Measuring Your Gauges

So it’s time to finally upgrade those old, foggy, busted gauges of yours. You know what look you’re looking for--you’ve picked the brand, the finish, and even the bezel colors, but the problem is you don’t know what sizes to get ESPECIALLY when they’re so specific. I mean ⅝, ¹⁄₁₆, ⅞, that’s so small!

We know how difficult it can be to measure gauges, particularly when you’re not in a position to remove the gauges first. So instead, we’re going to show you a neat trick to measure across the outer portion of the rim, or “bezel”. Let’s get to work and show you how it’s done so you can do it right the first time!

1.   First, let’s take a look at the main sizes that marine gauges come in. Marine gauges come in 4 different sizes which are referred to not by the exact size of the gauge face, but rather the size of hole needed for installation.
From smallest to biggest we see 2 ¹⁄₁₆”, 2 ⅝”, 3 ⅜”, and 4 ⅝”.
The 2 ¹⁄₁₆” as well as the 3 ⅜” sizes are what we consider “standard”, while the 2 ⅝” and the 4 ⅝” are considered “monster”.

So now, let’s go ahead and give them a proper measure.

2.   Here we see the “standard” 2 ¹⁄₁₆” size, but notice that the gauge measures at 2 ¼” across the face and rim.
This is pretty common, and 2 ¹⁄₁₆” gauges will range from 2 ¼ to 2 ⅜” across the bezel.

3.  Then we have the “monster” 2 ⅝” size, but again the face of the gauge measures at 2 ¾”.
2 ⅜” gauges range from 2 ¾” to 2 ⅞” across the bezel.

4.   This “standard” 3 ⅜” size gauge surprisingly (or unsurprisingly if you’re picking up the trick) measures at 3 ¾”.
And like the other sizes, 3 ⅜” gauges can range from 3 ¾” to 3 ⅞” across the bezel.

5.   And last but certainly not least, the “monster” 4 ⅝” size measures at 4 ⅞” across the face.
Monster 4 ⅝” gauges can measure from 4 ⅞” to 5” across the bezel.

And now that you know what size you need, all that’s left is go buy them!