Freeman Smiths Voltmeter Gauge with Chrome Bezel

The Freeman Smiths Voltmeter Gauge with Chrome Bezel is a classically styled black gauge with white writing, an analogue white needle and a shiny chrome bezel, it is the original fitment on most Freeman Cruisers with an alternator such as the Freeman 23.

The voltmeter gauge has a scale from 11 volts to 15 volts to show the amount of voltage in your 12 volt system. The gauge will show you the voltage in your batteries and whether the batteries are being charged by the alternator.

This classic voltmeter gauge comes complete with a backlight that can be inserted into the back of the gauge if required, the voltmeter 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 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. Boats fitted with an alternator would have had this voltmeter whereas boats fitted with a dynamo (most early Pre-Crossflow Freemans) would have been fitted with an ammeter.

Freeman Smiths Voltmeter 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 studs and fixing plate used to lock the voltmeter in position.

The voltmeter needs to be wired up to a positive and negative feed via a 3A fuse from the ignition switch. It is important to disconnect the battery before installing electrical gauges.

Voltmeters and Split Charge Systems

If you have a split battery system using a split charge diode then you may require multiple voltmeters, one for each bank of batteries, this will then show you the voltage in each bank and whether they are receiving charge.