There are few things better than a day out on a boat. Whether you’re on a pontoon boat soaking up the sun and cooling off with a swim, fishing for walleye or bass with family and friends, or catching air off the wake of a speedboat while skiing or tubing, a day on the water is always a day well spent.
Boating and fishing are the largest outdoor recreation activities in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The boat market was on the rise even before the COVID-19 pandemic, boomed further during the pandemic, and that industry growth is expected to continue. With entertainment options limited, people took to the water and were reminded of how fun boating can be.
We at E-Switch are lucky to be located in Minnesota, Land of 10,000 Lakes, where there are more recreational boats per capita than any other state. Boating, fishing, and water sports are hobbies enjoyed by both locals and tourists of the state, with dozens of lakeside resorts offering rentals of pontoon boats, speedboats, fishing boats, and jet skis.
Boat building is also big business in the state. In 2020, Minnesota was fifth in the nation in sales of boats and boating accessories, topping $1 billion in annual sales. E-Switch supports this industry by providing 75 sealed switches that provide various levels of water protection.
Reliable, splash-proof switches are essential for operating any motorized watercraft. A keylock switch provides battery power. An anti-vandal switch could serve as an ignition switch for the motor. A toggle switch or paddle style rocker switch is often used to raise and lower the sea legs on pontoon boats. A rocker switch raises and lowers the boat’s motor or turns on lights. A sealed tactile switch turns on the radio. A rotary switch cranks up the volume.
Two E-Switch products are particularly popular amongst boat and watercraft builders – the ULV Series and PV Series anti-vandal switches.
The ULV Series long life, anti-vandal switches are UL certified and is also rated IP67 rated for dust and moisture protection. The ULV4 Series fits panel cutouts sized 19mm, the ULV7 fits a 22mm cutout, and the ULV8 is meant for a 25mm cutout.
The PV Series anti-vandal switches come in 11 sizes with ingress protection ratings ranging from IP65 to IP67. They’re all rated for two amps, but if you need a high-amperage switch, in November of 2023, the PVHC4 Series will make its E-Switch debut. It’s UL certified and rated for up to 20 amps, making it perfect for bilge pumps and anchor motors.
The ST4 Series toggle switch should also be considered for marine and watercraft applications. It’s protected against long periods of immersion under pressure, making it an ideal solution for raising and lowering sea legs on pontoon boats.
Whether it’s a boat you’re building, a jet ski, or even a submarine, E-Switch has the water-resistant switch solutions for your marine and watercraft applications.