So I have a 2005 Skeeter that is in great condition for its age, but like anything that spends time in the elements (UV rays) it has taken a beating. For example the labels for the rocker switches have faded beyond easy recognition and the back lighting for the instruments is a bit dim. I know you can order new trim pieces to replace the rocker panel, but can you convert the old instrument lighting to LED. Let's be honest so much in a boat these days drain on the batteries and LED are high output and low voltage, so why not if your already addressing the problem. Let me know if you know of an aftermarket kit that will work or where to look.

Maybe a crazy thought but would it even be possible/feasible to replace the current dash with a newer dash. Sure would be nice to be able to drop my new 12" lowrance flush into the console and it look factory. My dash still has the Lawrence Flasher between the speedo and the tach.

Not sure why instrument back-lighting is an issue since you are not using or looking at the instruments without the moror running and the alternator would be charging the battery. That said, the instrument back lighting is in the actual instrument, either integrated or by using a bulb installed in a removable socket on the back of the instrument.
As far as the dash, there are places that will use your existing dash panel and duplicate it in some type of spaceage material, Lexan, acrylic, carbon fiber, aluminum, etc., and it looks really nice. Google is your best friend for that. You might also browse the forums on "The Hull Truth". Lots of threads there by guys who have done refurbs and restorations. A blank panel face that would allow you to replace and locate instruments where you wanted them would be a nice upgrade.

Thanks for the info Bob. Yeah, the instrument backlighting is not really that big an issue I just thought since I might be tinkering around in the general vicinity I might as well see what other cool things I could do. My Skeeter has a red scheme so maybe red backlighting would be neat.

I'm also thinking about doing away with the Speed gauge...it's not functional right now and that info is easily found on my Lowrance. Was thinking a Ram Mount worked into that space somehow would provide a less difficult modification to the dash and allow me to mount my Lowrance using that space.

I did the same thing you are looking to do with the gauges, here is what I did:

I started with this



Then I took the gauges out




Next I cut two pieces of wood and painted them black mounted my rams on it and sandwiched the dash between the wood pieces to end up with this




then I relocated my tachometer the side of the dash like this




I have a fish and ski with a windshield so I couldn't mount two units anywhere else, I use one for depth and one for GPS works out great

as for the lights you should be able to find the bulbs in LED that will fit the original housing