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 four families of marine push button switches: Bluewater, Bocatech, Carling, and CIT. Each offers waterproof construction and a low-profile helm appearance, but the best choice depends on circuit protection, switching style, finish, illumination, labeling, and installation needs.
-Stainless Steel and Etched Actuators
-Two Sizes Available; 19mm and 22mm
-Most flexible Pushbutton Option
-Well-Known Marine Switches
-19mm size
-Stainless Steel Actuators
-Black PVD or Natural Stainless Steel
-Latching or Momentary Action
-Independent Blue or Red LED Ring
-Has Resettable & Non-Resettable Options
-19mm size
-Stainless Steel Actuators
What’s the Best Marine Push Button Switch?
New Wire Marine carries four marine push button families: Bluewater, Bocatech, Carling, and CIT. All are marine-grade choices, but they differ in circuit protection, current capacity, switching options, labeling, finish, illumination, and wiring.
Use the comparison chart as a starting point, then review each family section below for finish, illumination, switching, circuit protection, and installation details.
Bluewater Push Button Switches
Our top selling pushbutton switch line – and for good reason:
- Max amp rating: 20A
- 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
- Easy to use, fast turn around button etching.
- 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!
CIT 22mm Marine Push Button Switches
CIT switches are a strong choice when you want a compact, modern mechanical marine push button with a clean blank face and a choice of black or stainless finish. Choose latching action for accessories that stay on, or momentary action for horns, trim tabs, start circuits, and other temporary controls.
- 22mm panel cutout
- Black PVD-coated 316L stainless steel or natural 316L stainless steel
- Latching or momentary mechanical switching
- Independent 12V dual-color LED ring: blue or red by reversing black/orange polarity
- IP67 waterproof construction with a sealed, potted rear
- Included panel-sealing O-ring and 1 ft flying leads
The independent LED can be wired always on, or its lighting trigger can be joined to the switched output so the ring illuminates only when the circuit is on.
Carling Push Button Switches
- High current ratings (up to 20 amps with AVH)
- 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
- Budget-friendly marine push button option
See what else there is to love about Carling Push Button Switches and decide if it’s right for your panel.
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.
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
Marine push buttons can be labeled in two ways: etching on the actuator itself, or permanent text and symbols applied to the panel beside a blank switch. Bluewater offers etched actuator options. CIT uses a clean, unetched face in black PVD or natural stainless steel and pairs naturally with engraved or printed panel labels.
Etched actuators make standardized functions easy to recognize and swap. Panel labeling gives a custom dash a consistent typeface and lets the switch finish remain visually simple. The right choice depends on the panel design, desired interchangeability, and whether you are replacing one switch or building a complete helm.
For a new custom switch panel, choose the push button family first, then decide whether the function belongs on the actuator or on the panel.