc etc…
Paneltronics waterproof circuit breaker panel
The Paneltronics breaker panel claims to be water proof, on – off indicator lights and its also backlit ( don’t know if that matters to you). The Paneltronics uses booted toggles to help achieve the waterproof claim. It seems as though the “contura” type switch cannot be waterproofed?? (even thought some catalogues list them as such).
This one may be way more than you need, but I think it would be my choice in a real wet location
I like the style of the contura switch ….The boats we have had or that I’ve worked on have had the booted switches, rockers and the push/pulls …. The push/pulls and rockers never seemed to last. The booted switches however never had to be replaced. Even the engine on/off switch and the ignition switch were booted toggles. In fact the Viking had small one and two switch Paneltronics in the cockpit for saltwater and freshwater wash downs, cockpit lights and the Glendinning shore power storage system. The cockpit saw tons of salt and fresh water and the switches never had problems.
Warthog …That wire you list above in that link …How do you like it ?? and how does it compare to Anchor (besides price ) ??