Boat Switch Alternatives: Perko's Competitors

Perko battery switches are used to control the flow of power from one or more batteries to specific purposes, such as starting engines or running accessories. They are designed for surface mounting and feature a bright red polycarbonate housing with a large, easy-to-turn black knob. When looking for an alternative to a Perko boat switch, it is important to consider the quality, price, and specific needs of your boat's electrical system. Blue Sea is a popular alternative to Perko, offering quality products at a lower price point. Their switches are tin-coated copper, which stands up better to saltwater environments than Perko's non-tin copper. Another option is to use a battery charger, such as the one offered by Amazon, which can be left plugged into shore power to keep batteries topped up when the boat is not in use.

Blue Sea battery switches are a good alternative to Perko switches

Blue Sea battery switches are also constructed from tin-coated copper, which is better suited to saltwater environments than Perko switches. Blue Sea switches are also available at a lower price point than Perko switches, despite being of comparable or higher quality. Blue Sea switches are also available at a range of price points, with some users reporting purchases for as little as $10.

Blue Sea offers a range of battery switches, including manual, remote, and battery management panel switches. These switches are designed to isolate the potentially destructive energy in battery banks when the boat is not in use or during emergencies. This is an important safety feature, as required by the ABYC in every boat with a battery over 800 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA).

Blue Sea Systems also offers a wide range of amperage ratings for their battery switches, including 300, 350, and 600 Amps continuous ratings for outboards, inboards, and large diesel engines, respectively. This variety ensures that boat owners can find a suitable switch for their specific engine and battery setup.

Perko switches are ignition-protected and can be installed in the engine rooms of gasoline-powered boats

The Perko battery selector switches are popular and easy to install, with their traditional Perko bolt circle. They can be mounted in various locations and are suitable for 6 to 32-volt marine electrical systems. The high-conductivity studs can handle multiple cables and are strong enough for the torque required for secure connections.

The Perko switches are versatile, allowing for battery selection for specific purposes like starting engines, running accessories, or recharging. They are also useful for emergency starting, enabling batteries to be put in parallel when one or both batteries are low.

The 90-degree rotation of the knob provides tactile feedback, allowing users to feel the switch's position even in complete darkness. Additionally, the classic knob shape makes it easy to turn.

The Perko switches also include an "Alternator Field Disconnect" feature, which protects Non-Unitized Alternators if the switch is accidentally turned off while the engine is running.

Overall, Perko switches are a reliable choice for gasoline-powered boat engine rooms, offering convenience, safety, and flexibility in battery management.

Perko switches are made from high-quality materials and are designed for surface mounting

Perko switches are designed for surface mounting and are made from high-quality materials. The standard duty switches have a bright red polycarbonate housing with a large, easy-to-turn black knob. The housing of the heavy-duty switches is made from red fibre-reinforced polycarbonate, making them durable and able to withstand tough marine conditions. Perko's 8501 Series battery selector switches are among the most popular battery switches ever produced, thanks to their ease of installation and versatility in mounting locations.

The Perko switch is a dual battery switch that allows users to select between two or more batteries for specific purposes, such as starting engines or running accessories. This feature ensures that the batteries are used efficiently and effectively, and it also provides the option to put batteries in parallel for emergency starting when one or both batteries are low on charge.

The Perko switch is designed with a 90-degree rotation feature, allowing users to feel the switch's position even in low-light situations. The classic shape of the knob makes it easy to turn, and the high-conductivity studs can handle multiple cables and provide the torque needed for secure connections.

The Perko switch is a reliable and popular choice for boat owners, with many users praising its functionality and ease of use. However, some alternatives are available in the market, such as the Blue Sea switch, which is also a quality product that stands up to saltwater environments better than the Perko switch, according to some users. Ultimately, both options have their advantages, and the best choice depends on the specific needs and preferences of the boat owner.

Perko switches have a make before break feature, allowing switching between positions while the engine is running

Perko switches are widely used and well-regarded, but there are alternatives available on the market. Perko's 8501 Series battery selector switches are among the most popular battery switches ever produced. They can be mounted in numerous locations and are ignition-protected, allowing for installation in the engine rooms of gasoline-powered boats.

The "make before break" feature of Perko selector switches enables switching between the "1", "ALL", and "2" positions while the engine is running. This capability provides flexibility and convenience, especially when dealing with multiple batteries or specific purposes like starting engines or recharging.

However, it is important to note that some users have expressed concerns about the pricing of Perko switches, suggesting that alternatives like Blue Sea offer similar or better performance at a lower cost. Blue Sea switches are also praised for their tin-coated copper construction, which enhances durability in saltwater environments.

When considering alternatives to Perko boat switches, it is essential to evaluate your specific needs, budget, and the intended operating environment. While Perko switches have a strong reputation, alternative options may provide comparable or improved features at a more competitive price point.

Perko switches are more expensive than Blue Sea switches, but some people prefer them for their boats

Perko switches are widely used in boats for their ability to handle multiple batteries. They are used to control the flow of electricity from one or more batteries to specific purposes, such as starting engines or powering accessories. Perko's battery selector switches are particularly popular, with their traditional bolt circle design making them easy to install and replace.

However, Blue Sea switches are also a popular choice among boat owners, and for good reason. Blue Sea switches are known for their quality and performance, and they tend to be much more affordable than Perko switches. In fact, some people in the boating community consider Perko switches to be "waaaaayyyyy overpriced".

Blue Sea switches are made with tin-coated copper, which stands up better to saltwater environments than Perko switches, which do not have this coating. This is an important consideration for boats that venture into saltwater. Additionally, Blue Sea offers a range of switches with different amp ratings, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their needs.

While Perko switches are more expensive, some people still prefer them for their boats. Perko has been a trusted brand in the boating industry for many years, and their products are known for their reliability. The Perko battery selector switch, for example, is designed with a "make before break" feature, allowing users to switch between batteries while the engine is running. This can be a valuable feature for boats with multiple batteries and specific power requirements.

Ultimately, the decision between Perko and Blue Sea switches depends on various factors, including budget, specific boat electrical setup, and brand preference. Both options have their pros and cons, and it's essential to consider your unique needs before making a choice.

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