Faria Beede Instruments Chesapeake White SS Boxed Set Review

Let’s Talk About Faria Beede Instruments Chesapeake White SS Boxed Set

For years, I’ve customized boats, both my own and those of clients. The gauges are often the first thing to show their age, becoming cloudy and unreliable. That’s why the Faria Beede Instruments Chesapeake White SS Boxed Set caught my eye; a complete, ready-to-install gauge set promising both functionality and a clean aesthetic.

I needed a reliable and aesthetically pleasing set of gauges for a vintage Chris-Craft restoration. The original gauges were beyond repair and finding replacements individually was proving difficult and expensive. The promise of a matched set, ready to install, was extremely appealing.

Upon unboxing the Faria Beede Instruments Chesapeake White SS Boxed Set, I was immediately struck by the clean, classic design. The white faces and stainless steel bezels exuded quality. The gauges felt solid and well-made in hand, suggesting a robust build.

I considered individual Faria Beede gauges and a Sierra International gauge set before settling on this boxed set. The Faria Beede set offered a better price for a complete package. I chose it over Sierra International’s offerings because of the classic white face design and positive reviews regarding accuracy.

My first impression was definitely positive. This Faria Beede Instruments Chesapeake White SS Boxed Set seemed like a well-thought-out, high-quality solution to my gauge replacement needs. I was eager to get them installed and see how they performed on the water.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Faria Beede Instruments Chesapeake White SS Boxed Set to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the Faria Beede Instruments Chesapeake White SS Boxed Set on the aforementioned Chris-Craft during its restoration. The boat was then used extensively on Lake Tahoe for pleasure cruising. I tested the gauges in sunny, calm conditions, as well as choppy water with moderate wind.

The gauges performed admirably in all conditions. The white faces were easy to read even in direct sunlight, and the stainless steel bezels resisted glare. I did find that the speedometer cable needed careful routing to avoid kinks and ensure accurate readings.

The installation process was straightforward, though routing the mechanical speedometer cable was a bit fiddly. Once installed, the gauges were intuitive and easy to read at a glance. No special tools were required beyond standard automotive wiring and plumbing tools.

Initially, the water temperature gauge read slightly lower than expected. I traced the issue to an air bubble in the cooling system which, once resolved, brought the readings within the expected range. No other issues were encountered during the initial testing phase.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full season of use (approximately 50 hours), the Faria Beede Instruments Chesapeake White SS Boxed Set continues to perform well. The gauges still look as good as new, with no signs of fading or corrosion. They’ve proven resistant to the constant vibration and occasional splashing common on a boat.

There is no noticeable wear and tear to report. The stainless steel bezels haven’t scratched or tarnished, and the gauge faces remain clear and easy to read. The mechanical speedometer still functions accurately.

Maintenance has been minimal; I wipe the gauges down with a damp cloth occasionally to remove dust and water spots. The electrical connections remain secure and corrosion-free thanks to the use of dielectric grease during installation. No special cleaning products are needed.

Compared to the old, unreliable gauges I replaced, the Faria Beede Instruments Chesapeake White SS Boxed Set is a vast improvement. The peace of mind knowing that I have accurate information about engine performance is invaluable. This set is more reliable and aesthetically pleasing than anything I’ve used before in this price range.

Breaking Down the Features of Faria Beede Instruments Chesapeake White SS Boxed Set

Specifications

The Faria Beede Instruments Chesapeake White SS Boxed Set is designed for inboard motors. The set includes a 60 MPH mechanical speedometer, a 6000 RPM tachometer, a fuel level gauge, a 10-16 VDC voltmeter, a 100-250 F water temperature gauge, and an 80 PSI oil pressure gauge. The gauges feature perimeter-lighted white dials and stylish blue and black graphics.

• Speedometer (60 MPH): This mechanical speedometer provides accurate speed readings. The mechanical design eliminates the need for complex wiring.
• Tachometer (6000 RPM): Accurately measures engine RPM. This is critical for monitoring engine performance and preventing over-revving.
• Fuel Level: Indicates the amount of fuel remaining in the tank. This helps prevent running out of fuel unexpectedly.
• Voltmeter (10-16 VDC): Monitors the boat’s electrical system voltage. This helps identify charging issues early.
• Water Temp (100-250 F): Measures the engine’s coolant temperature. This helps prevent overheating.
• Oil PSI (80 PSI): Monitors the engine’s oil pressure. Low oil pressure can indicate serious engine problems.

These specifications are important because they provide a comprehensive overview of the engine’s vital signs. Accurate readings from these gauges allow boaters to make informed decisions about engine operation and maintenance. The complete set provides a unified look and ensures all necessary parameters are monitored.

Performance & Functionality

The Faria Beede Instruments Chesapeake White SS Boxed Set performs its job exceedingly well. The gauges provide accurate and reliable information, allowing for safe and efficient boat operation. They are easy to read and interpret, even in challenging lighting conditions.

The set’s strengths lie in its completeness, accuracy, and ease of installation. A potential weakness is the mechanical speedometer, which can be more difficult to install than an electronic version. However, this is a minor issue outweighed by the gauge’s reliability.

The Faria Beede Instruments Chesapeake White SS Boxed Set exceeds expectations. I anticipated a decent set of gauges, but the overall quality and performance have been impressive. I was particularly pleased with the clarity of the dials and the accuracy of the readings.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent. The stainless steel bezels are durable and corrosion-resistant, and the gauge faces are clear and easy to read. The gauges have a solid, substantial feel, indicating a high level of craftsmanship.

The Faria Beede Instruments Chesapeake White SS Boxed Set is user-friendly. The perimeter lighting makes the gauges easily readable at night. The classic white face design ensures good visibility in daylight as well.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Faria Beede Instruments Chesapeake White SS Boxed Set should last for many years. The stainless steel construction and quality components resist corrosion and wear. Regular cleaning and maintenance will extend the life of the set.

The Faria Beede Instruments Chesapeake White SS Boxed Set is easy to maintain. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep them looking their best. The electrical connections are easily accessible for inspection and maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Faria Beede Instruments Chesapeake White SS Boxed Set is a comprehensive package. It does not require additional accessories for basic functionality. However, there are options for customizing the lighting with different colored bulbs.

The gauges are compatible with standard marine wiring and sending units. This means they can be used with a wide range of boats and engines. Aftermarket bezels in different finishes are also available. The set is designed for standard 2-1/16″ diameter gauge openings, which are very common.

Pros and Cons of Faria Beede Instruments Chesapeake White SS Boxed Set

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Who Should Buy Faria Beede Instruments Chesapeake White SS Boxed Set?

The Faria Beede Instruments Chesapeake White SS Boxed Set is perfect for boat owners restoring or upgrading their inboard motorboats. It’s also suitable for anyone looking for a reliable, aesthetically pleasing set of gauges. This is ideal for those who value classic design and ease of installation.

This product might not be the best choice for boaters looking for digital gauges or advanced features. Also, those with limited mechanical experience might find the mechanical speedometer installation challenging.

Must-have accessories include dielectric grease for electrical connections, a good quality crimping tool, and potentially adapters for non-standard sending units.

Conclusion on Faria Beede Instruments Chesapeake White SS Boxed Set

Overall, the Faria Beede Instruments Chesapeake White SS Boxed Set is an excellent value for the money. It offers a complete, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing solution for monitoring your boat’s engine. The classic design and ease of installation make it a top choice for boat owners of all skill levels.

The price is justified given the quality of the components and the completeness of the set. The value proposition is strong because it saves time and money compared to sourcing individual gauges. The ease of installation and the clean design make it worth the investment.

I would definitely recommend the Faria Beede Instruments Chesapeake White SS Boxed Set. It is a high-quality product that delivers on its promises. Upgrade your boat today with this Faria Beede gauge set and enjoy peace of mind on the water.