discount parts supplier?

[DaleH]

Where's the cheapest place to order rule float switches and replacement deck plates/hatches?

FLOAT SWITCHES & BILGE PUMPS: I'd forget about Rule float switches. Most professional marine surveyors rate the Sure Bail brand as the best. Only $19 from the link below, item #4021. Best place I buy from is www.surplusunlimited.com out of Miami, FL. Fast, low prices, never had a backorder, and reliable.

I'd also consider replacing your mechanical float switches with sensing technology float switches, see here for more info.

If you need a new pump, I cannot recommend highly enough the Johnson Optima pumps. FWIW, that Surplus Unltd link above sells them under the Marpac name - same pump & low price.

You can review the 'field sensing' Ulitma (same as Marpac) bilge pumps here.

DECK HATCHES: I believe Parker is still using Tempress brand items and their components & even spare parts (extra lids or replacement O-Rings) can be bought direct from them, link = http://www.tempress.com/ .

That said, I replaced all my Tempress round deck hatch/ports with the Sure Seal model by T-H Marine. I like the lid design much better, as it completely covers the screw holes and the O-Ring area. They have proven to be completely water-tight in use on my deck application, even if dumping a 5-gallon pail of water immediately adjacent to them.

 

[DaleH]

does the T-H ivory/sand color match Parker decks?

It matches my '92 vintage very well.

will the lid "pop off" like tempress hatch covers?

No, it spins off.

looks like the T-H rises higher off deck than tempress making something of a trip hazzard?

It does a bit, but I have not noticied or considered them a hazard, but good concern. Not an issue to me.

With your questions, you might be best to stay with Tempress products. Not hing wrong with them, to me this was just part of my 'upgrade' when I refurbished my empty '92 hull when I bought her.