Faria Gauges and Tachometers

Poco Marine, trusted across Canada for Faria gauges, stocks the complete line of Faria marine gauges and tachometers, engineered to withstand corrosion and condensation unique to British Columbia’s waters. Visit Poco Marine or contact our team to find the right Faria gauges for your boat refit and specific boating needs.

Why Pacific Northwest Boat Builders Trust Faria Beede

As a dominant OEM supplier to Pacific Northwest boat builders such as Double Eagle, Monaro, and Campion, Faria Beede Instruments sets the industry standard for durability and precision in marine monitoring. The brand’s extensive catalogue features specialized gauge series such as the corrosion-proof Chesapeake Stainless Steel and the high-contrast Euro Black, all engineered with fog-resistant lenses and sealed internals (up to IP67 ratings) to withstand the rigorous “damp coast” climate. Faria’s tachometers are designed for unmatched versatility, featuring adjustable rear-pole switches that ensure accurate RPM readings across a wide range of propulsion systems, from classic 2-strokes to modern 4-strokes. Complementing these are their plug-and-play GPS Speedometers, which modernize the helm by replacing failure-prone mechanical pitot tube systems with satellite-accurate speed tracking, making Faria the definitive choice for both restoration and performance upgrades in British Columbia waters.

Advantages for British Columbia Boaters

• Reliability: Faria gauges help prevent engine failures in strong currents, such as those at Seymour Narrows.
• Visibility: Their fog-resistant lenses and vented cases reduce condensation, maintaining clear visibility in damp conditions.
• Trolling Precision: A precise Faria RPM gauge supports trolling at low RPMs for prawn or salmon fishing.
• Debris Management: GPS speedometers prevent speed errors caused by pitot tube debris common in the Fraser plume.
• Easy Retrofit: Faria gauges are compatible with common sender types, making upgrades easy.

Typical Applications Along British Columbia’s Coastline

For both commercial and sport fishing, trolling fleets off Vancouver Island’s exposed West Coast need precise engine speed control to catch salmon in fast tidal flows. Faria boat gauges, especially rpm and speed meters, provide steady, low-speed readings. This helps crews keep track of gear during long trolling sessions in deep, changing currents.

Cruisers crossing the Strait of Georgia often encounter steep chop that creates intense vibration and may harm instruments. Faria’s robust internal mechanisms, originally designed for military vehicles, withstand these shocks, maintaining gauge accuracy and reliability and helping to avoid costly repairs or interruptions, which are essential for Gulf-crossing trips.

The damp winters in British Columbia, especially in coastal or Lower Mainland marinas, can cause significant corrosion of unattended boat electronics. Faria’s polycarbonate cases and stainless steel bezels, particularly those in the Chesapeake SS series, offer durable protection against galvanic corrosion. This durability helps protect equipment from ongoing exposure to salt and moisture, offering longer-lasting gauges well-suited to year-round boating.

Guide on Selecting Faria Gauges for BC Waters

Assess Visibility Needs

Check for gauge fogging on cold mornings. If standard glass gauges fog when the sun heats your dashboard, select Faria fog resistant lenses with specialized coating and venting to prevent fogging.

How To Choose a Speedometer Type?

Identify whether you boat in debris-filled waters, such as the Fraser River plume or the Gulf Islands. Mechanical speedometers use water pressure and can clog from debris, while GPS speedometers use satellite data for accuracy and are maintenance-free. For BC waters, choose Faria GPS speedometers to prevent clogs, and they are especially helpful at slow trolling speeds, where mechanical models may not perform reliably.

How To Select a Tachometer Signal Type?

Examine your engine to determine which tachometer is needed. Alternator-driven models require calibration, whereas magnetic pickups count flywheel teeth and continue to function even if the belts slip.

Check the alternator setup

If you plan to use a more powerful alternator for cruising, make sure it has a tachometer wire. If it doesn’t, add an engine sensor to obtain accurate readings on older diesel engines, such as Perkins or Ford Lehman.

How Faria Gauges Work & Safety Precautions

Faria gauges use air-core or stepper motors to display precise engine readings. The Chesapeake SS features a stainless bezel for saltwater use; the Euro Series has modern styling; Dress White is high-contrast. Each gauge system uses a gauge head, a matching sender, and wiring. Good grounding and marine-grade wire are important to prevent false readings and corrosion.

FAQs

Should I use a snubbing line to anchor in the Gulf Islands if I rely on my depth sounder?

Yes, the Faria depth sounder shows the depth of the rocky bottoms in Desolation Sound, which can damage ground tackle. A snubbing line takes the shock load off your windlass; never rely solely on the depth reading to hold position in deep, current-swept anchorages.

Why does my Faria speedometer stop working every time I cross the Strait of Georgia?

The small tube that measures water is often clogged with debris, such as wood chips or seaweed, which are common in the Strait. Bring a small drill bit to clear it by hand, or switch to a Faria GPS speedometer to avoid this issue altogether.

Will Faria gauge work on my older Bayliner or Sea Ray?

Yes, Faria is the OEM for many Bayliner and Sea Ray models common in BC. The Faria Chesapeake or Dress White series are often direct replacements, but always verify the sender resistance (Standard American 240-33 ohm) before ordering to ensure a plug-and-play fit.

Why does my tachometer show 0 RPM when the engine is running?

This usually means there’s no signal or power. Check the fuses on the purple and gray wires at the alternator (or coil). Moisture on these components is common in our wet weather. Also, check that your alternator belt isn’t slipping, as this can affect the signal.

How do I stop my gauges from fogging up on cold mornings?

Let air circulate in your console to dry out, and turn on your instrument lights for 15-20 minutes before you head out to help remove any moisture inside.

Can I use a pressure washer to clean my dashboard?

No, Faria gauges are water-resistant, but powerful water spray can still get past the seals and cause damage. To clean it, use a sponge and mild soap to keep your gauges safe.