www.iFourWinns.com

I am considering replacing all gages with better quality replacements and wondering if anyone has pointers on what work well, what problems, to expect, cost, etc. Currently the gages fog in high humidity, the tach reads 50-70% high on occasion and one volt meter doesn't work. I've replaced the tach once before which cured the high reading for a couple of years and now it's back. Recently I checked engine water temps and they weren't consistent with gage indications either. Who makes a nice set of gages that fit the original panel and won't break the bank.

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2014 Vista V435
2011 Glastron GT180
2013 Sea Doo RXT-260

I have never been real impressed with the VDO gauges on the 298/328. Several instances of repeated failures, so it does not suprise me that you too are having issues.

I would highly recommend Faria gauges as a quality replacement for your current cluster. They have a variety of styles that will fit, it's just depends on what you like, and your budget. A complete set will not be cheap from any manufacturer, but you get what you pay for.
Here is a link to some styles available. http://www.faria-instruments.com/styles.php

I think the Euro white gold or Signature gold series will compliment your 328 dash nicely. Check the "Faria Mart" section for prices, the clearance page, you can get some gauges for as little as $10.00 each. Their website is very helpful in determining what gauges will be an exact fit for your 328.

Faria supplies over 300 boat manufacturers with gauges, they have a limited lifetime warranty, anti fog lenses, and fantastic customer support.
I have known several people with 10 to 15 year old boats that had gauges replaced at no charge from Faria. They stand behing their product.
We have Faria gauges with red LED back lighting as standard equipment on our Monterey, and I am very pleased with their quality.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I have had good luck with faria....no complaints.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Apart from the earlier "flirtation" with the one piece VDO cluster, FW have used Faria Gauges on the Horizons and Sundowners since 2001 or 2002 or so. Individual VDO gauges in Europe are perceived as being "upmarket" to Faria ones ! My experience with Faria is that my tacho gave problems ( replaced under their excellent warranty scheme, but the new one less that 6 months old is now sticking a little), the volt gauge reads low, the fuel gauge oscillates even when the boat is not moving and the trim gauge fogs up. Overall OK though.

The Gaffrig gauges on a Baja I saw at our marina looked very nice ( "Great Lakes Skipper" often have "surplus" sets on sale below list).

Graham

I was under the impression that FW used Faria in 2003 so that's what I already have? Can someone confirm?

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2014 Vista V435
2011 Glastron GT180
2013 Sea Doo RXT-260

I must admit I thought so too, and thought it odd they would have used VDO on some models and Faria on others, but I've no direct experience of the bigger Vistas!

Graham

My 2010 278 came equipped with Faria gauges.

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2010 278 Vista
5.7 GXi DP

Past:
1999 225 Sundowner
5.7 GSi SX

Unless your 328 has an upgraded instrument package that I am not aware that they offered on the 2003 298/328, then you have VDO gauges. From Section E , page 6 of the 2003 298/328 Owners manual.


Buy some Livorsi gauges then if you do not trust Faria. Prepare to dig deep into your wallet.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy