Replacing Lewmar windless deck switch

[Capt’nKarl]

2018, R-23. The deck down switch has stopped working. As I explored replacement I discovered the switch that came on the boat is no longer available. I believe it is a CH switch. The replacement switch is 15mm larger in diameter and the screw holes are in different locations. Additionally the deck opening for the old switch is 25 mm and the new switch is only 9.5 mm. Here’s my question. What’s the best way to seal the old opening and screw holes to keep water out? FYI, the original opening through the deck was not sealed at the factory as I think it should have. You might want to check this out on your boat.
Thanks.
Karl

 

[knotflying]

Use lifeseal.

 

[rhorigan]

They are easy to repair. See this link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo3pBostJ0E

 

[Capt’nKarl]

Thanks Rhorigan but this particular switch cannot be repaired it has to be replaced and they don’t make the old type of switch anymore.
Thanks for the link .
Karl

 

[bob daily]

Captain K, I have replaced and installed items that didn't fit just right or did not have enough fiberglass for the mounting hardware. In those cases I just cut out some starboard material to make a backing plate and sealed with marine caulking. If your having trouble finding starboard material, the wife's cutting board in the kitchen will work just fine. To see what I'm talking about look in my photo album of the aft helm station and clutch control, both have backing plates to beef up the fiberglass and seal from water. Good luck on the replacement switch. Bob

 

[Capt’nKarl]

Thanks Bob, and great job on the work you did. Really using the ole noggin. It’s not a really big deal to replace the switch it’s just the new switch is 15 mm larger and has a different screw hole arrangement which means more holes in the deck. I’ll just caulk around the whole lot and move on. But now I have mismatched deck switches which will cause my OCD to act up. It’s all just another day of being a boat owner. Some Rum and Coke will make it all better. Now if I could only find the solar panel controller I’ll be a happy boater. Cheers Matey.
Karl.

 

[knotflying]

Thanks Bob, and great job on the work you did. Really using the ole noggin. It’s not a really big deal to replace the switch it’s just the new switch is 15 mm larger and has a different screw hole arrangement which means more holes in the deck. I’ll just caulk around the whole lot and move on. But now I have mismatched deck switches which will cause my OCD to act up. It’s all just another day of being a boat owner. Some Rum and Coke will make it all better. Now if I could only find the solar panel controller I’ll be a happy boater. Cheers Matey.
Karl.

I have the same problem. I replaced both and still drink my vodka and soda! :lol:

 

[Capt’nKarl]

Good one knotflying. I use to think I had a drinking problem so I gave up thinking!

 

[Tippetknot]

Did you check on EBay? I found quite a few different Lewmar deck switch model numbers there.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Capt’nKarl]

Thanks Tippetknot. Yes I looked on EBay. The Lewmar switch originally installed on my 2018 is no longer being made. Every source I’ve checked including FM confirms this. It’s not a real problem other than the new switch is larger and will need new deck screw holes drilled. By hey, at least I’ll have the windless working.
Cheers.