MARINE PUSH BUTTON SWITCHES
Get a sleek, contemporary look for your boat’s dash panel with ultra-low profile push button switches!
New Wire Marine carries three types of marine push button switches: Bluewater, Bocatech, and Carling. All are waterproof with fully sealed and potted wires, and some feature built-in circuit protection. With varying degrees of customization available, you can get exactly what you want.
What’s the Best Marine Push Button Switch?
Here at New Wire Marine, we carry three types of push buttons: Bluewater, Bocatech, and Carling. Each manufacturer produces high-quality, marine-grade switches — it just comes down to what functionality and customization you want.
Here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons of each push button manufacturer.
Bluewater Push Button Switches
- Max amp rating: 15 ADC
- many, many functions available (On/Off; Off-On-Off; Off-On-On, etc.)
- every switch is backlit with blue LED light at night for awesome visibility, then LED turns red when a particular function is turned on
- available with etching directly on the push button, or as plain stainless steel
- plug connector on the back allows for easy and fast hot swapping
- full-length seamless steel (no seams to break!)
Get the full run-down on Bluewater push buttons and see all your options now!
Bocatech Push Button Switches
- Available as resettable with built-in circuit protection OR non-resettable
- Two LED colors available: blue or red.
- IP67 waterproof – dust tight and immersion waterproof to 1m
- Solid state switching up to 15A (non-resettable) and 20A (resettable)
- Stainless Steel bezel – never rusts
- Simple wiring with molded wire leads
- Easy to install with a 3/4″ hole saw
Learn more about resettable vs. non-resettable Bocatech switches and find what’s right for you.
Carling Push Button Switches
- High current ratings (up to 20 amps)
- Two types available: Dry Contact (AV) and Solid State (AVH)
- IP67 waterproof
- Momentary and maintained circuits
- Switching options include ON-OFF, as well as progressive circuits suited for NAV/ANCHOR functions
- Easy to install
- Least expensive of the three brands
See what else there is to love about Carling Push Button Switches and decide if it’s right for your panel.
Push Buttons vs. Rocker Switches vs. Toggle Switches
Designed to be flush with your panel, push buttons stand less proud from the surface compared to rocker switches and toggle switches — and the result is a clean, contemporary dash. Plus, push buttons are less likely to be accidentally pressed when you’re driving or leaning against a panel — a win-win!
Ultimately, the best marine switch for your panel is a matter of preference. All New Wire Marine switches — no matter the type — are marine grade and waterproof.
It all comes down to your desired aesthetic and level of customization.
Stainless Steel vs. Etched Marine Push Buttons
Depending on the type/manufacturer, you have two options for labeling your push buttons. Labels can be etched on the push button, or sold as plain stainless steel covers with text labels etched into the panel above the switch. Again, this choice is up to personal preference and the scope of your project.
That said, etched push buttons do have some clear advantages over plain stainless steel. Namely, an etched push button is much more interchangeable — and a label that’s up on the panel is a lot more permanent.
With an etched push button, you can easily change the insert. Unless you’re replacing the entire dash panel, you can’t change out the text above a stainless steel switch. Essentially, the non-etched option is just for people who know they need one replacement for a specific button on a dash that is already labeled on the panel.
