1986 35 hp 2 stroke. What guages do I need

[Bniewinski]

So I have a 1986 bass buggy pontoon boat with an 1986 Mercury 2 stroke. Trying to find what guages I need for this motor and which ones to buy. I believe I just need the water pressure, tach, and I already have a volt meter. But having trouble finding the right guage. I was wondering I can run a more modern guage which doesn't have the wet line going all the way to the guage. Any info would help. Also wonder about the rubber seal on the upper cowl. Wondering if I can change that without removing the power head.

 

[flyingscott]

In my opinion forget the volt meter they are usually more trouble than they are worth. Water pressure gauge is good not critical tachometer also and if you have T/N/T a gauge for that I recommend. That is really not a wet line on the pressure gauge they actually use air pressure, when the water goes in the line it compresses the air giving you pressure. The only way water ends up in the front of the boat is if the line breaks or pops off of the gauge.

 

[fhhuber]

Need? none.

Desire?

Relatively easy to add:
Tachometer
Temperature
Volts for the charging/battery system

More is better for indication of how the engine is running and warning of problems.

Water pressure isn't one I'd care about too much. If the telltale ("pisser") has water coming out you know the pump is working.
But it doesn't hurt to have it.