Overview

The Blue Sea Systems Contura III is a water resistant rocker switch series for Blue Sea Systems Contura Water Resistant Panels and Contura switch mounting panels. These switches give boat owners and installers a clean way to replace or change panel switch functions while keeping the panel layout consistent.

The range covers SPST, SPDT, DPST, and DPDT configurations, with maintained and momentary actions available depending on the selected variant. The switches are rated up to 20A at 12V DC and 15A at 24V DC, use LED lighting with a rated 100,000 hour half-life, and include internal and external gasket panel sealing for wet marine switch panels.

They are built for the vibration, shock, temperature change, moisture, and salt spray that small-boat electrical panels see in real use. Ignition protection also makes them suitable for installation aboard gasoline powered boats when installed as part of a compliant DC electrical system.

Key features

• Water resistant Contura III rocker switch format for Blue Sea Systems Contura Water Resistant Panels and Contura switch mounting panels.
• Available in gray and black actuator colors to match common marine panel layouts.
• Switch function options cover SPST, SPDT, DPST, and DPDT circuits for simple loads, changeover circuits, dual-pole switching, and momentary control needs.
• Maintained and momentary actions are available across the range, including OFF-ON, OFF-(ON), ON-OFF-ON, (ON)-OFF-ON, (ON)-OFF-(ON), and ON-ON configurations.
• Rated for 20A at 12V DC and 15A at 24V DC, which fits many common low-voltage marine DC circuits when properly fused and wired.
• Ignition protected for gasoline powered boats and meets UL1500 and ISO8846 ignition protection requirements.
• Internal and external gasket panel sealing helps the switch face stand up to spray, washdowns, and damp cockpit or deck panel locations.
• LED illumination supports panel visibility, with 18mA LED operating current and LED life rated at 100,000 hours half-life.
• Operating temperature range of -40 degrees C to 85 degrees C supports use in exposed helm panels, cabins, and utility spaces that see wide temperature swings.

Variants

This product family varies by actuator color and switch function. The actuator color options in this range are gray and black, while the electrical configurations include single-pole, double-pole, single-throw, and double-throw switching with maintained or momentary positions depending on the variant.

Parentheses in the switch function indicate momentary operation, so an action such as OFF-(ON) returns when released, while OFF-ON stays in the selected position. Some variants include LED behavior noted in the function description, so the selected switch should be matched to the circuit behavior needed at the helm, cockpit, cabin panel, or equipment control location.

Installation and fit

These switches are intended for Blue Sea Systems Contura water resistant panels and compatible Contura mounting panels. They are most useful when replacing a worn switch, changing a circuit from maintained to momentary operation, or keeping a panel visually consistent during a refit.

Match the pole and throw configuration to the circuit before installation. SPST versions suit a basic on-off load, SPDT versions can handle a changeover function, and DPST or DPDT versions are used where two conductors or two circuits need to be switched together. The final installation should use properly sized conductors, terminals, and circuit protection for the load.

Electrical use on board

These rocker switches fit typical 12V and 24V DC marine panels for loads such as lights, pumps, wipers, hatches, trim tabs, horns, and similar equipment, provided the chosen switch function matches the device and the current draw stays within the switch rating. Momentary variants are commonly used where the equipment should run only while the rocker is held, while maintained variants are used where the circuit should stay on until switched off.

Marine environment

The sealed panel design and resistance to moisture, salt spray, vibration, shock, and thermoshock make this range a practical match for exposed helm stations, cockpit panels, small center consoles, cabin switch banks, and utility panels. For best service life, keep terminals protected behind the panel, route wiring to reduce strain, and rinse salt from exposed switch faces during normal boat cleanup.