Freeman Smiths Electrical Water Temperature Gauge with Chrome Bezel

The Freeman Smiths Electrical Water Temperature Gauge with Chrome Bezel is a classically styled black gauge with white writing, an analogue white needle and a shiny chrome bezel. The Smiths gauges are the original fitment on most Freeman Cruisers.

The electrical water temperature gauge has a scale from 50°C to 140°C to show the temperature of the engine cooling water. The gauge requires an appropriate sender to be fitted into the engine to sense the correct water temperature, either the WaterMota Smiths Small Temperature Sender or the WaterMota Smiths Large Temperature Sender.

Freeman Cruiser Dashboard Gauges

These 52mm Smiths Gauges were factory fitted by Freeman Cruisers and were fitted to most Freeman 22 Mk1, Freeman 22 Mk2, Freeman 23, Freeman 25 and Freeman 26 boats. The boats were normally fitted with the Freeman Smiths Mechanical Water Temperature Gauge with Chrome Bezel, however, the electrical water temperature gauge may have been used on later boats. It is also possible that the mechanical gauge has been changed for this electrical gauge.

Water Temperature Gauge Senders - What Resistance?

This water temperature gauge works with a sensor that reads 230 ohms of resistance at 50°C and 33 ohms at 140°C. There are many different resistances used for temperature senders so it is important to match the gauge with the correct sender. The resistance used for this gauge is based on the European standard, however, there are multiple interpretations of the European standard, therefore we recommend purchasing the specific temperature sender for this gauge. Either the WaterMota Smiths Small Temperature Sender or the WaterMota Smiths Large Temperature Sender.

This classic water temperature gauge comes complete with a backlight that can be inserted into the back of the gauge if required, the water temperature is designed for use on 12 volt systems only. Most Freeman Cruisers did not have the backlights fitted to their dashboard gauges when they left the factory.

Freeman Smiths Electrical Water Temperature Gauge with Chrome Bezel Installation

The gauge requires a 52mm hole and will fit panels with a thickness from 0.5mm to approximately 15mm (although the bracket can be manipulated to fit larger thicknesses), this is achieved thanks to the long threaded stud and fixing plate used to lock the water temperature gauge in position.

The Smiths water temperature gauge needs to be wired up to a positive feed via a 3A fuse and Freeman Smiths Negative Earth Voltage Regulator (to reduce the voltage to a stable 10v) from the ignition switch. The second terminal is wired directly to the water temperature sender.

It is important to disconnect the battery before installing electrical gauges.

Converting From a Mechanical Water Temperature Gauge to an Electrical Water Temperature Gauge

It is possible to convert your Freeman from the original Mechanical Water Temperature Gauge to this Electrical Water Temperature Gauge, however, it is worth bearing in mind that you will require the gauge, a sender and the voltage regulator. Also, this electrical water temperature gauge will not work on early positive earth Freemans (usually those with a dynamo fitted to the engine).